There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced flavor of fresh Apple Cider Donuts on a crisp autumn day. This recipe delivers that quintessential fall experience with a simple, no-fuss baked method. Forget the messy hot oil; these donuts are incredibly moist, cakey, and packed with concentrated apple cider flavor. They are the perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy dessert. Get ready to make your kitchen smell like a New England apple orchard.
Why This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another donut recipe; it’s your new go-to for fall baking. We focus on developing deep, authentic flavor without the complexity of deep-frying. These baked donuts are light yet decadent, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect crunchy finish. It’s a straightforward recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
The Secret to Incredible Flavor: Reducing the Apple Cider
The most crucial step for achieving that signature, robust apple flavor is reducing the apple cider. Don’t be tempted to skip this! By simmering the cider, you boil off the excess water and are left with a potent, syrupy concentrate. This simple process intensifies the apple notes, ensuring they shine through in the final donut. Using cider straight from the jug will result in a bland, disappointing flavor.
How to Reduce Apple Cider
- Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to ½ cup.
- Let it cool slightly before using it in your batter.
Essential Ingredients
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apple Cider: The star of the show. Use a good quality, fresh-pressed cider for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cakey donuts.
- Spices: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives these donuts their classic autumnal aroma.
- Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda provide the perfect lift.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A mix of both adds moisture, sweetness, and depth.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Buttermilk & Vanilla Extract: Ensure a tender crumb and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Apple Cider Donuts is surprisingly simple. Just follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prep Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a standard donut pan. This is key to ensuring your donuts release easily.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and your cooled, reduced apple cider.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: The easiest way to fill the pan is by transferring the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Topping
What’s an apple cider donut without its sparkling, spiced coating? This two-part topping is key.
- Melted Butter Bath: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each one entirely in melted butter. This not only adds richness but also gives the cinnamon sugar something to cling to.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toss: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar and a generous amount of cinnamon. Immediately after dipping a donut in butter, toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s fully coated.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts
- Don’t Skip the Cider Reduction: I can’t say it enough! This is the most important step for authentic apple cider flavor.
- Properly Grease the Pan: Even if you have a non-stick pan, greasing and flouring it is the best insurance against sticking.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. A light hand is the secret to a tender, cake-like texture.
- Apply Topping While Warm: The topping will adhere best when the donuts are still slightly warm from the oven.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Note that the topping may become slightly moist over time. For a quick and delicious breakfast, try this Fluffy Homemade Pancakes recipe. If you’re in the mood for more apple goodness, this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
More Fall Recipes You’ll Love
Embrace the flavors of the season with more comforting recipes. This Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a seasonal favorite, and nothing beats a bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on a chilly evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this recipe in a standard muffin tin. Grease and flour the tin and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They will be muffin-shaped but still delicious.
It is not recommended to prepare the batter in advance, as the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) will start to lose their effectiveness. For the best results, mix the batter right before you plan to bake the donuts.
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind that the cinnamon-sugar coating may become slightly moist over time. They are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
Absolutely. Reducing the cider is the most critical step for achieving a true, concentrated apple flavor in your donuts. Simmering the cider removes excess water and creates a potent syrup that makes all the difference. Do not skip this step!
For the most intense flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider from the refrigerated section of your grocery store or a local orchard. Avoid using shelf-stable apple juice, as it lacks the same depth of flavor.
The Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Apple Cider Donuts: The Ultimate Baked Recipe for Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cider is reduced to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cavity donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and the ½ cup of cooled apple cider reduction.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about ⅔ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
- While the donuts are still warm, melt the butter for the topping in a bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Dip each donut in the melted butter, covering all sides. Immediately transfer the buttered donut to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat completely.
Notes
Ensure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love this recipe for baked Apple Cider Donuts as much as I do! If you make them, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
