With the leaves changing color and temperatures dropping, these baked apple cider donuts are the perfect treat to put you in the fall mood. That warm cinnamon aroma, the subtle apple sweetness, and the soft, cake-like texture that practically melts in your mouth. These donuts are everything we love about fall wrapped into one perfectly spiced treat. They’re infused with real apple cider, giving each bite that nostalgic, orchard-fresh taste. And because they’re baked, not fried, you can enjoy all the flavor of classic cider donuts with a little less fuss and a lot less oil.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, a fall gathering, or simply want to fill your kitchen with the scent of apples and spice, these donuts are a must-bake. I love rolling them in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating while they’re still warm — it gives them that irresistible bakery-style finish. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or, even better, a mug of warm apple cider, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate autumn indulgence. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be ready to make these all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fall flavor: These baked donuts are infused with real apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg — giving you that perfect cozy, spiced flavor in every bite.
- Baked, not fried: You’ll get all the taste of classic cider donuts without the mess or extra oil from frying.
- Soft and tender texture: Each donut is light, fluffy, and perfectly moist thanks to the apple cider reduction and just the right balance of ingredients.
- Simple to make: No yeast, no frying — just mix, bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar. It’s an easy, foolproof recipe anyone can make.
- Perfect for any fall occasion: These donuts are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat after visiting the pumpkin patch or apple orchard.
- Make-ahead friendly: They stay soft and flavorful for days, and they’re just as delicious the next morning with a warm cup of coffee.
Ingredients
- Apple Cider— 1 1/2 cups
- Flour— 2-1/2 cups
- Cornstarch— 1 tablespoon
- Baking Powder— 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda— 1/2 teaspoons
- Milk— 1/4 cup
- 1 Egg
- Butter— 1/4 cup (melted)
- Brown Sugar— 3/4 cup
- White Sugar— 1/2 cup
- Salt— 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract— 1 teaspoon
- Ground Ginger— 1/2 teaspoon
- Clove— 1/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Sugar— 1/4 cup
- Cinnamon— 1/2 tablespoon
- Melted Butter— 1/4 cup
What You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- 12 Well Donut Pan
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Simmer the apple cider in a saucepan on low heat until it reduces down to 1/2 cup then set aside to cool.
- Now combine the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl then add in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, white sugar salt, ginger, and clove.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet while alternating between stirring and pouring in the apple cider. The batter will be thick but do not overmix.
- Coat donut pan with cooking spray then fill the wells with batter about 3/4 of the way to the top.
- Bake for 22 minutes at 350F
- Now for the cinnamon Sugar coating. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Once the donuts have cooled use a brush to coat top of them with melted butter then dip them into the cinnamon sugar.
- Grab one and Enjoy!
Let us know what you thought of these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Check out some of of our other dessert recipes and feel free to browse our digital baking magazines.