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Capture the cozy spirit of the season with the ultimate baked apple cider donut recipe! Featuring a delightful combination of Honeycrisp apples, fresh cider, warming spices and a glossy glaze, these cider donuts are delicious moist, perfectly tender, and ideally spiced. Best of all, you’ll need just 25 minutes to make them.
“These are absolutely scrumptious, Cheyanne! Love the cider glaze – also love that they make the house smell delicious! Have a great weekend.”
– Geraldine
Update: This recipe was originally published in September 2017. I made updates to the article below to include more information about baking apple cider donuts at home.
Hey there, friends! How’s the week treating you!?
I certainly hope it has been nothing short of stellar! But, just in case you are having one of those weeks that are unpleasantly rough and far from joyous, get ready to turn that frown upside down! Because today we are feasting on donuts! Hooray! 🙌
Table of Contents
- About this baked cider donuts recipe
- Ingredients in baked apple donuts
- How to make apple cider donuts
- FAQs: frequently asked questions
- Where did apple cider donuts originate?
- What do cider donuts taste like?
- What is apple cider?
- Can I use store-bought apple cider?
- Do you have to reduce the apple cider to make donuts?
- What to do with leftover apple cider?
- Can I make the batter ahead of time?
- Can I bake these donuts in a regular muffin pan?
- Are they vegan?
- How to keep donuts fresh?
- Serving baked apple cider donuts
- Storing leftovers
- More recipes for donuts!
- Baked Cider Donuts
About this baked cider donuts recipe
Also known as donuts that simply scream fall!
These donuts are bursting with real, crisp apple flavor and packed with all the cozy fall vibes! They feature smooth apple cider, delicate grated apples, warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar. Lovingly smothered with a sticky, smooth and sweet apple cider glaze, and then generously dusted with crunchy walnuts, these donuts are straight up delicious! They are the perfect mix of sweet and savory meets warm apple cider flavor!
This baked cider donut recipe doesn’t involve any fussy yeast, so the donuts are tender and moist with a crumb that is more dense and cake-like.
Plus, since these apple studded treats are baked and not fried, you don’t have to worry about any hot oil or greasy mess. And, you can eat your weight in glazed donuts and still feel like the good person you are. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention, baking these donuts will make your house smell like heaven!!!
If all that isn’t winning at life, then I don’t know what is.
If you’re looking for more recipes to celebrate apple season, try these reader favorites next: Apple Soup, Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Apple, Pork Chop and Apple Recipe, Quick Apple Bread, Healthy Apple Granola, Apple Cake Mix Cake, and Apple Pie Bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious Fall Flavor Profile: This cider donut recipe combines the fresh sweetness of honeycrisp apples with the rich essence of apple cider and warm spices, offering a deliciously distinctive taste that sets it apart from typical donut recipes.
- Tender Texture with Real Apple Chunks: Each donut features a soft and tender crumb with real chunks of apples.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this baked donut recipe is perfect for both beginning and experienced bakers alike.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked rather than fried, these apple donuts are a lighter option that still deliver plenty of cozy flavors.
- Versatile Enjoyment: These donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or brunch, a festive gathering, or a sweet after school snack. You can also easily customize these donuts with various glazes and toppings, making it the perfect treat for all.
Ingredients in baked apple donuts
These apple baked donuts are made with budget-friendly pantry staples, plus real apples and apple cider:
- Apple Cider: Reduced apple cider provides intense, concentrated apple flavor!
- Flour: All purpose flour provides the foundation for these donuts. You can substitute gluten-free flour blend if needed. Look for brands that can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for regular flour.
- Baking Powder: This chemical leavener helps the donuts lift and rise.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a touch of warm flavor.
- Salt: A touch of coarse kosher salt is needed to enhance all the flavors!
- Egg: One large egg adds structure and helps bind everything together.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a warm sweetness to this baked cider donut recipe.
- Butter: Melted and cooled unsalted butter prevents dry donuts – it adds moisture and creates a tender texture.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the donuts an inviting flavor.
- Apple: Freshly grated apple add a pop of delicate texture and sweet flavor.
If you’ve got leftover cider, put it to good use in these recipes: Fall Meatball Recipe and Spiked Apple Cider Recipe.
Recipe variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these apple donuts accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Swap out the regular butter and use plant-based butter instead.
- Maple Glaze: Swap out the cider in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a sweet, aromatic topping that pairs wonderfully with apples.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Looking for a classic, crunchy, warmly spiced finish? Instead of a glaze, roll your baked cider donuts in a cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after they come out of the oven.
- Nutmeg and Cardamom: Experiment with different inviting spices by adding nutmeg or cardamom to the donut batter for a fragrant twist.
- Chopped Nuts: Add toasted and chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can sprinkle chopped nuts over the donut glaze (as shown in the photos).
- Apple Spice Cider Donuts: For more fall flavor, add a little apple pie spice to the donut batter.
- Pumpkin Spice Apple Donuts: If you’re looking for a different autumn twist, incorporate a little pumpkin pie spice into the batter.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle rich melted chocolate sauce over the cooled baked apple donuts.
