The Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall Mornings

Baked apple cider donuts capture the magical spirit of crisp autumn mornings with their irresistible aroma and comforting warmth.

Fragrant spices swirl through tender dough, creating a sensory experience that transports you to orchards filled with ripe, golden fruit.

Seasonal ingredients reinvent simple ingredients into something extraordinary, dancing with deep caramel notes and gentle sweetness.

Soft yet substantial, these treats promise a delightful texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Families and friends gather around these wholesome delicacies, sharing laughter and creating memories with each delectable bite.

Warm spices whisper stories of harvest celebrations and cozy weekend mornings.

Your kitchen will become a sanctuary of fall comfort.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Reduce Cider Carefully: Simmer apple cider slowly to concentrate flavors and create a rich, intense syrup without burning.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir dry and wet ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense donuts and maintain a tender crumb.
• Use Proper Piping Technique: Fill donut pan cavities evenly by using a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped for uniform shapes.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Test donuts with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• Coat While Warm: Brush donuts with melted butter immediately after cooling slightly to help spiced sugar coating stick perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Store and Reheat Leftovers
• Refrigeration Method: Transfer cooled donuts into an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Room Temperature Method: Keep donuts at room temperature in sealed container for 1-2 days maximum. Place a paper towel inside container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Avoid leaving them out longer to maintain freshness.
• Reheating Method: Warm donuts briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore soft texture. Alternatively, use toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, which helps crisp exterior while keeping interior tender. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness and preserve original delicious taste.

Delicious Pairings for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The spicy, creamy chai perfectly complements the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the apple cider donuts, creating a cozy autumn flavor explosion.
• Match with Caramel Apple Cider: This seasonal drink echoes the apple essence of the donuts, enhancing the fruity undertones and providing a sweet, complementary beverage experience.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the warm, spiced donuts, offering a delightful contrast in temperature and richness.
• Combine with Maple Bourbon Cream: This sophisticated drink brings out the deep, rich flavors of the donuts, adding a sophisticated adult twist to the classic treat.

Creative Variations of Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Pumpkin Spice Spin: Replace apple cider with pumpkin puree and adjust spices to create a fall-inspired version with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a seasonal treat.
• Maple Pecan Fusion: Swap some sugar with maple syrup and fold in chopped pecans into the batter, then coat donuts with a maple glaze for rich, nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these delectable donuts without compromising taste.
• Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking and dust with cocoa-spiced sugar coating for a decadent chocolate lover's version.

Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Capture Fall's Essence: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, these donuts deliver an authentic autumn flavor explosion that instantly transports you to cozy leaf-covered landscapes.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Using basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques, even novice bakers can create professional-quality donuts without complicated steps or advanced pastry skills.
• Healthier Baked Delight: Unlike traditional deep-fried donuts, this recipe offers a lighter alternative by baking, reducing excess oil while maintaining incredible moisture and soft, tender texture with only 240 calories per serving.
• Quick Weekend Treat: From start to finish, these donuts take just 25 minutes to prepare, making them perfect for spontaneous weekend breakfast or afternoon snack cravings without consuming hours in the kitchen.

The Perfect Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Apple Cider: Rich, concentrated flavor base that adds deep autumn taste to donuts.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to golden brown color and soft texture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donut.
• Milk: Helps create tender crumb and enhances overall texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure and base for donut texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom: Warm spices that create classic fall flavor profile.

• Melted Butter: Helps spiced sugar coating adhere to warm donuts.
• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates sweet, spicy exterior that complements donuts flavor.

Easy Instructions for Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce Apple Cider

Simmer apple cider in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to , creating a thick, concentrated syrup. Let the syrup cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom

Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4: Create Donut Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add the cooled apple cider syrup. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a donut pan. For neat filling, use a piping bag to fill each cavity halfway with batter.

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for 10 minutes. Check doneness by pressing the surface (it should spring back) or inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Donuts

Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Spiced Sugar Coating

Prepare a coating by mixing sugar with additional spices. Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll completely in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Savor these delightful apple cider treats immediately!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting Baked Apple Cider Donuts bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen, celebrating New England’s beloved seasonal treat. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these tender pastries offer a delightful blend of sweet apple essence and rich, homemade goodness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) apple cider
• 1.75 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole or 2% milk

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar

Spices and Coating:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Concentrate apple cider in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat, reducing to approximately until a rich, thick syrup forms. Allow the concentrated liquid to cool to room temperature.
2. Whisk together egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cardamom using a whisk to ensure uniform ingredient distribution.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, incorporating the cooled apple cider syrup. Stir minimally to prevent overworking the batter, which could result in dense donuts.
5. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a donut pan, using cooking spray or butter. Fill each cavity approximately halfway with batter, employing a piping bag for precise and clean filling.
6. Bake donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until they exhibit a springy texture when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
7. Allow donuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then delicately transfer to a wire cooling rack.
8. Create a spiced sugar coating by combining granulated sugar with additional ground cinnamon. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then generously roll in the sweet, aromatic mixture.
9. Serve immediately while warm to experience optimal flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Reduce apple cider slowly to concentrate its rich, deep flavor and create a luxurious syrup base for maximum taste complexity.
• Mix sugars, eggs, and butter until silky smooth, creating a foundation that ensures tender, moist donuts with incredible depth.
• Blend spices thoroughly to distribute warmth evenly, allowing each bite to deliver a harmonious burst of autumn-inspired comfort.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain delicate texture, preventing tough or dense donuts that compromise deliciousness.
• Brush warm donuts with melted butter before coating in spiced sugar, guaranteeing a crisp exterior and irresistible caramelized finish.
• Serve immediately to experience the ultimate sensory delight of fresh-baked, perfectly spiced apple cider donuts.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg