The Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts You’ll Want on Repeat

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing says autumn quite like the sweet aroma of apple cider donuts. These soft, spiced treats are a seasonal classic—perfect with a warm mug of coffee or tea. Best of all, this recipe bakes the donuts instead of frying, giving you the same irresistible flavor with a lighter touch.

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What is Apple Cider Donuts?

Apple cider donuts are cake-like donuts infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices. They have a tender crumb, a comforting apple flavor, and are coated in a cinnamon-sugar topping for that perfect bite. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, these are quick to make, requiring no proofing or frying—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love It

Full of Fall Flavor – Each bite is packed with apple, cinnamon, and cozy spices.
Baked, Not Fried – Enjoy the indulgence without the excess oil.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for brunches, bake sales, or cozy afternoons.

Apple Cider Donuts Variations

Glazed Apple Cider Donuts – Swap the cinnamon-sugar coating for a vanilla or maple glaze.
Extra Apple Punch – Add finely chopped apples to the batter for more texture.
Pumpkin-Apple Blend – Mix in pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
Mini Donuts – Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm with a fresh cup of hot apple cider or coffee.
Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a dessert upgrade.
Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet mid-day treat.
Pair with a fall cheese board for a unique sweet-savory combo.

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Ingredients

(Yields: 12–14 donuts)

For the Donuts:

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

For the Topping:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice*
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:

Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup (120ml). This intensifies the flavor. Let it cool.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Set oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease donut pans.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla, and the cooled reduced cider.

5. Make the Batter:

Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Fill the Donut Pan:

Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off, then pipe evenly into the donut molds.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.

7. Add the Topping:

Let donuts cool slightly. Dip each donut into melted butter, then coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
Storage: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap baked donuts individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Nutrition per Serving

(Approx. per donut)

Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 23g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the essence of fall in every bite—soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet. Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply because you crave that cozy autumn flavor, this recipe delivers every time.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.