Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

As soon as fall hits, certain foods just call out to be made, and baked apple cider donuts are at the top of that list.

These donuts bring together the crispness of apple cider with warm spices to create a treat that’s comforting without being too heavy. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a bit lighter than their fried counterparts, but they still bring all the cozy vibes that make apple cider donuts a fall favorite.

What Makes This So Great?

What really sets baked apple cider donuts apart is their simplicity. While fried donuts require hot oil and a bit more fuss, these baked treats are a breeze to make. They also feel a little lighter, which means you can enjoy more of them without feeling overly full. Plus, the baked version keeps your kitchen a little less messy, which is always a bonus!

These donuts also rely on the reduced apple cider for a burst of autumnal goodness. Reducing the cider concentrates the essence of the apples, giving the donuts a rich, bold taste that doesn’t overwhelm but still offers a satisfying nod to the season.

Another great aspect of these donuts is their versatility. You can enjoy them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening. They’re also perfect for sharing, making them a great treat to bring to a fall potluck or gathering.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Making baked apple cider donuts doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. Most of the tools you need are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Donut Baking Tray: This is key for getting that classic donut shape. If you don’t have a donut tray, don’t worry, we’ll discuss alternatives later in the article.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk is helpful for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Saucepan: You’ll use this to reduce the apple cider, concentrating its essence.
• Spoon or Piping Bag: For filling the donut cavities, you can use a spoon or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.
• Wire Rack: After baking, it’s best to transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
• Two Shallow Bowls: One for the melted butter and one for the sugar and spice coating.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this baked apple cider donut recipe, broken down into three categories: dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and the topping.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups apple cider – reduced for a concentrated taste.
• 2 cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg – at room temperature
• ½ cup milk – at room temperature

Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp apple pie spice
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter – melted

How To Make It

Making baked apple cider donuts is easier than you might think, and the process can be broken down into a few simple steps. Here’s how to make them:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Start by reducing your apple cider. Pour the cider into a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until it’s reduced to about ½ cup. This should take around 15–20 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter. Set it aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vanilla, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and milk. Once everything is well combined, add in the cooled, reduced apple cider and whisk until smooth.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking as you go. The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the donut cavities in the baking tray about halfway full with the batter.
7. Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You can test for doneness by lightly pressing a donut; if it bounces back, it’s ready.
8. Cool and Remove the Donuts: Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can use a spoon to gently lift the donuts out or flip the tray over onto the wire rack.
9. Coat the Donuts: Pour the melted butter into one shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the sugar, apple pie spice, and cinnamon. Dip each donut first into the melted butter, then into the sugar mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.

And just like that, you’ve made your own batch of baked apple cider donuts!

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

The apple cider donut is a beloved fall treat, and its history is rooted in New England. Apple orchards in the region would often make these donuts as a way to use up extra cider. The cider adds a unique tang and richness that sets these donuts apart from other varieties. Over time, apple cider donuts became a staple at apple orchards, fall festivals, and roadside farm stands, where they are often served fresh and warm alongside a glass of cold apple cider or a hot cup of coffee.

While fried donuts have been around for centuries, baked donuts gained popularity in the early 20th century as a lighter alternative. Baked apple cider donuts, in particular, offer all the same great characteristics but without the need for deep-frying, making them more accessible to home bakers.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free)?

Apple cider donuts can easily be adjusted to meet different dietary requirements. Here’s how you can modify the recipe:

• Vegan: To make these donuts vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use a flaxseed egg in place of the egg. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
• Gluten-Free: If you need to make these donuts gluten-free, simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the donuts hold together.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it doesn’t contain any meat or animal products aside from the butter and egg, which can be easily substituted if needed.

How Do They Compare To Fried Donuts?

Baked donuts are typically lighter than fried donuts because they don’t absorb as much oil. The baked version also tends to have a softer texture, whereas fried donuts are usually crispier on the outside. While fried donuts often have a more indulgent texture, baked donuts feel a bit more like a cross between cake and a traditional donut, which makes them easier to enjoy in larger quantities without feeling weighed down.

Where Are These Popular?

Apple cider donuts are especially popular in the northeastern United States, where apple orchards are plentiful. During the fall, you’ll find these donuts being sold at apple picking events, farm stands, and seasonal festivals. However, thanks to their rising popularity, baked apple cider donuts can now be found across the country in bakeries and even in home kitchens during the autumn months.

If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan, Could I Use a Muffin Pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin pan can be a great substitute. While the shape won’t be the same, you’ll still get that delicious apple cider donut taste. Fill the muffin cups about halfway with the batter and bake for a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. You can then coat the muffins in butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture, just like the donuts.

How Should I Store This?

Baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to a month. To enjoy frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back some of their original texture.

These baked apple cider donuts are a fun and easy way to bring the taste of fall into your home. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can make a batch that will bring joy to any gathering—or just for a cozy night in. Enjoy!