Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts offer a cozy, autumn-inspired treat that’s perfect for sharing. Lightly spiced and tender, they capture the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon without the need for frying.

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: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup apple cider to a boil and simmer gently until reduced to about 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and whisk in sugar until combined. Add the egg, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the reduced cider, mixing well.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
6. Step 6: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: For the topping, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a shallow bowl and stir in about 2 tablespoons of the reduced cider.
9. Step 9: In another shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
10. Step 10: While the donuts are still warm, brush them with the butter and cider mixture, then dip them in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor or substitute with spiced apple juice if unavailable.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the batter for extra warmth.
• Don’t overfill the donut molds to prevent spilling during baking.

Storage

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and warm gently in the microwave before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts vegan?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt and egg replacer to create a vegan version. Texture and flavor may slightly vary.

How can I prevent the donuts from becoming soggy after coating?

Allow the donuts to cool slightly so the coating sets properly. Applying the cinnamon sugar topping while the donuts are warm helps it stick, but avoid letting excess butter soak in by dipping quickly.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Baked Apple Cider Donuts, infused with warm spices and a touch of apple cider. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a spiced cinnamon sugar glaze that’s both sweet and comforting—an ideal treat for autumn or any cozy occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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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 apple cider (reserved from above)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes. This will concentrate the flavor and sweetness. Set aside to cool and reserve about 2 tablespoons for the topping.
2. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. In a mixing bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow to cool slightly. Whisk in the reduced apple cider, sugar, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
4. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
5. Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add the reserved 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider. Heat gently until combined and warm. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
7. Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip each donut first into the warm butter-cider mixture, then immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place on a wire rack to set.

Notes

• Ensure the apple cider is fully reduced to concentrate the flavor and reduce excess moisture in the batter.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.
• If you do not have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and adjust baking time accordingly.
• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall desserts, cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade donuts, spiced donuts