Introduction
Few things capture the essence of fall like a warm, spiced apple cider donut. Whether you have fond memories of picking up fresh donuts from your local apple orchard or you simply love the comforting combination of apples, cinnamon, and sugar, this recipe brings all that magic into your own kitchen. What makes it even better is that these donuts are baked, not fried. That means less mess, fewer calories, and no dealing with hot oil.
The smell alone is enough to make everyone in your home excited. As they bake, your kitchen fills with the sweet and spicy scent of cinnamon, apples, and warm vanilla. It is the kind of scent that makes you want to wrap up in a blanket, sip on a hot drink, and enjoy every bite slowly. And the best part? You do not need to be a professional baker or have any fancy equipment to make them. If you have a donut pan, some simple ingredients, and about an hour to spare, you are ready to bake.
This recipe is perfect for weekend mornings, cozy gatherings, or even weekday treats. It is quick, easy, and delivers bakery-quality results. You will be surprised how much flavor these soft, cake-like donuts have, especially thanks to the concentrated apple cider and the irresistible cinnamon sugar topping.
Let us get into everything you need to know to bake the best apple cider donuts right at home.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this baked donut recipe are easy to find and may already be in your pantry. The star of the show is apple cider, which we will reduce to intensify its flavor. Combined with warm spices, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla, it creates a rich and satisfying treat that tastes like fall in every bite.
Below is a table of the ingredients along with their approximate calorie content per batch.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider (reduced) | 1 cup (from 2.5 cups) | 120 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 |
| Baking powder | 1.5 teaspoons | 2 |
| Baking soda | 0.5 teaspoon | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | 12 |
| Nutmeg | 0.25 teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt | 0.5 teaspoon | 0 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 0.5 cup | 810 |
| Brown sugar | 0.5 cup | 200 |
| Granulated sugar | 0.25 cup | 194 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1.5 teaspoons | 18 |
| Milk (whole or 2 percent) | 0.5 cup | 75 |
| Cinnamon sugar topping | 0.5 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon | 400 |
This recipe makes about 12 donuts. Each donut contains approximately 250 to 300 calories depending on how much topping you use.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by pouring 2 and a half cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to just 1 cup. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally and watch carefully near the end so it does not burn. Let it cool before adding it to the batter. This step makes the cider flavor stronger and richer.
While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. That includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix them well using a whisk to make sure the spices are evenly spread.
In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Start with the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Finally, stir in the cooled apple cider.
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter. It should be slightly thick but smooth.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan. Fill each donut cavity about three quarters full. If you prefer, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to make this step cleaner and easier.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the tops of the donuts spring back when touched lightly. You can also test with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. You can coat them completely or just the tops, depending on your preference. The warm donuts will soak up the buttery sugar coating and make them even more delicious.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This donut recipe is very versatile. You can make small changes to fit your taste or dietary needs.
If you like extra texture, try folding in small diced apples into the batter. They add a burst of fresh flavor and make the donuts feel more rustic.
To make the recipe dairy free, you can use almond milk or oat milk and substitute the butter with a plant-based version.
If you want a more intense spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. You can even mix in a little ginger for a spicy kick.
Instead of cinnamon sugar, try glazing the donuts. Mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of apple cider to create a sweet glaze. Dip the cooled donuts and let them set for a glossy finish.
For a healthier twist, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and a slightly nutty taste.
Nutritional Information
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per donut if you make a batch of 12:
| Nutrient | Amount per Donut |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 to 300 |
| Total Fat | 12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Sugars | 20 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 180 milligrams |
This is a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation. The baked version is lighter than fried donuts and uses simple ingredients you can feel good about.
Serving Suggestions
Baked apple cider donuts are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a quick snack.
Serve them warm with a mug of hot coffee or tea. They also go wonderfully with hot apple cider for a double apple treat.
If you are hosting brunch, arrange them on a platter with other pastries and seasonal fruit. They look beautiful and are always a hit.
You can even serve them as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It takes them to a whole new level.
These donuts also pack well for lunchboxes or road trips. Just store them in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or freeze them for later.
Conclusion
There is something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked apple cider donut. The warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apple, and the soft cake-like texture make them the perfect treat for any time of year, but especially in the fall. This easy recipe lets you enjoy them without deep frying and with just a few basic ingredients.
Whether you are baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, these donuts are sure to become a favorite. They are quick to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them, you will see just how simple and satisfying homemade baked donuts can be.
So grab your donut pan and some apple cider and get ready to make a batch of cozy, delicious donuts that taste like autumn in every bite.