Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked apple cider donuts are packed with the classic autumn flavor of apple cider and cinnamon, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. The batter is easy to mix, and with just a donut pan and a few simple ingredients, you can bake a batch of deliciously fluffy donuts that will make your kitchen smell like fall. Plus, they’re perfect for pairing with a hot cup of cider or your morning coffee!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced and cooled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk or sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, light brown sugar, and white sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: egg, vanilla extract, milk (or sour cream), and cooled cider.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack or parchment paper.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the topping by mixing white sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each cooled donut in melted butter and then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve warm with apple cider or your favorite drink.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 5 minutes (for cooling)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Apple Cider Donut Holes: No donut pan? Simply use a muffin tin or a baking sheet to form donut holes.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal flavor change.
- Glazed Donuts: Skip the cinnamon-sugar and drizzle with a sweet glaze for a different texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their soft, fluffy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin or shape the batter into small balls and bake on a baking sheet.
2. Can I use fresh apple cider instead of reduced cider?
Yes, but you need to reduce it down to half its volume for the best flavor concentration.
3. Can I freeze these apple cider donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance.
5. How do I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter and topping. Use less granulated sugar or try a sugar substitute.
6. Can I use sour cream instead of milk?
Yes, sour cream will make the donuts a little richer and tender.
7. How can I tell when my donuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are done.
8. Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Yes, feel free to add chopped apples, raisins, or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
9. What can I serve these donuts with?
Apple cider, coffee, or even a dollop of apple butter makes for a perfect accompaniment.
10. How long does it take to reduce the apple cider?
Simmer the cider for about 10 minutes, or until it reduces to half its original volume.
Conclusion
These homemade baked apple cider donuts are an easy and delightful fall treat that you can enjoy any time of the year. With their light, fluffy texture and warm cinnamon-sugar topping, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re celebrating fall or just craving something sweet, this simple recipe will bring a little bit of autumn magic to your home!
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Homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade baked apple cider donuts are a cozy fall treat with the rich flavors of apple cider and cinnamon. A healthier alternative to fried donuts, they’re easy to make and perfectly fluffy, topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Enjoy them warm with apple cider or coffee for the ultimate autumn experience!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced and cooled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk or sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, light brown sugar, and white sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: egg, vanilla extract, milk (or sour cream), and cooled cider.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack or parchment paper.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the topping by mixing white sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each cooled donut in melted butter and then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve warm with apple cider or your favorite drink.
Notes
- For a pumpkin spice twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin or form donut holes.
- For a different flavor, try glazing the donuts instead of using the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
