Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn whispers promise when the first batch of warm apple cider donuts fills your kitchen with spicy-sweet comfort.

These classic fall apple cider donuts deliver pure seasonal magic in every delectable bite.

The robust apple cider weaves deep flavor through soft, tender dough that emerges golden and irresistible from the oven.

Crisp cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful crunch that makes these donuts impossible to resist.

Cozy weekend mornings or afternoon coffee breaks become extraordinary with these homemade treats.

Weekend bakers and fall enthusiasts will find pure joy in this simple yet spectacular recipe that celebrates autumn’s most beloved flavors.

Let’s find out this delicious adventure and let the aroma of cinnamon and apples transport you to crisp orchard memories.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Cider Reduction Journey Simmer apple cider in a saucepan until it transforms into a thick, rich syrup. Let the liquid cool and concentrate its incredible apple essence.
• Flavor Foundation Whisk together eggs, sugars, butter, milk, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes silky and smooth, creating a delectable base for your donuts.
• Dry Ingredient Harmony Blend flour with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, ensuring each spice is evenly distributed for maximum flavor impact.
• Batter Blend Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, adding the cooled cider syrup. Mix just until combined to keep the donuts tender and light.
• Oven Preparation Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan and carefully fill each cavity halfway with the aromatic batter, using a piping bag for precision.
• Baking Transformation Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Coating Celebration After a brief cooling, brush each warm donut with melted butter and roll generously in a spiced sugar mixture that adds a final burst of sweet, spicy magic.

Apple Cider Donuts: Flavor Ideas and Tips

• Reducing apple cider intensifies its natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile for your donuts.
• Whisk dry ingredients separately to break up any potential lumps and ensure even spice distribution throughout the batter.
• Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped allows for precise, mess-free donut pan filling and professional-looking results.
• These donuts taste best within the first few hours of baking, so plan to serve them shortly after cooling for maximum deliciousness.
• Experiment with different coating options like maple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar dusting to match your mood and taste preferences.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Warm

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these apple cider donuts with a steaming mug of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a delightful morning treat that warms both heart and soul.
• Autumn Dessert Delight: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle with warm caramel sauce to elevate the donuts into an indulgent after-dinner dessert experience.
• Brunch Party Star: Create a beautiful breakfast spread by arranging these donuts on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a small bowl of extra spiced sugar for dipping and sharing with friends.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these donuts in a portable container for outdoor adventures, making them an excellent snack for fall hiking trips, weekend picnics, or casual gatherings in the crisp autumn air.

Keep Baked Apple Cider Donuts Fresh and Soft

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful donuts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicious taste. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the donut batter a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to develop and saves precious morning preparation time. Simply remove from the fridge, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Carefully place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for a freshly-baked feel.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed within hours of baking, these donuts maintain peak crispiness and flavor when consumed fresh. If serving later, quickly refresh by warming in the oven for 2-3 minutes before presenting to guests, restoring that just-baked deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Behind Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Apple Cider: Concentrated essence that deepens the apple flavor and provides natural sweetness to the donuts.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and creates a rich, tender texture in the final baked treat.
• Whole or 2% Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb in the donut.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, tender baked texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic undertone.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives donuts their classic texture.
• Baking Powder: Creates light, airy lift and helps donuts rise evenly.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and provides additional rising power.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Cinnamon Powder, Nutmeg Powder, Cardamom Powder: Warm spices that create a classic autumn-inspired flavor profile and complement the apple cider's natural sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (for coating): Helps the spiced sugar coating stick to the donuts and adds extra richness.

Tools That Help Bake Apple Cider Donuts Easily

• Nonstick saucepan: Perfect for reducing apple cider into a thick syrup.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending ingredients and creating a uniform mixture.
• Donut pan: Key tool for shaping and baking donuts with perfect ring form.
• Piping bag (optional): Helps fill donut pan neatly and precisely.
• Wire rack: Great for cooling donuts after baking.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing spiced sugar coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Helpful for checking donuts' doneness.

Heavenly Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic New England apple cider donuts showcase autumn’s warmth with a perfect blend of spices and apple cider. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite you to savor fall’s most beloved seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) apple cider
• 1.75 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) whole or 2% milk
• 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.33 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 0.33 cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon powder
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg powder
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg powder
• 0.125 tsp cardamom powder
• 0.5 tsp cardamom powder

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Instructions

1. Reduction: Simmer apple cider in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat until transformed into a concentrated, velvety syrup. Cool the reduction to room temperature.
2. Wet Mixture Preparation: Combine egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly integrated.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: In a separate bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cardamom. Whisk to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
4. Batter Assembly: Delicately incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding in the cooled apple cider syrup. Mix minimally to maintain a light, airy texture.
5. Oven Preparation and Filling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. Pipe batter into the cavities, filling each halfway with precision.
6. Baking and Cooling: Bake donuts for 10-12 minutes until they spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Coating and Serving: Create a spiced sugar mixture by combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll generously in the fragrant sugar coating. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Concentrate Cider Carefully: Reducing apple cider intensifies flavor and creates a rich, syrupy base that elevates the donut’s taste profile.
• Minimize Mixing Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent gluten development, ensuring light, tender donuts with a delicate crumb.
• Precise Baking Temperature: Use an accurate oven thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F heat, preventing over or underbaking of donuts.
• Coating Technique Matters: Apply melted butter immediately before sugar coating to help spices adhere perfectly and create a crisp, flavorful exterior.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg