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4.4 from 15 votes

Apple Cider Donuts

Overflowing with the flavors of fall, these homemade Apple Cider Donuts are baked, not fried, and then rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 16 donuts
Calories: 251 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the donuts:
  • 3 cups apple cider (see note 2)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (see note 3)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter melted (see note 4)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan over medium low heat, simmer the apple cider until you are left with about 1/2 cup of cider, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour cider mixture into the flour mixture. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each one about 1/2 way, about 1/4 cup. Bake the donuts until lightly brown on top, about 12 minutes. If donuts bounce back to the touch, then they are done. Remove donuts from pan and cool on a wire rack.
  5. For the topping, in a medium bowl combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Place the melted butter in a separate medium bowl.
  6. To coat the donuts, working one donut at a time, dip the donuts into the melted butter then gently roll the donut around in the sugar mixture. Serve immediately or can be stored in refrigerator for 5 days in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Donut pan: I own and use this set of two donut pans (shown in the photos) for baked donuts.
  • Apple cider: You'll begin with 3 cups, then cook it down into 1/2 cup. This concentrated flavor-booster is the secret ingredient to max out the fall flavor in these baked donuts. You can substitute apple juice, but the apple flavor is weaker and the final donuts will taste sweeter.
  • Apple pie spice: If you don't have a jar of this mixed, it's easy to make your own apple pie spice. Combine 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and a pinch of cloves.
  • Butter: Melt this to act as the "glue" to adhere the apple pie spice, cinnamon, and sugar to the exterior of the Apple Cider Donuts. (Psst..you'll want some napkins handy when you enjoy these homemade donuts!)
  • Yield: This recipe makes 16 baked donuts.
  • Storage: Place an an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 donut Calories 251kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 43g (14%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 31mg (10%) Sodium 200mg (8%) Potassium 90mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 30g (60%) Vitamin A 252IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 39mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16donuts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 251

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 donut
Calories 251kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 90mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 30g 60%
Vitamin A 252IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 39mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.