Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are the treat I crave all through fall and winter. This recipe delivers the same fluffy cinnamon sugar treats you find at orchards after apple picking but lets you skip the frying and mess. All you need is a donut pan and an hour. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely magical.

The first time I reduced the cider for homemade donuts I realized how much deeper and richer the flavor is. Now my family requests these the minute leaves start to turn.

Ingredients

• Apple cider: using apple cider you love to drink makes all the difference look for fresh pressed local if possible
• Cake flour: this makes them extra light and fluffy sift it for best texture
• Baking powder: brings a gentle rise for that classic cake donut crumb
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: warm spices add coziness use apple pie spice for a shortcut
• Milk: keeps the batter moist whole milk gives the best richness
• Light brown sugar: for soft texture and a hint of caramel opt for soft blond sugar
• Granulated sugar: balances the sweetness and helps create a crisp sugar coating
• Egg: binds everything for a tender donut select large eggs at room temperature
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar cling melted for dipping
• Vanilla extract: rounds out and enhances the apple flavor use real vanilla when you can

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider:

Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat Let it boil for a full minute then turn down to a gentle simmer Watch closely and simmer until it is reduced to half a cup with a thicker almost syrupy texture This step usually takes about fifteen minutes Cool completely before moving on

Prep the Donut Pan:

Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Spray a donut pan thoroughly including the center post I always reach for a nonstick spray with flour to be extra sure nothing sticks

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a good sized mixing bowl whisk together the cake flour baking powder cinnamon salt and nutmeg Whisk until there are no clumps and the spices are evenly distributed Set this bowl aside

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another mixing bowl whisk the cooled reduced cider together with milk brown sugar granulated sugar egg melted butter and vanilla Stir until the sugars dissolve fully and the mixture is smooth

Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients Stir gently just until combined and stop once the flour disappears The batter will be thick but should still be pipeable Overmixing can make the donuts tough

Pipe the Batter:

Transfer the donut batter to a large ziptop bag Snip off about half an inch of a corner and pipe the batter into the greased donut pan Fill each cavity only halfway to give the donuts room to puff

Bake the Donuts:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for eight to ten minutes Check with a toothpick in the thickest donut If it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two they are ready Let cool in the pan for two minutes then transfer to a rack

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

Stir together cinnamon and sugar for coating in a shallow bowl Melt the butter in a separate dish Brush each warm donut all over with butter then dip immediately in the cinnamon sugar to cover every surface Doing this while warm ensures great coverage

Serve and Savor:

Arrange the donuts on a serving plate and enjoy right away These are best fresh from the oven but keep their flavor for days

Every fall my kids help whisk in spices and steal spoonfuls of sugar when I turn my back These donuts are now a family tradition at our first fall breakfast together

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or keep in the fridge for up to one week To freeze arrange cooled donuts in a freezer bag and remove excess air They thaw well overnight on the counter

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cake flour use all purpose flour and sift it well For dairy free donuts swap the milk and butter for your favorite plant based versions Apple juice can be substituted for cider in a pinch but the apple flavor will be milder

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a mug of warm cider or coffee for a classic bakery style breakfast Try slicing a donut and using it as the base for apple pie ice cream sandwiches on a special day

Cultural Context

Apple cider donuts are a staple at American apple orchards especially in the Midwest and Northeast The combination of spices and cider brings the nostalgic taste of fall festivals right into your home

Seasonal Adaptations

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar with a little cardamom for winter warmth Top with finely chopped dried apples for a rustic look Add a dash of ginger in the batter for an extra bit of spice

Success Stories

I served these at a holiday brunch and they disappeared in minutes Guests always ask for the recipe and I love sharing how simple and fun it is to make donuts without a fryer

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze cooled donuts on a tray until solid then transfer to a bag Reheat in the microwave in fifteen second bursts or warm in a low oven for five minutes before serving

These homemade apple cider donuts bring a taste of the orchard home with hardly any cleanup. Once you try them you will want to bake a batch every fall!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates its apple flavor, giving the donuts a deeper, richer taste.

→ Can I substitute apple juice for cider?

Apple juice can be used but lacks the robust, fresh apple notes that cider provides.

→ What if I don’t have cake flour?

Use sifted all-purpose flour for a similar texture, though the donuts may be denser.

→ How do I know when the donuts are done?

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 8-10 minutes.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Is brushing with butter necessary before cinnamon sugar?

Butter helps the coating stick, but you may dip hot donuts directly for a lighter option.