Name: Baked Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Apple Cider (see notes); 1 cup All Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Powder; ½ tsp Cinnamon; ½ tsp Kosher Salt; 1 Large Egg; 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted & cooled; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 whole Honeycrisp Apple, peeled, grated & gently squeezed dry (about ½ cup) (see notes); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 1-2 tbsp Heavy Cream (see notes); 2 tbsp Reduced Apple Cider (from the reduction step); Gold Sprinkles; Ground Cinnamon; Crushed Toasted Walnuts

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There is nothing quite like the cozy warmth of homemade donuts to brighten a crisp autumn morning or a relaxed weekend brunch. This Baked Cider Donuts Recipe brings together all the best flavors of fall with tender, cakey donuts infused with reduced apple cider and fresh grated apples. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter but still deliver on that comforting sweetness and spice that make them utterly irresistible. Topped with a luscious apple cider glaze and optional crunchy toppings, they are a delightful treat that feels like a big, warm hug in donut form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several light brown baked donuts with a smooth, slightly cracked texture on top. They have a slightly shiny surface indicating softness, with small holes in the center of each donut. The donuts are arranged closely on a metal cooling rack with a grid pattern, and the background is a white marbled texture. The donuts are round and uniform in size, with a golden-yellow color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your baked cider donuts. From the tender flour base to the fragrant cinnamon and naturally sweet grated apples, every component is thoughtfully chosen.

Apple Cider: Start with quality apple cider to reduce and concentrate its rich, fruity flavor for both the batter and glaze.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the donuts, providing structure while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking Powder: A little lift to ensure the donuts rise just right and remain light.
Cinnamon: Adds that unmistakable warm spice that brings out the best in apples.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
Large Egg: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the soft texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings a gentle caramel note and moisture to the donuts.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a subtle sweetness that complements the apple and spice.
Honeycrisp Apple: Peeled, grated, and gently squeezed dry to fold in fresh, juicy sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze for that sweet, snowy coating.
Heavy Cream: Adds a silky smooth texture to the glaze, adjusting thickness as you like.
Optional Garnishes: Gold sprinkles, ground cinnamon, or crushed toasted walnuts for that extra touch of flair and crunch.

How to Make Baked Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Begin by placing your apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer and cook until the liquid reduces by half to a thick, flavorful concentrate—this will take about 6 to 10 minutes. Cooling the reduced cider completely before use enriches both the batter and the glaze with deep apple goodness.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Donut Pan

Set your oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grease your donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your donuts come out perfectly shaped with no sticking issues.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt to distribute the leavening and spice evenly throughout your batter. This step sets the foundation for perfectly textured donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk the egg, light brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and one-third cup of your cooled reduced cider in a separate medium bowl. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and that irresistible apple essence to your donuts.

Step 5: Form the Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the grated, nicely dried Honeycrisp apple using a spatula—taking care not to overmix. The batter should be thick and moist, with flecks of apple peeking through.

Step 6: Pipe Batter into the Donut Pan

Spoon your batter into a piping bag or a sturdy zip-closure bag with the corner sliced off. Carefully pipe the batter into each mold, filling about three-quarters full. This makes it easy to control and prevents messy spills.

Step 7: Bake Your Donuts

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 14 to 18 minutes until the donuts gently spring back to the touch and show a light golden edge. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze

While the donuts bake, whisk powdered sugar with two tablespoons of the reduced cider and heavy cream in a shallow bowl. Adjust the cream to reach your desired glaze thickness—smooth and dippable is ideal.

Step 9: Glaze and Finish Your Donuts

Dip the cooled donuts tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and sprinkle with your chosen garnish for a pretty, tasty finish.

How to Serve Baked Cider Donuts Recipe

The image shows seven round donuts with a hole in the middle, each covered in a smooth, pale yellow glaze. Each donut has a topping of small chopped yellow bits and a light sprinkle of fine brown powder mostly placed on one side of the donuts. The donuts are arranged on a light brown parchment paper with soft folds, all set against a white marbled surface. The donuts are evenly spaced with some near the edges of the frame, showing their soft texture and slight gloss from the glaze. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Baked Cider Donuts Recipe with garnishes like a dusting of ground cinnamon for extra warmth, crushed toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch, or shimmering gold sprinkles to add a festive sparkle. These little touches turn simple donuts into a show-stopping treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a rich cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, a creamy chai latte, or fresh apple cider for a breakfast or brunch that feels like a celebration. They also complement savory dishes like a sharp cheddar omelette or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack your glazed donuts on a rustic wooden board layered with autumn leaves or place them in a decorative donut tower. You can also serve them warm with small ramekins of extra glaze or honey for dipping to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover donuts, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature overnight. Avoid glazing until you’re ready to serve to preserve the perfect texture and sweetness.

Freezing

Baked cider donuts freeze well unfrosted. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a 300-degree oven. After warming, dip or drizzle with fresh glaze to recapture that shiny, sweet finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the donuts?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, varieties like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work beautifully depending on your flavor preference. Just be sure to grate and gently dry them before adding to the batter.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider?

Yes, reducing the cider intensifies its natural sweetness and concentrates the apple flavor, which is key to capturing the essence of these Baked Cider Donuts Recipe. It also prevents the donuts from becoming too wet.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

You can! Simply use a muffin pan instead and adjust the baking time slightly (around 16 to 22 minutes). The muffins will have a slightly different shape but the same delicious taste.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts without running off completely. Start with one tablespoon of heavy cream and gradually add more until you reach a smooth, dippable consistency that clings nicely.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s best to prepare the batter fresh for optimal texture, but you can reduce the apple cider ahead of time and store it refrigerated for up to three days. Just combine everything right before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cider Donuts Recipe offers a wonderful way to bring the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen with ease and joy. From the tender, apple-filled donuts to the sweet, tangy glaze, every bite feels like a celebration of the season. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share the delightful experience with your friends and family—it’s sure to become a cherished classic in your home as it is in mine!