There’s nothing quite like the scent of homemade apple donuts wafting through the kitchen on a cool fall morning. These tender, baked treats combine the cozy sweetness of apple cider, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg for a taste that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. In this easy baked cider donuts recipe, you’ll learn how to make fluffy, oven-baked donuts that bring out all the comforting flavors of the season—no frying required. We’ll walk through essential ingredients, baking tools, step-by-step instructions, glaze ideas, and storage tips so you can master your own apple cider donuts recipe at home.
A Fall Morning Tradition: The Magic of Baked Apple Donuts
Imagine waking up to a crisp morning when the leaves have just started to turn golden. The air outside is brisk, but your kitchen is warm and filled with the gentle hum of apple cider simmering on the stove. That familiar, comforting aroma—apples mingling with cinnamon and spice—immediately feels like home. Making homemade apple donuts is more than just baking; it’s about creating a cozy ritual that brings people together.
When the first batch comes out of the oven, their golden edges and soft centers are almost too tempting to resist. You dust them lightly with cinnamon sugar, pour a cup of coffee or steaming cider, and take that first bite. Unlike store-bought donuts, these baked cider donuts are light yet full of flavor, their gentle sweetness balanced by the tart warmth of reduced apple cider. Every bite feels like a memory in the making—simple, homemade, and full of seasonal magic. That’s the beauty of a baked cider donuts recipe—it turns an ordinary morning into an experience wrapped in comfort and nostalgia.
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Homemade Apple Donuts – Easy Baked Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
Description
There’s nothing like the scent of homemade apple donuts baking on a cool fall morning. These tender baked donuts combine reduced apple cider, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a perfectly spiced treat. In this easy baked cider donuts recipe, you’ll learn how to reduce cider, mix simple ingredients, bake light and fluffy donuts, and finish them with cinnamon sugar or a sweet glaze. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these apple cider donuts bring cozy autumn flavors to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Reduce apple cider: simmer 1 1/2 cups cider in a saucepan until about 1/2 cup remains, about 10–15 minutes, then cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan lightly.
3. In a large bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. In another bowl whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced cider until smooth.
5. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined without overmixing.
6. Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe into donut pan cavities about two-thirds full.
7. Bake donuts for 10–12 minutes or until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool donuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before glazing or coating.
9. For cinnamon sugar coating, brush warm donuts with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
10. For glaze, dip cooled donuts into maple, vanilla, or apple cider glaze and let set on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
Keywords: homemade apple donuts, easy baked cider donuts recipe, apple cider donuts recipe, baked donut recipes, doughnut recipe, homemade baked donuts, fall apple desserts, apple cinnamon donut recipe
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
There’s so much to love about this easy baked cider donuts recipe—starting with how effortless it is. Forget the mess of deep frying; these donuts are perfectly baked in the oven for a lighter, fluffier texture that still delivers all the delicious apple-cinnamon flavor you crave. The batter comes together quickly, and every ingredient serves a purpose—from reduced apple cider for its rich, tangy flavor to warming spices that make your kitchen smell incredible.
The best part? They’re versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can coat them in crisp cinnamon sugar, drizzle a maple glaze, or keep it classic with a simple vanilla icing. Each variation adds a unique twist to this apple cider donuts recipe, making it easy to customize to your taste. Picture your homemade apple donuts cooling on a wire rack, their gleaming glaze settling just enough to stay slightly sticky—the kind that makes you lick your fingers after every bite. These are the donuts that bring warmth and joy to chilly mornings, a delicious reminder of why baking at home will always be worth it.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider Donuts
Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients that make these homemade apple donuts soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Each component plays a special role in enhancing the flavor and texture of this easy baked cider donuts recipe. Using real apple cider—not juice—is key, as it gives the donuts their signature tang and richness. You’ll reduce the cider to concentrate its flavor, ensuring every bite tastes like a warm, spiced apple dessert.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider | 1 ½ cups (to be reduced to about ½ cup) | Use real apple cider for depth; not apple juice. |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if desired. |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Helps create a light, fluffy texture. |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Balances acidity from the cider and adds lift. |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp | Adjust to taste; adds signature fall spice. |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Optional but enhances apple flavor beautifully. |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature eggs mix better into batter. |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup, packed | Adds rich molasses-like flavor. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetness and tender crumb structure. |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp, melted and slightly cooled | Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. |
| Milk or buttermilk | ½ cup | Use almond or oat milk for non-dairy. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances the warm notes of the cider and spices. |
Tip: The magic of this apple cider donuts recipe lies in the reduced cider. Pour your cider into a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to one-third of its volume for concentrated apple flavor. Try a pinch of clove or finely chopped apple for extra depth—making this one of the most irresistible baked donut recipes for the season.
