A Beloved New England Fall Tradition, Now Easier Than Ever

For generations, apple cider donuts have been a cherished autumn ritual in my New England home. As soon as October arrives, my family and I eagerly venture out to our favorite local apple orchards. We spend the day enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, picking bushels of crisp apples, and, of course, stocking up on gallons of fresh apple cider. No trip is complete without savoring a soft, fluffy apple cider donut – it’s the quintessential taste of the season.

Over the years, this homemade baked apple cider donut recipe has become a treasured staple. What I adore most about this version is that these delightful rings of goodness are baked, not fried. This means less mess, a lighter texture, and a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Every single bite is bursting with an intense, concentrated apple cider essence, perfectly complemented by the warm, aromatic embrace of cinnamon-sugar spice. It truly feels like holding autumn in the palm of your hand!

The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Reduced Apple Cider

The core of what makes these donuts truly exceptional is the innovative use of reduced apple cider. Instead of just adding cider to the batter, we simmer it down, allowing the water to evaporate and leaving behind a concentrated elixir of pure apple flavor. This simple yet crucial step amplifies the taste profile of the donuts, ensuring a profound apple essence that shines through every crumb. It’s the difference between a good apple cider donut and an absolutely extraordinary one.

Our recipe transforms fresh apple cider into a vibrant, deep flavor foundation. This method not only intensifies the apple notes but also contributes to the moist, tender crumb of the donuts. The combination of this reduced cider with a thoughtful blend of spices like cinnamon and apple pie spice creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly captures the spirit of fall.

Simple Steps to Baking Perfection

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of homemade donuts! This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Here’s a quick overview of the straightforward process:

• Simmer Apple Cider: The essential first step! Reduce apple cider on the stovetop to concentrate its flavor. This gives your donuts that incredible, authentic cider taste.
• Combine Ingredients: Whisk together your dry ingredients in one bowl, and your wet ingredients in another. Then, gently fold the wet into the dry, incorporating the cooled, reduced apple cider.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into your donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for a mere 10-12 minutes, until they’re puffed and golden.
• Coat in Spiced Sugar: Once slightly cooled, dip each donut generously into melted butter, then roll them through a fragrant mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. This creates that irresistible, crunchy exterior.
• Serve Warm: The absolute best way to enjoy these is fresh out of the oven, still warm and inviting, alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

Tips for Success and Creative Variations

Even if you don’t own a specialized donut pan, you can still enjoy these amazing fall treats! They can easily be made in a muffin tin. The baking time will remain roughly the same, but keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Simply adjust your expectations for shape – they’ll be delicious “donut muffins”!

Looking for a bite-sized indulgence or something perfect for sharing at a gathering? Try my recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes. They offer the same incredible cider donut satisfaction in a smaller, more shareable format.

Enhancing Your Donut Experience:

• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and apple pie spice to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves can also add wonderful depth.
• Glaze Alternatives: While the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating is classic, you could also try a simple vanilla glaze or a maple glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead Tips: The dry ingredients can be whisked together ahead of time. The reduced cider can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestions: Beyond coffee and tea, these donuts are fantastic with hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

More Apple-Inspired Delights

If you’re anything like us, the arrival of fall means diving headfirst into all things apple. If these baked apple cider donuts have sparked your apple obsession, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic apple recipes:

• Easy Apple Turnovers: Flaky pastry filled with sweet, tender apples – a timeless treat.
• Best Ever Apple Pie: The ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any occasion.
• Apple Tarte Tatin: An elegant French classic with caramelized apples.
• Light Apple Pecan Crisp: A warm, crunchy, and delightful dessert option.
• Spiced Apple-Caramel Crumble Bars: A decadent combination of apple, caramel, and crumble in a convenient bar form.

And for those who simply can’t get enough of donut goodness, regardless of the season, explore our wider collection of donut recipes – there’s something for every craving!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice*
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter or canola oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 stick (8 Tbsp.) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice*

Instructions

1. Reduce the Cider: In a small pot, simmer apple cider over low heat. Reduce until only ½ cup remains, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This step concentrates the apple flavor significantly. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Ensure they are well combined.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or canola oil), large egg, both sugars (brown and granulated), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cooled, reduced apple cider. Stir gently until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Donuts: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are puffed, golden brown, and spring back when lightly touched. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Re-coat the donut pan with nonstick spray and repeat the process for any remaining batter.

For the Topping:

1. Coat the Donuts: Prepare the melted butter in a medium-sized shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice for the coating. Dunk each cooled donut into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately roll the butter-dipped donut generously in the cinnamon-sugar topping until evenly covered.

Notes