Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible baked apple cider donuts! This recipe delivers a perfect autumnal treat, brimming with rich apple flavor and warm, inviting spices. Best of all, there’s no frying needed, making these homemade delights an easy and lighter indulgence everyone can enjoy. Prepare for a cozy, delightful baking experience that brings the magic of fall right into your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Amazing Texture: These baked apple cider donuts boast a wonderfully cakey, moist, and dense texture that practically melts in your mouth. They’re a true comfort food.
- Intense Fall Flavor: Every bite bursts with concentrated apple cider and a medley of warm spices like cinnamon and apple pie spice. This flavor profile captures the essence of autumn perfectly.
- Effortless Baking: Forget the fuss of deep-frying! This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring no mixer and baking quickly in your oven. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners.
- Lighter Indulgence: Because these are baked apple cider donuts and not fried, you can enjoy this sweet treat with a little less guilt. They offer all the deliciousness without the heavy oil.
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, you can have a batch of warm, freshly coated apple cider donuts ready in under an hour. This makes them ideal for a spontaneous fall craving.
Ingredients
To create these delightful baked apple cider donuts, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a star ingredient. We’ll start with fresh apple cider, reducing it to enhance its natural sweetness and tartness. This concentration is key to the donut’s signature flavor.
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
The apple cider reduction step is truly vital; it concentrates the cider’s flavor, which is crucial for authentic apple cider donuts. If you don’t have apple pie spice, easily make your own by blending cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. For the milk, buttermilk, plain yogurt, or even sour cream can be excellent substitutions, adding extra moisture and a slight tang. Always ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature for the best, most evenly combined batter.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you begin makes baking a breeze. You won’t need anything fancy for these easy baked apple cider donuts.
- Donut pan (standard 6-cavity works best)
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk or spatula
- Piping bag (or a large zipped-top bag for filling)
- Wire cooling rack
How To Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Follow these simple steps to make incredible baked apple cider donuts from scratch. This process is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful batch every time. Remember to read through all the steps before you begin for the smoothest experience.
- Reduce the apple cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (120ml). This concentration usually takes around 20 minutes, but start checking around the 10-minute mark. Don’t worry if any spices or solids form on top; leave them in. Set the reduced cider aside to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray your donut pan cavities with non-stick spray and set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures your baked apple cider donuts release easily.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, then set the bowl aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, room-temperature egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the cooled, reduced apple cider. Use your whisk or spatula to gently mix everything together until just smooth and combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly thick batter is normal for these cakey apple cider donuts.
- Fill the donut pan: For the easiest and cleanest method, transfer the donut batter into a large zipped-top bag. Snip off one corner of the bag. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway. This ensures your donuts bake beautifully and rise correctly.
- Bake the donuts: Place the donut pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges and tops of the donuts are lightly browned. To check for doneness, gently poke a donut with your finger; if it springs back, they’re ready.
- Cool and repeat: Let the donuts cool in the pan for just 2 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you have remaining batter, re-grease your donut pan and repeat the baking process.
- Prepare the topping: While the donuts cool, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter for the topping. In a separate medium bowl, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice. Stir them together until well blended.
- Coat the donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dunk both sides of each donut into the melted butter. Immediately after, roll them generously in the cinnamon-sugar spice topping, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Serve immediately: These baked apple cider donuts are truly best served warm, offering the most delightful flavor and soft texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts & Troubleshooting
- Don’t skip the reduction: The apple cider reduction is non-negotiable for intensifying the apple flavor. It’s what makes these apple cider donuts truly shine.
- Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough donuts. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined for tender, cakey results.
- Fill halfway: Resist the urge to overfill the donut cavities. Filling them halfway allows for proper rising and that classic donut shape.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaked donuts become dry. Use the bounce-back test mentioned in the instructions; a light browning and a springy top indicates they are done.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature. Using room temperature ingredients in baking is often crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified batter and achieving the best texture in your baked goods. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly and creates a more uniform batter for your baked apple cider donuts.
- Piping bag is your friend: Using a piping bag or a zipped-top bag makes filling the donut pan incredibly easy and mess-free. It gives you control and a neat finish.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious baked apple cider donuts warm for the ultimate taste experience. The warmth enhances their cozy spices and soft texture. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a comforting mug of tea, or even a glass of crisp apple cider for double the apple enjoyment. They make a fantastic breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover donuts covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze coated or uncoated apple cider donuts for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their warmth and softness before serving.
Variations
Get creative with your baked apple cider donuts! You can easily transform this recipe into apple cider donut muffins by baking the batter in a muffin tin instead. For a delightful party treat, bake mini apple cider donuts using a mini donut pan. Consider alternative glazes, like a simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with a little milk or apple cider for an extra touch. You could even add small, finely diced apple chunks into the batter for an extra burst of fresh apple flavor.
Nutrition Information
Making homemade treats allows you to control the ingredients. These baked apple cider donuts offer a delightful indulgence, and we recommend them as a special treat.
| Nutrient | Estimated Value (per donut) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 |
| Total Fat | 12-15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7-9g |
| Cholesterol | 45-55mg |
| Sodium | 180-220mg |
| Total Carbs | 40-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Total Sugars | 25-30g |
| Protein | 3-4g |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is apple cider reduction?
Apple cider reduction is simply apple cider simmered down to a much smaller volume, which intensifies its natural apple flavor. This concentrated liquid is crucial for the deep taste of these baked apple cider donuts.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
While you technically can, apple cider is highly preferred for these donuts. It offers a more robust, complex flavor profile compared to sweeter, less tart apple juice.
Can I fry these donuts?
This specific recipe is developed for baked apple cider donuts, not fried ones. The batter consistency and baking method are optimized for oven baking.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
Your donuts are ready when their edges and tops are lightly browned and they spring back gently when you lightly touch them. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Why is my batter thick?
The batter for these apple cider donuts is naturally on the thicker side. This consistency helps create the desired cakey, dense texture that makes these baked treats so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
You now have all the tools and knowledge to create truly delicious baked apple cider donuts right in your own kitchen! These easy, no-fry delights offer the perfect blend of sweet apple and warm spices, making them an ideal treat for any fall occasion. We encourage you to try this flavorful recipe and experience the joy of homemade apple cider donuts for yourself. Happy baking!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup (120ml), which takes around 20 minutes, then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray, then set it aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt, then set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and combined, noting it will be slightly thick.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about halfway, or use a large zipped-top bag to pipe it in.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges and tops are lightly browned; cool the donuts for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, re-grease the pan, and bake any remaining batter.
- Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl to create the apple spice topping.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in the melted butter, then generously coat them in the apple spice topping.
- Donuts are best served immediately; leftovers can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