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
The right tools make baking these homemade baked donuts a simple pleasure. Having your equipment ready sets you up for sweet success every time:
| Tool | Purpose / Tips for Use |
|---|---|
| Donut pan (non-stick, 6- or 12-cavity) | Essential for classic donut shape. Lightly grease to prevent sticking. |
| Mixing bowls | Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients. |
| Whisk & spatula | Blend smoothly without overmixing. |
| Saucepan | For reducing apple cider. |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Ensure accuracy for consistent texture. |
| Piping bag or zip-top bag | Cleanly fill molds about two-thirds full. |
| Wire cooling rack | Allows air circulation for evenly cooled donuts. |
| Oven thermometer (optional) | Checks temperature accuracy. |
- Grease thoroughly: Helps baked apple cider donuts release perfectly.
- Check doneness: A toothpick should come out clean when ready.
- Mix gently: Overmixing toughens the crumb.
- Pipe evenly: Keeps donuts uniform and airy.
How to Make the Batter and Bake the Donuts
Follow these steps to make your homemade apple donuts bakery-perfect every time:
- Reduce the cider: Simmer 1½ cups of cider to about ½ cup to intensify the flavor.
- Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk eggs, sugars, butter, milk, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
- Combine: Fold wet and dry mixtures just until blended.
- Pipe: Fill molds two-thirds full for even rise.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and springy.
- Cool: Rest in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack before glazing.
Pro tip: Add a hint of clove or grated apple for deeper flavor in your apple cinnamon donut recipe.
Perfect Glazes & Toppings
Choose from these classic and creative options to top your apple cider donuts with style:
| Glaze / Coating | Ingredients | Texture & Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Sugar | ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, melted butter for dipping | Crispy, lightly spiced coating. |
| Maple Glaze | 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp maple syrup + milk as needed | Velvety glaze with warm maple notes. |
| Vanilla Icing | 1 cup powdered sugar + 1½ tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla | Classic sweetness that complements tangy apple. |
| Apple Cider Glaze | 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp reduced cider | Tangy glaze enhancing apple flavor. |
How to apply: For cinnamon sugar, brush donuts with melted butter and roll in the mix while warm. For glazes, dip tops or drizzle and let set 10–15 minutes on a rack. Add nuts, dried apple bits, or flaky salt for extra appeal. Let cool completely before storing or stacking your homemade apple donuts so they keep their perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make apple cider donuts without a donut pan?
Yes. Fill greased muffin tins or mini bundt pans, or pipe rings on parchment-lined sheets. They’ll taste just as delicious, though slightly less uniform in shape.
How do I store homemade apple donuts?
Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature up to two days or in the fridge up to five. Rewarm briefly for fresh flavor or freeze unglazed donuts for two months, then thaw and glaze when ready.
Can I make them ahead?
You can! Mix the batter the night before and chill it. Let return to room temp before baking. Baked donuts can also be glazed right before serving for best texture.
What’s the difference between baked and fried cider donuts?
Fried donuts are denser and crispier, while baked versions like these apple cider donuts are tender, lighter, and simpler to make—plus easier on cleanup and oil-free.
How do I adjust glaze consistency?
For thicker glaze, add powdered sugar by the tablespoon. For thinner glaze, add cider, milk, or syrup by teaspoon. Aim for smooth, pourable texture for an even coat.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about homemade apple donuts fresh from the oven—the aroma, the warmth, the nostalgia. This easy baked cider donuts recipe delivers everything you love about fall in one treat: tender crumb, spiced apple sweetness, and endless glazing options. Perfect for cozy weekends or family breakfasts, it’s a doughnut recipe that’s as comforting as it is rewarding.
Enjoy your homemade baked donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar, glazed with maple, or paired with a mug of hot cider. Each bite is a piece of autumn to savor and share—proof that the best fall apple desserts always come from your own kitchen.
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