Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These best baked apple cider donuts are tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy to make at home, they capture the cozy essence of fall in every bite. Enjoy them warm with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch ground nutmeg
• pinch ground cloves
• pinch salt
• For the topping:
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• about 2 tbsp reduced apple cider (reserved from above)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-cup donut pans with butter or non-stick spray. If you only have one pan, you can reuse it for the last donuts.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe container or saucepan, reduce the apple cider by heating it until it reaches about 1/2 cup (8-10 minutes in microwave or simmer 10 minutes on stove). Immediately whisk in 3 tablespoons unsalted butter until smooth and let cool. Reserve 1/2 cup total, setting aside 2 tablespoons for the glaze later.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooled cider and butter mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, the egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no flour patches remain. Avoid overmixing for tender donuts.
5. Step 5: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 9–11 minutes until donuts are risen and lightly browned. Cool donuts in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Step 6: While baking, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a bowl and whisk in 2 tablespoons reserved cider. In another bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
7. Step 7: Dip each warm donut into the butter and cider mixture, then coat with cinnamon sugar. Let rest on a wire rack to set the coating. For extra flavor, roll the entire donut in cinnamon sugar.

Tips & Variations

• Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off to fill the donut pans neatly.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan butter.
• Try adding a bit of grated apple or chopped nuts to the batter for texture.
• Serve these donuts with a warm cup of apple cider or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warm. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without apple cider?

While apple cider gives these donuts their signature flavor, you can substitute with apple juice or a mix of water and apple cider vinegar for a similar taste, though the flavor will be milder.

Do I need special donut pans to make this recipe?

Donut pans are recommended for shape, but you can use a muffin tin as a substitute. Keep in mind, the shape and texture may differ slightly without traditional donut pans.

Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

Discover the cozy flavors of fall with these Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and glazed with a buttery cider-infused cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are baked to perfection for a tender texture and irresistible taste. Perfect for an autumn breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of apple cider.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Donut Batter

• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch ground nutmeg
• pinch ground cloves
• pinch salt

Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• about 2 tbsp reduced cider (reserved from above)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-cup donut pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. If you have only one pan, you will bake in batches.
2. Reduce Apple Cider: In a microwave-safe measuring cup, microwave 1 cup of apple cider covered with plastic wrap on high for 8–10 minutes until reduced to 1/2 cup. Alternatively, simmer in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Immediately whisk in 3 tablespoons unsalted butter until melted and silky. Let cool slightly and reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooled reduced cider-butter mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch each of nutmeg, cloves, and salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Gently add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring with a large spoon or spatula until just combined without over-mixing to keep donuts tender.
5. Fill Donut Pans and Bake: Spoon batter into donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 9–11 minutes until risen and lightly browned on the edges. If using one pan, bake in batches. Cool donuts for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Prepare Topping: While donuts bake, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a bowl. Whisk in about 2 tablespoons of the reserved reduced cider. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
7. Coat Donuts: Dip warm donuts one side at a time into the melted butter-cider mixture then immediately coat in cinnamon sugar. Optionally, roll entire donut in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Let coated donuts rest on a wire rack to set the topping.

Notes

• To reduce apple cider, you can either microwave or simmer on the stovetop; both methods yield a syrupy concentrate essential for flavor.
• Do not over-mix the batter once dry ingredients are added to ensure the donuts remain tender.
• If you only have one donut pan, bake in batches for best results.
• Rolling the entire donut in cinnamon sugar enhances flavor but is optional.
• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: baked apple cider donuts, fall donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, apple cider recipe, baked donuts, autumn breakfast