Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489585H26M16S
Total time: PT-489585H26M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g); ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g); 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g); 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g); ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g); 1 teaspoon ground ginger (3g); ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (~1g); ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (~1g); 1 ½ cup apple cider (355mL, to be reduced); ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (80g); ⅓ cup melted vegan butter (75g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5mL); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g); 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter (45g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cozy fall flavors and crave something sweet but not fried, the Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These donuts capture the essence of autumn with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, all beautifully enhanced by the bright, tangy apple cider. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, which means you get that tender, fluffy texture with less fuss and a lighter bite. Whether you’re looking for a weekend baking project or a crowd-pleaser for brunch, this recipe makes a dozen irresistible donuts that feel like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thick, textured batter that has a medium brown color with small darker specks throughout. The batter looks dense and slightly uneven on top, with visible ridges and swirls where it has been mixed. The sides of the bowl show streaks of this batter, giving a sense that it was recently stirred. The bowl takes up most of the image, focusing closely on the mixture inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe keeps things simple but every ingredient plays an essential role in creating that tender crumb, cozy flavor, and gorgeous color. From the spice blend that brings warmth to the rich brown sugar, each component adds something special to your donuts.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the donuts, making them soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and helps keep the donuts moist and tender.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the donuts a light, airy texture by helping them rise perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom: This warming spice blend creates that signature autumnal flavor.
Apple cider: Reduced to concentrate the flavor, it infuses the donuts with a crisp, fruity brightness.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the donuts tender.
Melted vegan butter: Enriches the batter and gives a luscious texture without the heaviness of oil.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor by adding a subtle, sweet aroma.
Granulated sugar and cinnamon (for topping): Create that classic, irresistible cinnamon-sugar finish.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your donut pan. This small prep step is crucial to ensure the donuts release easily without sticking, setting the stage for that perfect shape and texture.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and let it simmer gently until it reduces to about 3/4 cup. This simple reduction intensifies the cider’s flavor, making each bite burst with that fresh apple goodness — don’t skip this step if you want your donuts to sing!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the cider cools, whisk together your flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those fragrant spices in a large bowl. This dry mix is the foundation for your donuts’ tender crumb and warm flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the reduced apple cider, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. This smooth concoction adds moisture and richness that elevates your donut batter to something truly special.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently until just combined. The batter should be a bit thick, so resist the urge to overmix — gentle aggregation means your donuts will be tender, not tough.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Spoon or pipe your batter into the prepared pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once out of the oven, give them a few minutes to rest before turning them out onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted vegan butter then roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This final step adds a delightful crunch and a sweet-spicy finish that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

A stack of three cinnamon sugar-coated donuts sits on a white baking tray, with the top donut broken in half showing a soft, crumbly light brown inside; nearby, a cinnamon stick lies flat next to the donuts. The surface beneath the tray is a white marbled texture. In the background, there is a glass jar filled with cinnamon sticks and a white bowl with cinnamon sugar mixture, along with some red apples blurred out. More donuts rest on the tray, slightly out of focus. The lighting is soft, highlighting the sugary crystals on the donuts’ surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic cinnamon sugar coating is a no-brainer, but you can also try sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar for some extra sparkle or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider for a glossy, sweet touch. Fresh apple slices on the side never hurt either!

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a warm cup of chai tea or a freshly brewed apple cinnamon cider to amplify those spice and apple notes. For brunch, they also go wonderfully alongside a creamy yogurt parfait or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a donut bar with different toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of salted caramel for a fun, interactive way to enjoy this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. They also make charming gifts—wrap a few in parchment tied with twine, and you’ve got an edible hug perfect for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They taste best the day they’re made but can stay relatively fresh if eaten soon after. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot is preferable to maintain their texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts once completely cooled by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and helps preserve their deliciousness for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or stored donuts, simply warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This revives their soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider?

Fresh apple juice can work, but it’s usually less flavorful and less concentrated than cider. Reducing the juice as you would cider is advisable to keep the donut’s taste robust and balanced.

Are these donuts vegan?

Yes! This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe uses vegan butter and unsweetened applesauce, making it completely plant-based and perfect for vegan friends or anyone avoiding dairy.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ideally one designed for baking. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but your donuts will still be wonderfully delicious.

What’s the best way to reduce the apple cider?

Simmer the cider gently over medium heat and watch it carefully as it thickens and reduces to about one-third its original volume. Stir occasionally and be careful not to burn it for the best flavor.

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to use regular butter if you prefer — it will add richness and maintain that tender, moist crumb that makes these donuts so delightful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to capture the magic of autumn in a bite, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress your friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll love how these donuts fill your kitchen with cozy scents and your heart with warmth.