Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Few things capture the cozy feeling of fall quite like the aroma of freshly baked Apple Cider Donuts. These soft, cake-style donuts are packed with concentrated apple cider flavor, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, then generously coated in buttery spiced cinnamon sugar for the perfect sweet finish. Every bite is incredibly moist, tender, and filled with comforting autumn flavors.

The best part? These homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts come together in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients—no deep frying required. They’re perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, afternoon coffee breaks, or whenever you’re craving a bakery-style treat at home.

If you’re looking for an easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts recipe with a soft cake texture and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, you’ve found your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist, and fluffy cake-style donuts.
• Packed with rich apple cider flavor.
• No frying—simply bake and enjoy.
• Ready in only 30 minutes.
• Coated in buttery cinnamon-spice sugar for the ultimate finish.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1½ cups apple cider – Reduced into a concentrated syrup for bold apple flavor.
• 1 large egg – Adds structure and richness.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Keeps the donuts tender and rich.
• ½ cup whole or 2% milk – Creates a soft, moist crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the warm flavors.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the donuts rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Creates a light, fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds classic fall spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Brings warm, earthy flavor.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom – Adds subtle aromatic sweetness.

Spiced Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Creates the sweet outer coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Deepens the fall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom – Gives the coating an aromatic finish.
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter – Helps the sugar coating stick beautifully.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan.

Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Cook until the cider reduces to about ⅓ cup, creating a thick, flavorful syrup.

Set aside and allow it to cool completely.

Tip: Never add hot cider to the batter, or it may begin cooking the egg.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Egg
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom

Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients and the cooled apple cider reduction to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts soft and tender.

Fill the Donut Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a donut pan well.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped.

Pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about halfway.

Bake

Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cool slightly, combine:

• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom

Mix until evenly blended.

Coat the Donuts

Brush each warm donut with melted butter.

Roll generously in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

• Reduce the apple cider fully for the richest apple flavor.
• Allow the cider reduction to cool completely before mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter or the donuts may become dense.
• Pipe the batter into the donut pan for cleaner, evenly shaped donuts.
• Coat the donuts while they’re still slightly warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
• Enjoy them fresh for the softest texture.

Equipment Needed

• Donut baking pan
• Small saucepan
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Pastry brush
• Wire cooling rack

Recipe Variations

Maple Apple Cider Donuts

Replace the cinnamon sugar coating with a maple glaze for extra sweetness.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Caramel Apple Donuts

Drizzle cooled donuts with caramel sauce after coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Chocolate Chip Apple Donuts

Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for an easy gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts pair perfectly with:

• Fresh hot coffee
• Apple cider
• Chai tea
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla glaze drizzle
• Caramel sauce
• Fresh apple slices
• Whipped cream

They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, holiday gatherings, or cozy fall weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, giving the donuts a rich apple taste without adding too much liquid to the batter.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes. You can bake the batter in a muffin pan instead, though the baking time may need to increase by a few minutes.

How do I store Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 3 days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze the uncoated donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, warm slightly, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider is recommended because it has a richer, more concentrated flavor. Apple juice will produce a milder result.

Can I use a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze, maple glaze, or vanilla glaze all pair wonderfully with these donuts.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are everything you want in a cozy homemade fall treat. Soft, moist, and bursting with concentrated apple flavor, they’re finished with a buttery cinnamon-spice coating that makes every bite irresistible. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, making them quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings or weekend baking.

Bake a batch of these easy homemade Apple Cider Donuts and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn anytime. If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment and share your favorite variation—we’d love to hear how you made these delicious donuts your own!

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