Autumn mornings have a cozy magic—the cool air, colorful leaves, and comforting fall flavors. Now, imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, sweet aroma of baked apple cider donuts. These donuts bring a gentle apple cider tang with a touch of cinnamon sugar, giving you all the cozy fall vibes in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and a deliciously lighter alternative to fried donuts!
Ready to fill your home with the taste of fall? Let’s jump into this simple, irresistible recipe!
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Why Baked Apple Cider Donuts Are a Fall Essential
When it comes to fall baking, nothing quite compares to the flavors of apple and cinnamon. Baked apple cider donuts are more than just a dessert; they’re a seasonal celebration. Unlike fried donuts, these baked beauties are easy to make at home, require no oil splatters, and still deliver that classic soft, tender texture.
These donuts are perfect for gatherings, cozy brunches, or as a tasty way to warm up with a hot beverage. Plus, they’re lighter and less greasy, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a fun, beginner-friendly fall recipe, these baked apple cider donuts are a must-try.
Choosing Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Creating the perfect baked apple cider donut starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each element in this recipe plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness of these donuts.
- Fresh Apple Cider: Apple cider is the star ingredient here. Look for fresh, unfiltered cider if you can; it’s usually available in the fall and has a deeper, richer apple flavor. If you don’t have cider, avoid substituting with apple juice, as it lacks the boldness needed for these donuts.
- Apple Pie Spice & Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Apple pie spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, adds a warm, autumnal essence that pairs perfectly with apple cider. If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, a simple mix of cinnamon and nutmeg will do the trick.
- Butter & Flour: Melted butter adds a subtle richness to the donuts, while flour gives them structure. For an extra tender crumb, use all-purpose flour.
Apple Cider Reduction
Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, creating a concentrated apple essence that shines in the final product. To make the reduction, simply bring a cup of apple cider to a simmer and let it reduce by half. This process amplifies the cider’s flavor, ensuring each donut tastes like a bite of fall.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s jump into the steps. This simple, step-by-step guide will ensure your donuts come out perfectly every time.
1- Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction
Start by reducing the apple cider. Pour one cup of apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce by half, until you have about 1/2 cup of concentrated apple cider. This process will take roughly 10–15 minutes, so be patient – it’s worth the wait!
2- Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. You’ll need flour, apple pie spice (or cinnamon and nutmeg), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps them evenly distribute in the batter. Here’s a quick reference for the dry ingredients:
| Dry Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Apple pie spice | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
3- Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, apple cider reduction, and sugar. Whisk in one egg and a splash of vanilla extract for added depth. These ingredients bring moisture and richness to the donuts without weighing them down.
4- Bake the Donuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. Pour the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake the donuts for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking these donuts rather than frying them creates a soft, cake-like texture and makes them a bit healthier.
Adding the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Once your donuts are baked, it’s time to add that classic cinnamon sugar coating. This step is crucial because it elevates the flavor, adding a little extra sweetness and a slight crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Coating the Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and then roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick to the donuts, creating a beautifully coated exterior. - Optional Glaze Ideas
If you prefer a sweeter finish, consider a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar, a splash of apple cider, and a hint of cinnamon for a drizzle that complements the donut flavor without overpowering it.
Tips for the Best Fall Donuts Recipe
To make sure your donuts turn out bakery-worthy, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Aim for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you like your donuts on the less-sweet side, reduce the sugar in the batter by a few tablespoons or skip the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Storage Tips: These donuts taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. If you’d like to freeze them, skip the cinnamon sugar topping until you’re ready to serve.
More Fall Baking Recipes to Try
Looking to continue your fall baking journey? Here are a few more cozy recipes that capture the flavors of the season:
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls – A warm, gooey take on cinnamon rolls with a fresh apple filling.
- Classic Apple Crisp Recipe – A timeless dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pumpkin Muffins – Light, fluffy, and filled with pumpkin spice flavor.
These recipes make for wonderful autumn treats and are easy to customize with your favorite fall ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use apple cider. Apple juice lacks the concentrated flavor and richness of cider, so it won’t deliver the same results. - How do I make donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan or make donut holes by dropping spoonfuls of batter onto a lined baking sheet. - What’s the difference between apple pie spice and cinnamon?
Apple pie spice is a blend that usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It adds a more complex flavor than using cinnamon alone. - How long can baked apple cider donuts last?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them briefly in the oven to revive their softness. - Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that contains xanthan gum. Check the batter consistency and adjust if needed.