Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

If you’re like me and adore those fluffy, cinnamon-spiced donuts you find at apple orchards in the fall, then you’re going to be insanely happy with this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. It’s moist, cakey, and infused with all the warm, cozy flavors of apple cider and apple pie spice—and the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you get all that deliciousness without the guilt or mess. Stick around, because I’m going to share some tips to make sure your donuts come out perfect every single time!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy Texture: Baking the donuts instead of frying them makes these perfectly cakey without being dense or greasy.
Intense Apple Flavor: Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor, giving a delicious natural sweetness and a deep apple punch.
Easy To Make at Home: You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a donut pan and some simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
Versatile and Cozy: Perfect for fall breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

The image shows a purple cup with white dots filled with a light brown liquid, sitting on a white marbled surface. Around the cup, there is a small wrapped block of butter with white paper, a white egg, a metal cup filled with brown sugar, a copper measuring cup with white powder, and a small jar with a red cap. The items are spread casually near the cup, creating a simple cooking setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a rich and flavorful donut. One key secret is starting with fresh apple cider and reducing it, which really amps up the apple taste, while the apple pie spice adds that nostalgic fall vibe. Here are some notes about the key players in this recipe:

Apple cider: Look for a high-quality or local fresh apple cider for the best flavor; you’ll reduce this drastically to concentrate its sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Spoon and level to avoid packing—this ensures your donuts stay light and tender.
Baking soda and baking powder: Both work together to give the perfect rise without over-inflating your batter.
Ground cinnamon and apple pie spice: The real flavor magic—apple pie spice usually has cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, so make sure yours is fresh.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter gives richness and keeps the donuts moist; I always use unsalted so I can control saltiness.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the batter with its molasses notes.
Granulated sugar: Both in the batter and coating; the coating with cinnamon and apple pie spice is classic.
Milk and vanilla extract: Both at room temperature to help batter mix smoothly and avoid clumps.
Egg: At room temperature for easier blending and better texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is—sometimes I switch things up depending on what I’m craving or what’s in the pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend with good success; just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
Spiced Up: Adding ground ginger or nutmeg alongside the apple pie spice gives the donuts an extra layer of warm spice that my family goes crazy for.
Maple Glaze: Instead of the butter and cinnamon sugar coating, I sometimes brush the donuts with a maple glaze for a sweet, sticky finish.
Vegan Version: Using plant-based milk and a flax egg works well—just adjust baking time slightly.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by simmering your apple cider over low heat until it’s reduced to about 1/2 cup. This step is game-changing because it intensifies the apple flavor and adds natural sweetness without extra sugar. I usually check mine after about 20 minutes, but keep an eye because every stove is different. Leaving any spices or solids on top is fine—just give it a gentle stir before using.

Step 2: Prep Your Donut Pan and Oven

While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously spray your donut pan to prevent sticking. I’ve learned from experience that non-stick spray is easier than butter here, especially for those delicate baked donuts.

Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. In another, combine melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. This separate mixing helps everything combine evenly without over-working the batter, which can make the donuts tough.

Step 4: Combine All and Fill Your Donut Pan

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, add that wonderfully reduced apple cider, and gently whisk until smooth. The batter will be thick but scoopable. For neat filling, I like to spoon the batter into a large zip-top bag, snip a corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity—just fill about halfway.

Step 5: Bake and Test for Doneness

Bake for 10-11 minutes, until edges and tops turn lightly golden. You can check by gently pressing a donut top—it should spring back. Don’t skip this test! Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. I always re-grease my pan and bake the rest of the batter in batches.

Step 6: Coat with Butter and Spice Sugar

While the donuts cool slightly, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and apple pie spice in a bowl. Dip each side of the donut in melted butter, then generously coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step creates that iconic sweet-spicy crust that makes you want to reach for another right away!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Don’t Skip the Cider Reduction: Reducing your apple cider is what truly amps up the flavor—trust me, the extra 20 minutes is worth it!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temp helps the batter mix evenly and reduces lumps.
Use a Donut Pan for Perfect Shape: I used to make these in muffin tins, but a donut pan creates those perfect rings and helps bake evenly.
Cool Slightly Before Coating: Coating warm but not hot donuts helps the cinnamon-sugar stick better without melting into a glaze.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

The image shows four brown sugar-coated donut holes stacked in a small pile on a white marbled surface. Three donut holes form a base with one balanced on top, and a single whole donut hole leans against the stack on the right side. To the left, two donut holes are broken open, revealing a soft, light brown inside texture. The sugar coating on each donut hole glistens slightly, highlighting their rough, grainy texture. The background is plain white. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating—it’s nostalgic and fantastic. But for a little extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze also makes them feel extra special without overpowering the apple flavor.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or warm apple cider. For breakfast, I sometimes serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love stacking these donuts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, and fresh apple slices. It makes for a cozy, inviting display that gets everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, and if I need to keep them longer, I pop them in the fridge where they last about 5 days. Just be aware—they’re best fresh because the coating tends to soften over time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then sealing in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider in this recipe?

Yes! Fresh apple juice can work similarly, but make sure it’s not overly sweetened or diluted. The key is to reduce it down to concentrate the flavor, so starting with unsweetened juice or cider is best.
What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I use a muffin tin?

You can, but the shape won’t be the same—expect donut-shaped muffins rather than rings. You’ll also need to adjust baking time slightly and the coating might not stick the same way as on donuts.
Why do I need to bring milk and eggs to room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring even baking, which leads to a consistent texture in your donuts.
Can I make these donuts vegan?

Absolutely! Use a flax or chia egg replacer and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. I recommend adding a little extra melted vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the texture moist.
How do I know when my baked apple cider donuts are done?

The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when pressed gently with your finger. If the batter still feels wet or sticky, give them another minute and test again.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe brings the warm, nostalgic taste of fall into my kitchen anytime I want. Every bite is like a cozy hug with that perfect balance of spiced sweetness and soft, cakey texture. Whether you’re making these for a weekend breakfast, a Halloween treat, or just because you love apples, I know you’ll find this recipe comforting and easy to make. Grab your donut pan, get ready to reduce that cider, and enjoy some seriously delicious homemade donuts—you deserve it!