Baked Apple Cider Donuts (So Soft & Sweet!) 🍎🍩

Craving a warm, cozy treat that screams fall? These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are just what you need. Bursting with spiced apple flavor and coated in cinnamon-sugar magic, they’re incredibly soft, sweet, and best of all—baked, not fried! That means no mess, no oil, just pure donut bliss.

Whether you’re prepping for a fall brunch, cozy weekend treat, or holiday table, this easy homemade apple cider donut recipe will steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into the cinnamon-scented goodness.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• No frying necessary – all the flavor, none of the oil

• Infused with reduced apple cider for bold autumn flavor

• Super soft texture thanks to the buttermilk + applesauce combo

• Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes

• Perfect for fall baking, Halloween, or Thanksgiving mornings

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🍏 What Are Apple Cider Donuts?

Apple cider donuts are a classic fall treat made with apple cider (usually reduced for stronger flavor), warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a rich cake-like batter. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, these are typically more dense and cakey, often fried… but we’re giving them a delicious baked twist!

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make baked apple cider donuts at home:

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider (to be reduced)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ⅓ cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by reducing the apple cider to concentrate the flavor.

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer 1½ cups of apple cider until reduced to ½ cup. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Reduced apple cider is key to that deep, cozy apple flavor.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp cloves

• ¼ tsp salt

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Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup applesauce

• ⅓ cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup reduced apple cider

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Step 4: Combine and Stir

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

• Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix or the donuts may turn out tough.

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Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

• Lightly grease a nonstick donut pan.

• Pour batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.

• Pipe into each donut cavity about ¾ full.

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Step 6: Bake the Donuts

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove donuts from the pan and place on a wire rack.

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Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• Brush each donut with melted butter while warm.

• Toss in cinnamon-sugar mixture (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon) until fully coated.

Optional: Double-dip for an extra sugary crunch!

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🍽️ Nutritional Value (Per Donut)

Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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🧁 Tips & Variations

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter – mix until just combined.

• Use a piping bag for cleaner filling.

• Grease your donut pan well to prevent sticking.

• Let donuts cool slightly before coating to keep the sugar crisp.

Flavor Variations

• Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in vanilla glaze.

• Maple Cinnamon Version: Add ½ tsp maple extract and finish with a maple glaze.

• Spiced Apple Donuts: Add a pinch of cardamom for a deeper spice profile.

• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds.

• Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F for 2-3 minutes for a crispy edge.

Note: Donuts taste best fresh but reheat beautifully!

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the apple cider reduction – weak flavor if not concentrated.

• Overbaking – leads to dry, crumbly donuts.

• Overmixing – tough texture due to gluten development.

• Using regular applesauce with sugar – makes the donuts too sweet.

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❓ FAQs

1. Can I make these baked apple cider donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin and bake slightly longer (13–15 minutes). They’ll taste just as great—like apple cider donut muffins!

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2. Can I freeze apple cider donuts?

Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly.

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3. What’s the best apple cider to use?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider (not apple juice). It gives the richest flavor.

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4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking.

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🍂 Final Thoughts + Call to Action

There’s something undeniably magical about baked apple cider donuts. That cozy mix of cinnamon, apple, and warmth takes us right into sweater weather, no matter the time of year. These donuts are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress.

🍎 Try them once and you’ll be making them all fall long.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board, or share it with a fellow apple lover who needs a little autumn joy!