Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice will technically work, it lacks the rich, complex flavor of apple cider. Cider contains more apple solids and spices that create that authentic fall flavor when reduced. If you must use juice, look for unfiltered apple juice for the closest substitute.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor significantly, allowing you to get intense apple taste without adding too much liquid to the batter. This step is crucial for that distinctive apple cider donut flavor and shouldn't be skipped.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You can make these as muffins in a standard muffin tin (bake for 18-20 minutes) or as mini donut holes in a mini muffin pan (bake for 8-9 minutes). The coating process remains the same.

My donuts stuck to the pan. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the pan isn't greased thoroughly enough. Be generous with your non-stick spray, making sure to coat all surfaces of each cavity. Also, letting them cool for exactly 2 minutes (not longer) before removing helps – they're still flexible enough to release but firm enough to hold their shape.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice; 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen! With concentrated apple cider infused into a tender, spiced dough, these donuts deliver all the flavor of traditional fried versions without the hassle. The cinnamon-sugar coating creates that irresistible crunch with every bite, making them perfect for crisp autumn mornings or as a special treat alongside your favorite hot beverage. Ready in about an hour, these homemade donuts will quickly become your new seasonal obsession!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Frying Necessary: These donuts are baked, not fried, making them easier to prepare with less mess while still delivering that classic donut texture and taste.
Real Apple Flavor: The reduced apple cider creates an intense apple flavor that permeates every bite – no artificial flavorings here!
Perfect Fall Treat: These donuts capture the essence of autumn with warming spices and rich apple notes, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Versatile Shape Options: Don’t have a donut pan? No problem! You can easily transform this recipe into muffins or mini donut holes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Cider: The star ingredient that gets reduced down to concentrate its flavor, infusing the donuts with authentic apple taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donuts, providing structure while keeping them tender.
Leavening Agents (Baking Soda & Baking Powder): These work together to give the donuts their perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Spices (Cinnamon & Apple Pie Spice): Essential for that warm, cozy fall flavor that makes these donuts irresistible.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that cake-like texture we’re looking for in baked donuts.
Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind everything together.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination gives depth of flavor with brown sugar adding moisture and caramel notes.
Milk: Brings moisture to the batter – use buttermilk for extra tenderness or any milk you have on hand.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors while adding its own subtle warmth.
Topping Ingredients: The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick, creating that iconic sweet, spiced coating that makes these donuts special.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these donuts your own? Try these creative twists:

Maple Glaze: Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating and dip in a simple maple glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Nutty Upgrade: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful crunch.
Caramel Drizzle: After coating with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Chai Spice: Replace the apple pie spice with chai spice blend for a different warm flavor profile.
Whole Wheat Blend: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This typically takes about 20 minutes, but start checking at the 10-minute mark. This concentration process intensifies the apple flavor. Once reduced, set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. This preparation ensures your donuts will release cleanly after baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. This even distribution of leavening agents and spices ensures consistent flavor and texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the flavor base of your donuts.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. Be careful not to overmix, which could make your donuts tough.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe into the donut cavities, filling each about halfway. This piping method gives you much more control than spooning the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges and tops are lightly browned. They’re done when the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Create the Topping

While the donuts are cooling, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip each side in melted butter, then generously coat in the spiced sugar mixture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Reduce Cider in Advance: You can reduce the apple cider a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and milk are at room temperature for the best incorporation into the batter.
Don’t Overfill: Fill the donut cavities only halfway – they will rise significantly during baking.
Quick Release: Remove donuts from the pan after just 2 minutes of cooling to prevent them from becoming soggy from condensation.
Double Dip: For an extra-indulgent coating, dip the donuts in butter and sugar mixture twice.
Even Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking for the most even results.

How to Serve

These apple cider donuts truly shine when served slightly warm, when the contrast between the tender interior and the sweet, spiced coating is at its peak. Here are some perfect pairings:

Perfect Beverages:

Serve with hot apple cider, coffee, or a frothy chai latte to complement the fall spices.

Breakfast Spread:

Include as part of a special autumn breakfast alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.

Dessert Option:

Transform these donuts into an elegant dessert by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavor actually improves slightly after a few hours as the spices meld.

Refrigerating

For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will become more dense when cold, so I recommend warming them briefly before serving.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. You can also refresh the spiced sugar coating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice will technically work, it lacks the rich, complex flavor of apple cider. Cider contains more apple solids and spices that create that authentic fall flavor when reduced. If you must use juice, look for unfiltered apple juice for the closest substitute.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor significantly, allowing you to get intense apple taste without adding too much liquid to the batter. This step is crucial for that distinctive apple cider donut flavor and shouldn’t be skipped.
Can I make these without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You can make these as muffins in a standard muffin tin (bake for 18-20 minutes) or as mini donut holes in a mini muffin pan (bake for 8-9 minutes). The coating process remains the same.
My donuts stuck to the pan. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the pan isn’t greased thoroughly enough. Be generous with your non-stick spray, making sure to coat all surfaces of each cavity. Also, letting them cool for exactly 2 minutes (not longer) before removing helps – they’re still flexible enough to release but firm enough to hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts capture everything wonderful about fall baking – warming spices, concentrated apple flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re surprisingly simple to make yet taste like they came from a specialty bakery. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a special after-school treat, or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, these donuts deliver big on flavor without complex techniques. Give them a try and watch them disappear before they’ve even had a chance to cool!