There is something utterly magical about autumn flavors captured in treats, and this Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe does just that. Imagine soft, tender donuts infused with spiced apple cider, kissed with warm cinnamon and a glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. These donuts bring the cozy feeling of crisp fall mornings right to your kitchen without the need for deep frying. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy that iconic apple cider flavor in a lighter, easy-to-make baked form, this recipe is absolutely it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the lovely simplicity behind this recipe: each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and that irresistible fall warmth. Whether it’s the reduced apple cider for depth, the assortment of spices for warmth, or the Greek yogurt for moisture, no ingredient is a mere filler.
- Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the flavor, giving these donuts their signature autumn taste.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness without overpowering the cider’s delicate sweetness.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb texture in the donuts.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while adding tenderness.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the donuts moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The base for structure, creating that perfect cakey texture.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: A trio of spices that give the donuts their cozy, fall-specific spice profile.
- Baking soda, baking powder: Leavening agents to ensure fluffy, light donuts.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (for topping): The classic cinnamon sugar coating that brings the final layer of irresistible flavor.
How to Make Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider to Concentrate Flavor
Start by simmering your apple cider down until it’s thick and syrupy—this step is your secret weapon. Whether you use the microwave or stovetop, this reduction intensifies the cider’s magic and makes your donuts burst with that signature, tangy-sweet apple flavor. Stir in butter to give it a rich, silky texture that absorbs nicely into your batter.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk together half of your cooled apple cider reduction with sugar, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla. This creamy mixture forms the moist foundation your dry ingredients will build upon. Taking care here ensures your donuts stay wonderfully tender and rich without feeling heavy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with your carefully measured cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This spiced blend is what brings those lively autumn notes to every bite and ensures consistent rise and crumb.
Step 4: Gently Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Combine your dry ingredients with the wet but don’t overdo it—stir just until no flour patches remain. Over-mixing leads to dense donuts, and we want light, fluffy bites every time. This gentle folding protects a delicate crumb while integrating all those warm spices evenly.
Step 5: Fill and Bake Your Donut Pans
Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full for perfect shapes and fluffy centers. Baking at 350°F for 9-11 minutes helps them rise nicely and develop just the right golden edges. If you only have one pan, no worries—bake in batches and try to savor that fresh-baked donut aroma!
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts bake, melt butter and whisk it with some reserved reduced cider to make the dipping glaze. Then mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon separately for that classic apple cider donut finish. This combo will make you swoon.
Step 7: Dip and Coat the Donuts
Once your donuts have cooled just enough to hold but are still warm, dip each one into the cider butter glaze, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar. This double treatment creates a sticky, flavorful coating that clings perfectly and sets as it cools.
How to Serve Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
For an easy upgrade, you can sprinkle these donuts with chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar. A little drizzle of caramel sauce or a thin spread of cream cheese frosting offers an extra layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with apple cider flavors.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these donuts with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a steaming mug of coffee. For brunch, they work wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or even savory scrambled eggs — the sweet-spicy contrast is sublime.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your baked apple cider donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment and scatter fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around. Wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming edible gift, perfect for gathering with friends or family during the fall season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their softness and ensures they stay fresh without absorbing unwanted odors or drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month — perfect for preparing early for fall celebrations or a cozy surprise any time you wish.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen donuts, gently warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This brings back their tender texture and revives the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider or should I make my own?
Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe and will yield delicious results. Just be sure to use the real, unfiltered variety for the best flavor punch.
Why are these donuts baked and not fried?
Baking is a healthier alternative that still produces a wonderfully tender donut. Plus, it’s easier and less messy—no need for hot oil or special equipment.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt with something else?
Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk. These alternatives provide similar moisture and tanginess that keep the donuts moist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor remains fantastic.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
They should be lightly browned around the edges and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Final Thoughts
This Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to bring the taste of fall into their home baking with ease and delight. Each bite is a little moment of cozy joy and a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a classic seasonal treat. I can’t wait to hear how much you love these donuts as much as I do—so go ahead and make them your new favorite autumn indulgence!
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Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12 donuts)
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful fall treat with a tender, spiced batter infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices. Baked to perfection for a light, fluffy texture, then dipped in a buttery apple cider glaze and coated in cinnamon sugar for a perfectly sweet and aromatic finish. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert during the cozy autumn months.
Ingredients
Donut Batter:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- Pinch salt
Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- About 2 tbsp reduced cider (reserved from above)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-cup donut pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a microwave-safe container or saucepan, reduce 1 cup apple cider by heating on high for 8-10 minutes or simmering for about 10 minutes on medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Immediately whisk in 3 tbsp unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and silky, then let cool. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for the batter, and 2 tbsp for the glaze later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooled reduced cider/butter mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, pinches of ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt, plus 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no visible flour remains, careful not to over-mix to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until risen and lightly browned on edges. Cool donuts for 2-3 minutes in pans before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: While donuts bake, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a bowl. Whisk in about 2 tbsp of the reserved reduced cider to create a glaze. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to make the coating.
- Coat Donuts: When donuts are warm but cool enough to handle, dip one side into the melted butter and cider glaze, then immediately coat that side with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Optionally, roll entire donut in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Place on a wire rack to let the topping set.
Notes
- Ensure the reduced cider mixture is cooled before adding to the wet ingredients to prevent cooking the egg.
- Filling the donut pans about two-thirds full helps maintain the proper donut shape and ensures even baking.
- If using only one donut pan, bake in batches and clean between uses for best results.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
