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To make these baked apple cider donuts, you'll need a few key ingredients that bring out the cozy flavors of fall. Here’s the detailed list: - 1 ½ cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - ½ cup applesauce - ⅓ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) - ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating) The apple cider gives these donuts their sweet, tangy flavor. Using both granulated and brown sugars adds depth and moisture. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, warm the taste and make them perfect for autumn. Eggs and applesauce provide moisture and help the donuts rise. Vegetable oil keeps them light and fluffy. The melted butter and cinnamon sugar create that delicious, sweet coating you can't resist. For the full recipe, check out the section in this article that details each step. To start, you need to reduce the apple cider. Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want it to reduce to about ¾ cup. Let it cool slightly after reducing. Next, mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This mix adds warmth and spice to your donuts. Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 2 large eggs. Add in ½ cup of applesauce, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. Whisk until everything is smooth and well mixed. For baking, first fill the donut pan. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with batter. It’s important not to overfill them. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter. Dip them into a mix of cinnamon sugar to coat. Enjoy these delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts warm or store them for later. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To get the best texture in your baked apple cider donuts, avoid overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, just stir until combined. A few lumps in the batter are fine. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. If your donuts feel too dense after baking, try adding a splash more apple cider next time. This can help lighten the texture and make them fluffier. You can boost the flavor of your donuts with extra spices. Consider adding ginger or allspice for a warm twist. Nutmeg is another great option that pairs well with cinnamon. For coatings, you can use flavored sugars. Try mixing cinnamon with a hint of cocoa powder for a chocolatey touch, or even a citrus zest for a fresh pop. Choose a non-stick donut pan for easy release. Silicone pans also work well and make removing the donuts a breeze. When filling the pan, I recommend using a piping bag. This helps you fill each cavity neatly and evenly. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon will work too, but it may get messy. Be sure to check out the Full Recipe for all the details! {{image_2}} To make gluten-free baked apple cider donuts, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This mix provides a good texture. You may need to add a bit of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients. Adjust other ingredients to keep the flavor. For instance, you might want to add a bit more apple sauce. This keeps your donuts moist and delicious. Always check your ingredients for gluten-free labels to ensure they meet your needs. Fall is the perfect time to spice things up. Adding pumpkin puree to your batter gives a rich flavor and a nice color. Use about half a cup of pumpkin. It pairs well with the spices in your recipe. In winter, try incorporating cranberries into your donuts. You can fold in dried cranberries or fresh ones. This adds a tartness that balances the sweetness. It makes your donuts festive and fun for the holidays. Pair your baked apple cider donuts with warm drinks. Hot apple cider or a cup of coffee makes a great match. You can also try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. Garnishes and toppings can elevate your donuts. Drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze on top. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts for added crunch. Don't forget to dust with extra cinnamon sugar for a classic finish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy the flavors of fall with every bite! To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to seal in moisture and prevent them from getting dry. If you leave them out, they lose their soft texture quickly. I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This keeps them from sticking together. Freezing is a great way to enjoy your donuts later. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back their warmth. The best way to reheat your donuts is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the donuts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, just until warm. This method keeps them soft and tasty. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the donuts chewy. Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts fresh and warm! Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. Look for cider that has no added sugars or preservatives. Fresh cider will give the best taste. If you can, choose unfiltered cider. It adds a rich apple flavor and a nice texture. Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them before serving. Store leftover donuts in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can still make these donuts. Use a muffin tin instead. Just fill each muffin cup about halfway. You can create donut holes by using a mini muffin tin. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Yes, baked apple cider donuts are generally healthier than fried ones. Baking uses less oil, which cuts calories and fat. Baked donuts also have a lighter texture. Enjoy them without the guilt of frying. You can use applesauce as a substitute for eggs. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Other options are mashed bananas or flaxseed meal mixed with water. These substitutes keep your donuts moist and tasty. In this post, we explored the ingredients and steps to make delicious baked apple cider donuts. From prepping the cider to perfecting the baking process, every detail matters. I shared tips on texture, flavor, and how to customize your donuts for any season. Don’t forget storage tips to keep them fresh. Enjoy these donuts with your favorite drinks or garnishes. You can easily make them your own. Happy baking!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious baked apple cider donuts! With a perfect blend of spices, apple cider, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these homemade treats are easy to make and sure to impress. Follow our simple recipe to create a delightful snack that pairs perfectly with your favorite beverage. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring the taste of autumn into your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

½ cup applesauce

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or oil.

    In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced to about ¾ cup. Allow it to cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.

        In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.

          Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

            Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with batter.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

                  While they are still warm, brush the tops of the donuts with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

                    Serve warm or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12