These baked apple cider donuts are fluffy, sweet, and full of fresh apple flavor. The cinnamon sugar coating just melts in your mouth and makes each bite so addictive. I literally can't stop eating these donuts when I make them!
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My Take On Apple Cider Donuts
I think it's safe to say fall is my favorite season of the year, and there isn't anything quite like the smell of freshly baked apple cider donuts to make it truly feel like fall.
The perfectly baked donuts are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside, while the inside remains soft and doughy. The texture is perfect, and I love the layers of cinnamon sugar and apple cider flavors.
They're easily my favorite apple-flavored breakfast, along with my apple pancakes. But honestly, whenever I make these donuts, I find myself eating them for breakfast and dessert. Trust me, you'll be finding every excuse to eat one of these bakery-worthy donuts!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
The donuts are easy to make. Even if you've never made donuts at home before, I promise you'll end up with perfectly sweet, fluffy, cakey donuts on your very first try. This recipe is truly foolproof!
The flavor is perfect. These delicious apple cider donuts have all the fall flavors you'd want. The balance of warm apple cider and cinnamon sugar are the highlights of the donuts, with a hint of brown sugar.
Everyone will love them. When I make this recipe, even people who don't like drinking apple cider love the donuts. You'll be surprised with how big of a hit they are!
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- Flour- for the cakey base.
- Apple cider- to give the donuts a delicious flavor and moist texture.
- Milk- use any you want.
- Egg
- Cinnamon- for a warm spice flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda- to make the donuts light and cakey.
- Salt
- Vanilla extract- for more flavor.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar- for a blend of sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter- to make the donuts rich.
And for the topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
How To Make Apple Cider Donuts
1. Make concentrated apple cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced by half. This should take about 20 minutes. When the apple cider is reduced, set it aside to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the wet and dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk.
3. Make the donut batter: Working in batches, pour the flour mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients and add the reduced apple cider. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth, combined, and thickened.
4. Pour the donut batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°F) and grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the donut batter into a large ziplock bag. Cut one of the corners off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut slot, filling halfway so they don't overflow.
5. Bake: Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes or until the edges and the tops are lightly golden brown. Let the donuts cool for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Re-grease the donut pan and bake the remaining batter.
6. Finish the donuts: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Dip both sides of the freshly baked donuts in the melted butter. Then, generously coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Finally, serve and enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Donut Pan?
Yes, I have a little DIY trick you can do with a muffin pan. First, spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Then roll a sheet of tin foil into a cylinder shape.
Press the tin foil into the muffin pan so it's standing straight up, and pipe the donut batter around it. The hole of the donuts might not be perfect, but they'll still taste delicious!
My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Use a silicone donut pan to help prevent the donuts from sticking.
- Slightly underbake the donuts if you prefer them cakier.
- Swap cinnamon for apple pie spice if you want a stronger apple flavor.
- Swap milk for buttermilk for a richer flavor.
- Have a cup of warm apple cider with the donuts for the best experience. I love dipping my donuts in the cider.
How I Recommend Storing These Donuts
At room temperature: Transfer the leftover donuts to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. I like to heat the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
In the freezer: Allow the donuts to cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag with the air squeezed out and freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen donuts thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying them.
More Apple Recipes To Make
- Apple pie bars
- Cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling
- Caramel apple dump cake
- Cream cheese caramel apple dip
- Crescent roll apple dumplings
Apple Cider Donuts
These baked apple cider donuts are fluffy, sweet, and full of fresh apple flavor. The cinnamon sugar coating just melts in your mouth and makes each bite so addictive. I literally can't stop eating these donuts when I make them!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
And here's what you'll need for the topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until the cider is reduced by half. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk. Pour in the dry ingredients and the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spoon the batter into a large zip-lock bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling halfway.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Cool donuts for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Re-grease the donut pan and bake the remaining donut batter.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter.
- Dunk both sides of the donuts in the melted butter.
- Then, generously coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Enjoy these apple cider donuts while still warm.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 donutAmount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
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