Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Kick off your fall season with a warm and comforting treat—baked apple cider donuts! These delectable donuts are bursting with the flavors of crisp apples and aromatic spices, offering a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts.

The Inspiration Behind The Recipe

I came up with this baked apple cider donut recipe because I wanted to combine my love for fall flavors with a healthier twist on a classic treat. I was inspired by the cozy taste of apple cider and those warm autumn spices, and I wanted to create something that felt both seasonal and a bit lighter. After a few rounds of testing and tweaking, I finally got the recipe just right. I’m really excited to share it with you—hopefully, it brings a bit of fall magic to your kitchen!

What You Will Need to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Tools & Equipment

• Donut pan- I use a 6 cavity carbon steel donut pan
• Mixing Bowls– one for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• Flour– all-purpose flour is what the recipe calls for.
• Spices– cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. I get all of my spices from Thrive Market.
• Sugar– white granulated sugar and light brown sugar
• Salt– I typically use sea salt, but any salt will work!
• Eggs– Mine are fresh from the coup, but store bought are just fine.
• Apple Cider- sweet apple cider
• Butter
• Baking Powder– I’ve been using Bob’s Red Mill with no added aluminum
• Vanilla– pure vanilla extract

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Start by mixing together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in a bowl. Set this aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Beat this mixture until it becomes foamy.

Gradually add in the apple cider.

Next, slowly add in flour and mix until well combined. The batter will be thick.

Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

While the donuts bake, combine the sugar and spices for the sugar coating in a shallow dish.

When the donuts are done, dip each one in the melted butter and immediately roll it in the sugar mixture.

Shake off any excess.

F.A.Q’s About Baked Apple Cider Donuts

What kind of apple cider should I use?
For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. You can often find it at local farms or markets in the fall. Make sure it’s not the sparkling or hard variety for this recipe!

Can I substitute apple juice for apple cider?
You can, but apple cider has a more concentrated and robust apple flavor, which gives these donuts their signature taste.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour in this recipe. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to ensure the right texture and flavor.

Why are my donuts dense instead of light and fluffy?
Dense donuts might be the result of overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is combined.

How do I make the sugar topping stick to the donuts?
For the best results, toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere to the surface.

Can I make a glaze instead of using cinnamon sugar?
Yes! You can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little bit of apple cider or milk until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let it set before serving.

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