Baked Apple Cider Donuts

BY:

Linda

August 3, 2026

Freshly baked apple cider donuts arranged on a plate

why make this recipe

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall! These donuts capture the essence of autumn with the warm tastes of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. They’re great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, and they fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma while baking.

how to make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for topping)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Directions:

Start by simmering the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You want to reduce it to about 1/2 cup (120ml). This should take around 20 minutes. Watch it closely and cool it for about 10 minutes once reduced.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, along with the cooled apple cider. Whisk until everything is smooth and combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
Fill the donut cavities in the pan about halfway with batter. For easier batter transfer, you can use a large zipped-top bag. Just cut a corner off the bag and pipe the batter in.
Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Poke the top with your finger; if it bounces back, they are done. Let them cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Grease the pan again and repeat for the remaining batter.
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in melted butter and then in the sugar mixture.
Enjoy the donuts fresh, or store them!

how to serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Serve these donuts warm for the best taste. They pair wonderfully with your favorite beverage, like coffee or apple cider. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top or add a drizzle of icing if you like.

how to store Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature again for the best taste.

tips to make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Keep an eye on the donuts while baking to avoid overbaking.

variation

You can add chopped apples or nuts to the batter for extra texture. For a fun twist, try adding a caramel drizzle on top instead of the sugar coating!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
You can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, or just use additional cinnamon instead.
How can I make these donuts a bit healthier?
You can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute and add applesauce instead of some of the butter for added moisture without the calories.