Expert tips for the most success!
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. The quality of the cider will significantly enhance the taste of your donuts, giving them a richer flavor.
- Incorporate Real Apple Chunks: Adding diced fresh apples to the donut batter not only boosts flavor, but also adds moisture.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust and experiment with the spices in this apple donut recipe to suit your taste. A little extra cinnamon, or a touch or nutmeg, allspice, apple pie spice, or even cardamom can elevate the flavor profile and make your donuts truly special.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing will lead to dense donuts. So be sure to gently fold in the dry and wet ingredients to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Use a Donut Pan: For optimal shape and texture, use a non-stick donut pan. This will give your donuts the classic ring shape and help them bake evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the cider donuts for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center of a donut. This step ensures the donuts are baked through without being dry.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack after baking. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Glaze or Coat the Cider Donuts: If you’re looking for exceptionally delicious homemade apple donuts, don’t forget to finish them off with a glaze or coating, such as a cider glaze or cinnamon sugar coating. You eat with your eyes first, so this step makes the donuts more visually appealing AND more sweetly-delicious.
Step by step photos: making this recipe at home
(Don’t forget to scroll down for the detailed instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Where did apple cider donuts originate?
Traditionally, made from reduced apple cider and flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar, apple cider doughnuts originated in the Northeastern United States.
What do cider donuts taste like?
Baked apple cider donuts are tender and moist in texture with a dense, muffin-like crumb. Overall, they’re slightly sweet and bursting with robust apple and warm cinnamon flavors.
What is apple cider?
Apple cider, also known as sweet cider or simply cider, is an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from fresh raw apples. While true apple cider is (quite simply) raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process nor been heated, not all ciders are created equal. Unfortunately, the term ‘cider‘ isn’t regulated across the United States; therefore, many brands will label their apple juice product with the term ‘cider‘ as a marketing scheme.
When shopping for true apple cider, check the label for a short ingredient list that’s free of added sweeteners, preservatives and caramel coloring.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine in this donut recipe. Just be sure to choose a high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
Do you have to reduce the apple cider to make donuts?
The key to flavorful cider donuts is reduced, or concentrated apple cider. Apple cider that has been reduced down by at least half its volume packs a more intense flavor! Plus, concentrated apple cider is thicker than regular cider.
Thickening cider is as simple as reducing it. If you can boil water on the stove, you can thicken apple cider at home!
To thicken cider, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and cook until the cider has reduced by half. Remove the reduced cider from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using to make this apple baked donut recipe.
What to do with leftover apple cider?
This baked cider donut recipe calls for one cup of apple cider. If you have purchased a fresh jug of cider at the store or market, you will have a good amount leftover – but, don’t worry! There are plenty of festive ways to use up that golden, bitter-sweet cider you have hanging out in your refrigerator!
What to make with cider
- Dressing: Replace the apple cider vinegar in your favorite homemade dressings for reduced cider!
- Oatmeal: Swap out the milk or water for cider in your breakfast oats or overnight oats! Garnish the top with fresh slices of apples and a dusting of ground cinnamon!
- Pancakes and Waffles: Replace 1/4 cup of milk or buttermilk in your pancake and waffle mixes with cider for a delicious apple-flavored update!
- Smoothies: Shake up your boring breakfast shake by adding a bit of cider instead of water!
- Marinades: Combine apple cider along with extra virgin olive oil, shallots, fresh thyme, garlic, dijon, kosher salt and black pepper to make a delicious marinade for chicken or pork!
- Gravy: Whisk a bit of cider into your gravy for a sweet spin on the old classic!
- Soup: Switch out a cup or more of broth for apple cider in fall soups! Try it in butternut squash or sweet potato soup for a fun twist of flavor!
- Cocktails: Replace orange juice with cider in mimosas, use it to make a fall flavored apple cider sangria or add it to your next hot toddy!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Unfortunately, it’s best to make the donut batter and use it immediately as it can lose its leavening power when left to sit around.
However, you can reduce the apple cider in advance. You can also measure and prep the dry ingredients – just wait to mix them with the wet ingredients until right before baking.
Can I bake these donuts in a regular muffin pan?
Sure, you can make these apple donuts in a muffin tin. However, please note that the texture will be slightly different (although still delicious), and you’ll need to increase the baking time.
Are they vegan?
Unfortunately, baked apple donuts are not vegan. This donut recipe contains butter and egg, while the glaze also contains cream.
How to keep donuts fresh?
The key to fresh and tasty baked donuts is proper storage! Below are a few simple tricks for keeping your donuts fresh.
- Refrain from glazing: Glazed or frosted donuts don’t hold up as well to storage. If possible, don’t glaze the donuts until right before you are ready to eat.
- Wrap them separately: Loosely wrap each baked donut separately using aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Use airtight containers: To prevent donuts from drying out, place the wrapped donuts in airtight containers or a ziplock bag.
These homemade apple cider donuts are downright delish and a GUARANTEED way to wake up on the right side of the bed in the morning!
