When the crisp autumn air signals the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and apple harvests, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect cozy treat. That’s when I stumbled upon a delightful recipe for irresistible baked apple cider donuts. Just thinking about them fills my kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that whisk me away to an apple orchard on a sunny fall afternoon.

These donuts are the epitome of fall, showcasing a soft, cake-like texture wrapped in the sweet embrace of fresh apple cider and a symphony of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. What’s even better? They’re baked, not fried, offering a guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will adore. A quick dip in melted butter followed by a roll in cinnamon sugar adds that classic finish you crave from a donut shop, making them perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts or relaxing autumn afternoons with friends.

Ready to bring a taste of the season into your home? Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe for baked apple cider donuts that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why are Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts a Must-Try?

Cozy flavors of apple and warm spices create the ultimate autumn treat that fills your home with a comforting aroma! Baked, not fried, these donuts maintain a delightful texture while being lighter than traditional options. Family-friendly and fun to make, this recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike. Quick dipping in butter followed by a roll in cinnamon sugar gives them that irresistible finish. Enjoy them fresh with a cup of coffee for a seasonal delight, and check out other delicious fall treats to enhance your culinary repertoire!

Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients

For the Batter

Fresh Apple Cider – The key flavor base; fresh cider provides richness, but apple juice will do in a pinch.
Butter – Adds moisture and richness; be sure to melt it for easy mixing.
Sugar – Essential for sweetness and structure; granulated sugar is a must for the cinnamon sugar coating.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent; using a room temperature egg helps with better emulsification.
Greek Yogurt – Contributes moisture and tang; you can swap it with sour cream if necessary.
Flour – Builds the body of the donuts; all-purpose flour yields the best texture.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Work as leavening agents; they’re crucial for achieving a soft, airy donut.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Salt – Enhances flavor; freshly ground spices offer a more pronounced taste.

For the Glaze

Melted Butter – Used for dipping; it adds a rich layer that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
Cinnamon Sugar – A delightful mix of sugar and cinnamon; this classic topping completes every bite of your irresistible baked apple cider donuts!

How to Make Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Reduce Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup of fresh apple cider over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reduces to about 1/4 cup, achieving a thick, syrupy consistency. This intensifies the apple flavor, creating a deliciously rich base.
Preheat Oven: While the cider is reducing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to thoroughly grease your donut pans with non-stick spray or butter to avoid any sticking during baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the reduced cider, melted butter, granulated sugar, room temperature egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, allowing all the ingredients to beautifully blend together.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your donuts tender and soft.
Fill Pans: Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off) to easily fill your donut pans. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full to allow room for rising in the oven.
Bake: Place the filled pans in your preheated oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should spring back lightly when touched.
Cool and Coat: Once baked, let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, dip each donut into the melted butter and then roll in a bowl of cinnamon sugar to achieve the perfect sweet outer coating.

Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or enjoy them plain!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make this recipe your own!

Dairy-Free: Substitute melted coconut oil for butter and use almond or coconut yogurt for a delightful dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring every bite remains delicious and tender.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising, warm kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Apple Pie Add-In: Fold in small diced apples before baking for a delightful texture and an extra burst of apple flavor in every bite.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace half of the apple cider with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that’s simply irresistible.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top after coating in cinnamon sugar for a decadent finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
Maple Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the donuts in a maple glaze for a sweet and sticky treat that enhances the autumn flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the soft, fluffy donuts.

Customization is key; let your creativity shine and enjoy crafting your perfect autumn treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply reduce the apple cider and mix all the wet ingredients together, then refrigerate separately from the dry ingredients. When you’re ready to bake, combine the wet and dry mixtures, fill your pans, and bake as instructed. To maintain quality, it’s best to bake the donuts just before you plan to serve them, ensuring they’re fresh and warm. Simply reheat any leftovers in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their delightful softness!

How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Room Temperature: Store baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days; just remember they may lose a bit of their delightful crunch.

Freezer: Freeze the donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. This keeps them fresh and ready for whenever a craving hits!

Reheating: To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm, maintaining their irresistible taste.

Expert Tips for Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Reduce Cider Properly: Make sure to simmer the apple cider until it’s thick and syrupy for the best flavor; a wet batter can ruin the texture.
Room Temperature Egg: Using an egg at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, contributing to the overall fluffiness of the donuts.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Lumps are okay; overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of tender.
Grease Well: Even if using nonstick pans, grease them thoroughly to prevent the irresistible baked apple cider donuts from sticking.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your donuts while baking. Pull them out as soon as they spring back to touch for moist, fluffy results.

What to Serve with Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

Imagine curling up on a crisp autumn afternoon with a cup of something warm and a plate of freshly made delights by your side.

Hot Apple Cider: A classic pairing that amplifies the cozy apple flavors, making every sip and bite taste like fall.
Crispy Bacon: The savory crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coated donuts for a balanced breakfast.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in a chai latte harmonize with the nutmeg and cinnamon in the donuts, creating a delightful experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a fun dessert twist, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a warm donut, bringing indulgence and comfort.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side of mixed seasonal fruits brightens the meal while providing a crisp, juicy contrast to the rich donuts.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of fall nostalgia that perfectly complements the donuts.
Caramel Sauce: Serve them alongside warm caramel sauce for an extra treat that takes your baked donuts to the next level of sweetness.
Nutty Coffee: A nutty flavored coffee enriches the aromatic experience, pulling together all the cozy vibes for sipping and savoring.
Chocolate Milk: For a fun treat, serve with rich chocolate milk, ideal for kids and the young-at-heart. Each donut becomes a mini adventure!

Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of apple cider should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using fresh apple cider. It brings a richness that really enhances the donuts. If you can’t find fresh cider, regular apple juice can work in a pinch, though the taste won’t be quite as rich.

How do I store my baked apple cider donuts?
You’ll want to keep your baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days for optimum freshness. If you’d like to save them longer, refrigerating them is an option—just keep in mind they may lose some of their beloved crunch.

Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts?
Yes, you can freeze these delicious treats! To freeze, first allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re fully frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my donuts turn out too dry?
Very! If your donuts happen to be on the dry side, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Make sure to keep an eye on them during baking, and use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour for the right amount. If you want to enhance moisture, consider a drizzle of glaze or whipped cream when serving to elevate their flavor.

Are these donuts safe for pets, and are there any allergens?
While the ingredients in these irresistible baked apple cider donuts are safe for humans, they contain sugar and spices that aren’t recommended for pets. Be cautious with allergies too; the donuts contain gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter and yogurt). If you’re serving these to friends or family, it’s always a good idea to check for any dietary restrictions beforehand!