This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust.
The scent of simmering apple cider filling your kitchen is the ultimate sign that fall has finally arrived. I’ve burned many batches of donuts in my day, but this recipe is the one that stays soft and perfectly spiced every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Old Fashion Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
* They bake up with a cake-like crumb instead of turning into sad, chewy hockey pucks.
* You avoid the terrifying mess and lingering smell of deep-frying in your house.
* The reduction of the apple cider creates a concentrated punch of autumn flavor.
* They actually taste better the next day once the spice has had time to meld.
* You can whip up a batch in under thirty minutes, which is dangerous for my waistline.
* The cinnamon-sugar coating stays crunchy and doesn’t just melt into the donut surface.
* These are naturally lighter than the fried versions, so you can totally have two.
Ingredients Needed
* 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour (use a light hand when scooping to keep the crumb airy).
* 1 cup / 200g granulated sugar (plain white works best for the structure).
* 1 cup / 240ml apple cider (look for unfiltered, cloudy juice for the best flavor).
* 1 teaspoon / 5g baking powder (check that it isn’t expired for a better rise).
* 1/2 teaspoon / 3g baking soda (this helps get that perfect golden-brown color).
* 1 teaspoon / 3g ground cinnamon (use fresh, fragrant spice for maximum impact).
* 1/4 cup / 60g unsalted butter, melted (unsalted allows you to control the saltiness).
* 1 large / 50g egg (room temperature keeps the batter from seizing up).
YOU MIGHT LOVE: Amish Apple Fritter Bread Recipe – A rustic, comforting loaf that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.
Essential Equipment
A standard six-well donut pan is non-negotiable for that classic shape. If you don’t have one, use a muffin tin; it changes the name to muffins, but the taste stays identical. A piping bag helps keep the edges clean, though a ziplock bag with the corner snipped works just as well.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 large donuts
- Difficulty: Beginner
Step-by-Step Instructions
You can absolutely master these, even if you’ve never baked a donut before.
Mixing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Whisk your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk your melted butter, sugar, egg, and the reduced apple cider until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stopping the moment the white streaks disappear to prevent tough donuts.
Baking to Perfection
- Pipe the batter into your prepared pan, filling each well about three-quarters of the way full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops spring back when gently pressed.
- Cool the donuts for five minutes, then toss them in extra cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks.
CHECK OUT: Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins You Must Try – Another quick, cozy treat for those hectic mornings.
Tips for Success
* Don’t overmix the batter; once the flour disappears, put the spatula down.
* Reduce your cider on the stove until it’s about half a cup; this concentrates the sweetness.
* Pipe the batter carefully to keep the donut holes clear and pretty.
Variations & Substitutions
* For a gluten-free swap, use a high-quality 1-to-1 baking flour blend.
* Want dairy-free? Use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a lovely, subtle flavor.
* Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg if you prefer a deeper spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
* Pair these with a warm mug of hot apple cider or a spiced chai tea.
* Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced autumn brunch.
* Keep them simple; they honestly don’t need a heavy glaze when they have that sugar crust.
Health Benefits
* Apple cider provides a natural dose of antioxidants from the pressed fruit.
* Baking instead of frying keeps the fat content significantly lower than traditional bakery donuts.
* Using cinnamon can help stabilize blood sugar levels during your morning coffee break.
Storage & Reheating
Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, though they’re best on day one. To freeze, wrap them individually in foil and pop them in a bag. Reheat in a 300F oven for five minutes to get that fresh-baked crispness back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for baked donuts?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as intense or complex. Cider is unfiltered and much deeper in taste, so your donuts might feel a bit flatter in flavor if you swap it out.
How do I prevent my baked apple cider donuts from becoming dry?
The secret is not overbaking them. Pull them out of the oven the moment they feel firm to the touch. Also, don’t skimp on the butter in the batter.
Can I prepare the donut batter the night before and bake it in the morning?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The baking powder will lose its potency while sitting in the wet batter, which will result in dense, heavy donuts rather than airy ones.
What is the best way to store baked apple cider donuts to keep them moist?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is the only way to lock in the moisture properly.
Can I make these apple cider donuts without a dedicated donut pan?
Yes, just use a muffin tin. It makes a thicker, rounder treat, but the flavor is exactly the same. Just keep an eye on the timing as they might need an extra minute or two.
How can I adjust the recipe to make a smaller batch of baked donuts?
You can easily halve the ingredients, including the egg. Just crack the egg into a bowl, whisk it, and use half by weight or volume to keep the ratios perfect.
How long should I reduce the apple cider to get the best flavor in my donuts?
Simmer it on the stove for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces to roughly half its original volume. This makes the cider syrup-like and packs a massive punch of apple flavor.
More Delicious Dishes
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – A warm, wholesome breakfast that feeds the whole family.
- Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding – The ultimate way to use up any leftover bread you have sitting around.
- Delectable Maple Apple Crisp – Simple, classic, and always a total crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
These donuts are the highlight of my autumn baking rotation. I hope you enjoy every single bite. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more cozy kitchen experiments.
Easy Old Fashion Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease a donut pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, egg, and apple cider.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are set.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan and coating with cinnamon sugar.