Grab a cup of Joe and bake your way to a better day with these donuts!
Until next week, friends, cheers – to fabulous fall donuts!
Cheyanne
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More recipes for donuts!
Baked Cider Donuts
Equipment
- 1 Small Saucepan – for reducing apple cider
- 2 Mixing Bowls – for making the donut batter
- 1 donut pan – for baking apple donuts
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Apple Cider (SEE NOTES)
- 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 TBS Unsalted Butter – melted & cooled
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 whole Honeycrisp Apple – peeled, grated & gently squeezed dry (about 1/2 cup) (SEE NOTES)
Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1-2 TBS Heavy Cream (SEE NOTES)
- Optional Garnishes: Gold Sprinkles, Ground Cinnamon, Crushed Toasted Walnuts
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple cider: Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and place on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Bring the cider to a boil and then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer.Cook the apple cider until until it's been reduced by half (to about half a cup), about 6-10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool completely to room temperature. (NOTE 1: You will be using 1/3 cup of reduced cider in the donuts and 2 tablespoons of reduced cider in the glaze)(NOTE 2: You can reduce the cider ahead of time! Simply transfer the reduced cider to a storage container, let it cool, and then store in the refrigerator.)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Donut Pan: Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with butter.
- Start the Donut Batter – Mix DryIngredients: In a large bowl with whisk, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the egg, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of reduced cider. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the Wet Ingredients to the Dry, Add Apples: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until the batter is JUST combined. Add the grated apples to the batter and then use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients until they're JUST combined. (Note: The batter should be thick)
- Transfer the Donut Batter to a Bag: Spoon the batter into a large piping bag, or zip-closure bag with the tip snipped off. (SEE NOTES)Pipe the donut batter into the pan cavities, filling each about ¾ of the way full (the batter will expand and rise).
- Bake In Preheated Oven: Transfer the apple cider donuts to the preheated oven and bake for 14-18 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden brown around the edges and the top of donut springs back to touch. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before using a thin spatula to remove the donuts from the pan. Transfer the donuts to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
- While the Donuts are Baking, Make the Glaze: To a small, shallow bowl (you want to be able to dip the donuts), add the sugar, 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider, and heavy cream. Use a whisk and stir the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. (SEE NOTES)
- Glaze and Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Dip the cooled donut tops into the glaze and transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts, sprinkles and cinnamon. Allow to dry or serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Apples: I used a Honeycrisp apple, but feel free to substitute whatever variety of apple is your favorite. If you are looking for a donut with a touch of tart flavor, Granny Smith would taste great! Or, if you are looking for a mix of the sweetness of a Honeycrisp and the tartness of a Granny Smith, I highly recommend using Pink Lady!
- Grating apples: When grating the apple, make sure you use the large holes on a box grater. If you do not have a box grater you can finely dice the apple. Make sure you paper towels or a tea towel to gently squeeze out excess moisture from the grated apple.
- Reducing cider: You can reduce the apple cider (step one of the recipe) up to three days in advance. Just make sure to keep it stored in a container with a tight fitted lid in the refrigerator. The reduced apple cider is used in both the donut batter and the glaze, so make sure you read the directions carefully!! Do NOT just add all the reduced cider to the donut batter.
- Mixing batter: Make sure you only mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until everything is JUST combined. The batter should be thick and wet.
- Piping batter: Transferring the donut batter into a disposable piping bag, or zip-closure bag, isn’t necessary but it does make things easier! However, you can definitely just spoon it into the donut molds. If you are using a bag, make sure you snip off the corner of the bag large enough to allow the grated apple to pass through.
- For donut muffins: To use a muffin pan instead, divide the batter evenly between the greased muffin tins. Bake for 16 to 22 minutes, rotating halfway through baking.
- Glaze: The amount of heavy cream in the glaze depends on personal preference and desired thickness. Start with one tablespoon and add more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. I used 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon.
- Serving & Storage: Donuts are always best served fresh on the day they are made, but the donuts will keep, stored in an airtight container, overnight. Just be sure NOT to glaze them until right before serving!
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Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
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Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
Nutrition
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Maci
I love the step by step photos and the video! Delicious work. Very excited to bake another batch!
Mary
These are dangerous. The freshly grated apples and cinnamon mixed into a moist donut is almost too much for me to handle.
Whitney
What a perfect Fall treats! Such perfect flavours. I could have eaten a dozen 🙂
Geraldine
These are absolutely scrumptious, Cheyanne! Love the cider glaze – also love that they make the house smell delicious! Have a great weekend.
Krista
Apple cider donuts are the BEST and it had been WAY too long since I’ve made my own. Baked is the way to go! 🙂 This is the perfect fall breakfast or dessert to cozy up with on chilly mornings. I love that glaze, too!
Kathy
These are so yummy!
Adina
Such pretty donuts, I would love some! And it’s so great that they are baked and not fried. I still have to buy such a donut pan, I have been meaning that for a while now, but they are not so easy to find here.
Cheyanne Bany
Thank you, Adina! I couldn’t find a donut pan here either. I got mine on Amazon. Cheers! 🙂