As the crisp autumn breeze kisses my cheeks, I can’t help but crave the comforting embrace of a warm treat. That’s how I stumbled upon the idea for these delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts. With a deliciously soft texture and a spicy kick from cinnamon and nutmeg, they evoke the essence of fall in every bite. Preparing them in just one hour means that you can whip up a batch even after the busiest of days, all without the mess of frying. Imagine the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen as these sweet, cinnamon-sugar-dusted delights bake in the oven, begging to be paired with a cozy cup of apple cider or coffee. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply indulge yourself, these donuts offer a crowd-pleasing solution that brings the warmth of autumn to your home. Ready to bring the taste of the season to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why Love These Apple Cider Donuts?
Simplicity: These donuts are quick and easy to make, ready in just one hour – perfect for busy fall days!
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is bursting with the cozy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg that are quintessentially autumn.
No Frying Needed: Baked instead of fried, they offer a healthier treat without sacrificing indulgence.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain, glazed, or with added nuts – the customization options are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These donuts are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a go-to for gatherings and parties.
Apple Cider Donut Ingredients
To create these delightful Apple Cider Donuts, gather the following ingredients:
For the Batter
- Cooking Spray – A non-stick agent; you can use oil or butter instead if desired.
- Apple Cider (1 cup) – Provides moisture and flavor; can substitute with apple juice in a pinch.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups/240 g) – Forms the base structure; gluten-free flour can be used for a GF version.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness; feel free to use table salt if that’s what you have.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth; pumpkin pie spice can work as a substitute for a different flavor.
- Ground Ginger (1/4 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor; ground cinnamon can create a spicier profile if preferred.
- Ground Cinnamon (3 1/2 tsp, divided) – The star spice that brings warmth; adjust based on personal taste.
- Vegetable Oil (3/4 cup) – Provides moisture; melted coconut oil or melted butter are great alternatives.
- Dark Brown Sugar (1/2 cup/105 g, packed) – Contributes depth of flavor; light brown sugar can be used for a lighter taste.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup/200 g, divided) – Adds sweetness and texture; reduce the amount for a less sweet option.
- Large Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients together; replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Unsalted Butter (6 Tbsp, melted) – Enhances flavor and richness; more oil can be used if lactose-free is needed.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Granulated Sugar (remaining) – Use on warm donuts for maximum adhesion.
- Ground Cinnamon (remaining) – Mix with sugar for coating; adjust the quantity for extra flavor kick.
Enjoy making these scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts that will warm both your kitchen and your heart!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
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Preheat Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and don’t forget to grease your donut pans with cooking spray to ensure easy release.
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Reduce Apple Cider: In a small pot, gently boil the apple cider until it reduces to about ½ cup, which may take 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before using.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon until well-combined. This creates a flavorful base for your donuts.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Add in the egg and mix until everything is smoothly integrated.
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Make Batter: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients along with the cooled apple cider until just combined. Aim for a smooth consistency without overmixing to keep them light.
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Shape and Bake: Pipe the batter into your prepared donut pans, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops feel dry and spring back when lightly touched.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and toss them in this sweet cinnamon mixture for a delicious finish.
Optional: Serve with a warm drink like apple cider or coffee for a cozy experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Apple Cider Donuts are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during busy mornings or gatherings! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and keep them stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. To maintain their freshness, refrigerate the donut batter in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just follow the baking instructions: pipe the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. You’ll still have those soft and flavorful donuts, just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
What to Serve with Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
Nothing signals autumn quite like cozy moments shared over delicious treats. Imagine the warmth of a freshly baked apple cider donut paired perfectly with complementary flavors that enhance your fall experience.
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Warm Apple Cider: Infused with cinnamon and cloves, this beverage creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly matched to the sweet notes of the donuts.
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Spiced Coffee: A robust cup of coffee with a hint of cinnamon elevates your breakfast or snack, making each donut even more delightful.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and coolness contrast beautifully with the warm, spicy donuts, creating a generous treat that feels indulgent.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of real maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the autumn flavors already present in the donuts.
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Chopped Nuts: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top. The texture contrasts wonderfully, while their nutty flavor complements the spiced donuts.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite brings in its own cozy spice blend, harmonizing seamlessly with the warm flavors of your baked apple cider donuts.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh apples, pears, and berries adds brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the donuts and providing a healthy contrast.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Spread a bit of this on your donut for a decadent twist that adds a rich, creamy texture to the already tasty treat.
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Caramel Sauce Dip: For a fun dessert idea, serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping. This indulgent addition brings a gooey sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spice of the donuts.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Donuts
Room Temperature: Store cooled apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the donuts for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to prevent dryness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the apple cider donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat the frozen or refrigerated donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. This will restore their delightful texture and flavor.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Cider Donuts
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Perfect Measurement: Use a proper measuring cup for liquids and a dry measuring cup for flour to avoid inconsistencies in your batter.
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Reduce Cider Wisely: Boil the apple cider slowly to concentrate its flavor without burning; keep an eye on the pot for best results.
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Mix with Care: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just blended – overmixing can result in dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.
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Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Don’t overbake as they’ll dry out.
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Cinnamon Sugar Magic: For an extra coating, roll the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after brushing with melted butter to ensure the coating sticks perfectly.
Apple Cider Donuts Variations
Feel free to personalize your apple cider donuts and make them your own in delightful ways!
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Glaze Option: Create a simple icing with powdered sugar and milk for a sweet, dreamy finish. A drizzle transforms them into a showstopper!
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture that wonderfully complements the soft donuts.
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Fruit Fun: Incorporate small pieces of fresh apples or raisins into the batter for added sweetness and a juicy burst in every bite.
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Spice it Up: Experiment with a blend of pumpkin pie spice or chai spice to give your donuts an extra fragrant kick that embraces fall flavors.
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Vegan Delight: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use plant-based butter to make these donuts vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste.
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Caramel Drizzle: For a gourmet upgrade, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the donuts before dusting with cinnamon sugar – heavenly!
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise that pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.
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Maple Sugar Coating: Instead of cinnamon sugar, roll your warm donuts in a combination of maple sugar and cinnamon for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of apple cider should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider if possible. This will give your donuts a wonderful depth of apple taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with apple juice, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Great question! Store cooled apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate for up to a week in the same airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the apple cider donuts?
Yes, you can! To freeze, lay the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until solid. After about an hour, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, where they can stay for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh their texture.
What if my donuts turn out too dense?
If your donuts come out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour properly. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Using the spoon-and-level method with a dry measuring cup for flour can also help prevent this issue.
Are these donuts suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! You can easily modify these baked apple cider donuts to accommodate various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If someone is vegan, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and replace the butter with more oil. Just be mindful of any allergy concerns regarding nut oils or any other ingredients you choose to use!
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up! You can fold in chopped apples or nuts for added texture. Adding spices like allspice or cloves can offer a unique twist. For a special treat, drizzle with a simple icing or caramel sauce once cooled. The more the merrier when it comes to flavors!
Delicious Apple Cider Donuts Perfect for Cozy Fall Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pans with cooking spray.
- In a small pot, gently boil the apple cider until it reduces to about ½ cup, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 2 tsp of cinnamon until well-combined.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Add the egg and mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients and cooled apple cider until just combined.
- Pipe the batter into prepared donut pans, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops feel dry.
- In a separate bowl, mix remaining sugar and cinnamon. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and toss in the mixture.