Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If you are dreaming of cozy, warmly spiced treats that perfectly capture the essence of autumn, you absolutely need to try this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. These donuts boast a tender, cakey texture infused with rich apple cider flavor and a delightful cinnamon-spice sugar coating that makes every bite an irresistible celebration of fall. Baking them instead of frying means you get all the comfort without the extra grease, making them a lovely, lighter option to impress family and friends. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become your new go-to for seasonal mornings and festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect donut texture, balanced sweetness, and that signature autumnal flavor. Having fresh spices and pure vanilla on hand really amps up the warm notes, while the apple cider reduction concentrates the fruity goodness that makes these donuts so special.

• Apple cider (1 and 1/2 cups): This is reduced to intensify its natural sweetness and provide the core apple flavor throughout the donut.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for a tender yet sturdy donut structure when properly measured.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the donuts rise perfectly, ensuring they’re light and airy.
• Baking powder (3/4 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to give the donuts a soft crumb.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that signature warm spice that pairs beautifully with apple.
• Apple pie spice (1 teaspoon): A blend of spices that deepens the fall flavor profile.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 6 tablespoons melted): The melted butter in the batter adds richness, and the butter used for coating enriches the donut’s finishing coating.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients and lends structure.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Contributes moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup for coating): Provides sweetness in the batter and helps create that crispy cinnamon sugar coating.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by gently simmering the apple cider over low heat until it reduces by about two-thirds, concentrating its natural sugars and flavors. This reduction is the secret behind the donuts’ robust apple essence. Don’t worry if you notice some spices or solids forming on top; those just add character. Let it cool for a bit before mixing into your batter so it doesn’t scramble your eggs.

Step 2: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease your donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray. This step ensures your donuts release easily after baking. A well-prepared pan is key to achieving perfectly shaped donuts without a hitch.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. This blend spices and thickens the batter evenly, ensuring each donut is infused with those warm, comforting notes we all crave during the cooler months.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky and smooth. Then pour this luscious mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cooled reduced apple cider and whisk everything just until combined—you want a batter that’s smooth but not overworked. This delicate balance keeps your donuts tender and moist.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

For the neatest results, place your batter into a large resealable bag and cut off one corner to create a funnel. Pipe or spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling halfway to allow room for rising. This technique helps with portion control and keeps your donuts all uniform in size and shape.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts for 10 to 11 minutes until they’re just starting to brown at the edges and bounce back lightly when you poke the tops. This quick baking time keeps them moist but fully cooked. Let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack, so they don’t break apart while still warm. Don’t forget to re-grease your pan if you’re baking in batches!

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Spice Sugar

Mix granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a bowl for that classic finishing touch. This simple mixture is the hallmark of homemade donuts, turning each bite into a sweet, slightly crunchy delight that screams cozy season.

Step 8: Coat Your Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled just enough to handle, quickly dunk them in melted butter and then coat generously with the cinnamon-spice sugar mix. The butter helps the sugar stick perfectly and creates that crave-worthy textured crust. This is the moment where your kitchen will begin to smell like fall magic in the making.

Step 9: Enjoy Immediately

The Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe truly shines when enjoyed fresh out of the sugar coating, while still warm and tender. The flavor and texture are unbeatable straight away, making this the perfect treat to share over coffee or tea as you savor a crisp morning.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these donuts beyond the classic cinnamon-sugar coating, try garnishing with a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Freshly chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast that complements the spices and apple flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a perfect seasonal snack. For breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness with savory notes. Fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait with cinnamon can also round out a wholesome and festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the donuts in a rustic wooden basket wrapped in a cozy linen cloth for an inviting display at brunch or holiday parties. You can also thread them on decorative skewers alternating with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a fun and interactive presentation that always sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their freshness, keep the sugar coating intact and avoid stacking them directly to prevent sogginess. For slightly longer storage, refrigeration is fine for up to five days but bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your donuts in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re warm and the sugar coating feels just a bit crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy and the texture gummy. Using an oven or toaster oven helps retain that fresh, tender crunch you love.

FAQs

Can I use another type of flour for this donut recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for these donuts as it provides the ideal balance of protein for tenderness and structure. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor, but the donuts may be denser and less soft.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely, with a few swaps! Use a plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed), and substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The flavor might differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Why do we reduce the apple cider before adding it to the batter?

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor and natural sugars, so your donuts have a richer apple taste without excess liquid that could make the batter too runny or the donuts soggy.

Can I bake these donuts in a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?

You can, but the shape will be different and you might need a bit more batter per cavity. Muffin tin donuts will be thicker and the baking time could increase slightly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

Look for lightly browned edges and tops that spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean. These cues ensure your donuts are perfectly cooked and tender inside.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a little warmth and joy to your kitchen, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to over and over because it hits that sweet spot between simple ingredients and truly delightful flavors. Whether for a special breakfast or an anytime snack, these donuts have a way of making ordinary days feel a bit more magical. Go ahead, bake a batch and watch them disappear fast!

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