Description

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful autumn treat, featuring the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and reduced apple cider. Lightly baked instead of fried, they offer a tender crumb and a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar coating that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Cider Reduction

1 1/2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)

Dry Ingredients

2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. The cider will thicken and darken; allow it to cool completely before use.
Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cooled reduced apple cider, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make the Batter: Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag and snip off about 1/2 inch from a bottom corner. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about halfway.
Bake: Bake donuts for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Coat Donuts: Brush the donuts on both sides with melted butter. Immediately roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature for a perfect seasonal snack.

Notes

Make sure the reduced apple cider is completely cool before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.
Do not overfill the donut pan to ensure even baking and avoid overflow.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
You can reheat donuts briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: baked apple cider donuts, autumn donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, healthy donuts, apple cider recipes