Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

What better way to embrace the cool, crisp air of Autumn than with a warm batch of homemade Apple Cider Donuts? Cake-like baked donuts that feature the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon.

Once they come out of the oven the donuts are then coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture making them even more enticing. They are the ideal Fall treat to serve for breakfast, brunch, dessert or as an afternoon snack.

Best of all, they are easy to make with just a few common baking ingredients. Add in some apple cider and apple pie spice and you have transitioned plain donuts into something special.

Ingredients Required For Apple Cider Donuts

Although the list of ingredients looks rather long, you most likely have the majority of the baking ingredients already in your kitchen. Then add a few seasonal items and you will be ready to make these delicious donuts.

Common Baking Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dry ingredients includes all-purpose flour. However you could also use cake flour or a 1:1 gluten flour if you prefer.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure your donuts will rise and have a tender texture when baked.

Salt: A touch of salt enhances the overall flavor of other ingredients.

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the batter, however, it is best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt added to the batter.

Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients together. You can also use an egg-replacement if you have dietary restrictions. Here are the recommended Best Egg Substitutions For Baking.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Instead of using only granulated sugar, for this apple cider donut recipe we use brown sugar as well. The caramel flavor the brown sugar enhances the apple flavors in this recipe.

Milk: It is best to use whole milk, however any variety of milk will work, including plant-based milk. Just be sure to use room-temperature milk to achieve the desired texture.

Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract provides another warm element to the donuts.

Other Ingredients

Apple Cider: You’ll need 1 ½ cups of apple cider. Be sure to use actual apple cider and not apple juice for the best flavor and texture.

Ground Cinnamon and Apple Pie Spice: These two spices provide that warm, autumn flavor. If you don’t have apple pie spice substitute ½ tsp. ground cinnamon plus ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg and ¼ tsp ground allspice or ground cloves.

What Type of Pan to Use

You’ll need a donut pan to shape and bake your Apple Cider Donuts. Donut pans are widely available and come in various sizes and materials.

For this recipe, a standard-size, non-stick donut pan works perfectly. The non-stick coating ensures that your donuts will release quickly and maintain their shape.

However if you don’t have a donut pan you can still make donuts. All you need is a standard muffin pan and aluminum foil.

Start by cutting the foil into 6 x 6 inch squares. Then place the foil around one of your fingers, to create the center post.

Gently fold the sides up, to create a round mold and place it into the cup of your muffin tin. Continue to press the foil down (leaving the center post upright) into the muffin cup.

How to Fill the Donut Pan

Because the apple cider donuts will rise during baking, it is important to fill each donut hole only half full. This will allow the donuts to expand during baking without becoming misshapen.

However because the donut batter is thick it is best to use a piping bag to fill the holes. If you don’t have a piping bag a large resealable plastic bag will work just as well.

Simply place the batter in the bag and squeeze it to one bottom corner. Then cut off the tip of the bottom corner and pipe the batter in the greased pan.

Then smooth out the top and the donuts are ready for the oven.

Apple Cider Donut Topping

Although not absolutely necessary it is the cinnamon-sugar topping that takes these donuts to the next level. Place the cinnamon sugar mixture into a brown paper bag or large resealable plastic bag and shake to combine.

Then once the donuts come out of the oven, immediately transfer them into the bag and shake until well coated with the mixture. However, if you aren’t a fan of cinnamon-sugar donuts you can also dip them into a powdered sugar and milk frosting.

How to Store Apple Cider Donuts

Freshly baked Apple Cider Donuts are best when served warm, immediately after baking. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature.

However you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Then when you go to serve them microwave them for 15-25 seconds for best results.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally, reduce the apple cider until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. This takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F then spray donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together.

5. Pour the wet ingredients and reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined. Batter will be wet and slightly thick.

6. Spoon the batter into the donut pan holes, filling each one half full.

Bake Time Required For Apple Cider Donuts

Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. To test, use a toothpick and insert in the thickest part of the donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are done. Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.

Re-grease the pan and then bake the remaining donuts.

Coat the donuts: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a large resealable bag. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, place each one in the bag with the topping and shake. Remove and return to the cooling rack.

Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

ENJOY! Mary

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