Print

Cozy Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Easy 5-Step Recipe

baked apple cider donuts - featured image

Moist, tender baked donuts infused with reduced apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar. These easy, yeast-free treats capture the essence of autumn without the grease of deep-frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for reduction)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced by half (about 1 cup). Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan generously with non-stick spray or butter.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, softened butter, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold together with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each hole about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
  9. While donuts are still warm, brush lightly with melted butter and roll in the mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to coat.
  10. Serve warm.

Notes

Ensure the cider reduction is completely cool before adding to eggs to avoid cooking them. Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb. Coat donuts while they are warm, not hot, to help the sugar adhere. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked apple cider donuts, fall recipes, autumn baking, easy donut recipe, cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts, seasonal treats