Go Back
Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts

These apple cider donuts prove that a genuinely impressive fall treat can come from a saucepan of reduced juice and a donut pan instead of a deep fryer. This baked apple cider donuts recipe layers a rich, reduced cider flavor under a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, delivering everything a proper fall donut recipe should offer. Whether served on a crisp Saturday morning or shared as baked not fried apple donuts for a cozy autumn breakfast, this cinnamon sugar apple cider donuts recipe earns a permanent spot in the regular rotation.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)*
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice*
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk at room temperature*
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice*
  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Donut pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Zip-top bag

Method
 

  1. Stirring occasionally, simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. Start checking at 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc until you have 1/2 cup (120ml). Mine takes about 20 minutes. If there are any spices or solids on top of your reduced apple cider, leave them. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  4. Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Pour into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined. Batter will be slightly thick.
  5. Spoon the batter into the donut cavities for ease, I highly recommend using a large zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway.
  6. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. To test, poke your finger into the top of the donut. If the donut bounces back, they’re done. Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Re-grease the pan and bake the remaining donut batter.
  7. Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together in a medium bowl. Once cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in the melted butter, then generously in the apple spice topping.
  8. Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes

Apple cider: I always use the fresh, drinkable kind, never hard cider or vinegar, since those change the flavor entirely.
Apple pie spice: I use a store-bought jar most of the time, though a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom substitutes easily.
Butter: I use melted for both the batter and the topping, since it coats the donuts more evenly than a dip in oil.
Milk: I use whatever sits in the fridge, since almond or oat milk both work fine here.
Egg: I always let the cider cool before mixing, since hot cider scrambles the egg on contact.