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Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

These Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat, combining the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon in a soft, tender donut that’s baked, not fried. The donuts are coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice without the heaviness of traditional fried donuts.

Ingredients

Scale

Donut Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup reduced apple cider and unsalted butter mixture (see below)

Reduced Apple Cider Syrup:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • About 2 tablespoons reserved reduced apple cider syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Donut Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-cup donut pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. If you have only one pan, plan to bake in batches.
  2. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a microwave-safe 2-cup measuring cup or bowl, cover with plastic wrap or wax paper and microwave the apple cider on high for 8-10 minutes until it reduces down to 1/2 cup. Alternatively, reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat by simmering for approximately 10 minutes. Immediately whisk in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot cider until the mixture is smooth and silky. Let it cool for a few minutes, reserving a total of 1/2 cup of this mix, as some will be used for the batter and some for the glaze.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooled reduced cider and butter mixture, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, pinches of ground nutmeg and ground cloves, a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
  5. Make the Batter: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients slowly, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula just until all the flour disappears. Avoid over-mixing as this could toughen the donuts. Aim for a tender texture with no visible flour streaks.
  6. Fill the Donut Pans: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures the donuts rise properly while keeping their characteristic rings.
  7. Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes until the donuts have risen and the edges are lightly browned. If using one pan, bake in batches. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm for glazing.
  8. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a bowl large enough for dipping. Whisk in about 2 tablespoons of the reserved reduced cider and butter syrup. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  9. Glaze and Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip one side of each donut into the melted butter and cider mixture, then immediately press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. For an extra burst of flavor, roll the entire donut in the cinnamon sugar, ensuring every bite is deliciously spiced. Place coated donuts on a wire rack to let the coating set.

Notes

  • You can reduce the apple cider on the stovetop if you prefer not to use a microwave.
  • If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works well for filling the donut pans cleanly.
  • Be careful not to over-mix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating—it adds the signature sweet and spicy flavor classic to apple cider donuts.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall desserts, cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade donuts, apple recipes, baked apple cider donuts

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/best-baked-apple-cider-donuts-recipe/