Delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Perfect Fall Treat Recipe!

There’s something so comforting about a fresh batch of baked apple cider donuts—a true fall treat that fills your kitchen with cozy, cinnamon-scented warmth. Whether you’re gathering around with loved ones on a crisp autumn morning or craving a sweet, spiced snack to get you through the day, these donuts are a perfect choice. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them just a little bit lighter without sacrificing any of that delicious, fall-flavored indulgence. Plus, they’re made with simple pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone who loves easy, yet delicious fall desserts. So, grab your apron, turn on your oven, and let’s get baking!

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray, or you can use a silicone donut pan.
2. Simmer the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced by half. This step intensifies the apple flavor and gives your donuts that deliciously rich taste. Once reduced, set it aside to cool.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, sugar, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the cooled apple cider concentrate.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your donuts light and fluffy!
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. If you want a cleaner, more precise fill, you can use a piping bag to pipe the batter in.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be slightly golden around the edges and spring back when touched.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re completely coated.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Donut Pan Alternative: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make donut holes by using a muffin tin, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of ginger or cloves.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just warm them up before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
• Recipe Variations

1. Apple Cider Glaze: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a simple apple cider glaze over the donuts. Just mix powdered sugar with a little apple cider until it reaches your desired consistency, then drizzle over the donuts after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar.
2. Maple Flavor: Swap some of the sugar for maple syrup for a maple-apple flavor combo that’s irresistible! You can also add a splash of maple extract to the batter for an extra hit of sweetness.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful baked apple cider donuts with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider for a cozy fall treat. For a more substantial breakfast or brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or a fruit salad. These donuts also make a great gift—wrap them up in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade touch!

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple cider donut as the crisp fall air rolls in. Whether you’re making these for a weekend breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe brings the perfect fall flavors right to your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, invite some loved ones into the kitchen, and enjoy the sweetness of autumn in every bite!