About This Recipe

Apple cider donuts are the taste of fall in America — that cakey, spiced, cinnamon-sugar-dusted treat you get at apple orchards in October. The secret to making them at home is reducing the apple cider first, which concentrates the flavor into something intensely apple-y and magical. These baked donuts are softer, easier, and honestly better than most orchard versions.

Nutrition estimates based on USDA FoodData Central. Values are per serving and may vary.

Why You'll Love It

  • That iconic apple orchard flavor — captured in your own kitchen
  • Baked not fried — all the flavor without the mess or guilt
  • The cinnamon sugar coating is dangerously addictive
  • Ready in 35 minutes — perfect fall weekend baking project

Apple Cider Donuts (Baked, Not Fried!)

Apple Cider Donuts (Baked, Not Fried!)
20 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
12
Servings
⭐ 4.9
Rating
220
Calories

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups (355ml) fresh apple cider
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For coating: 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon + 4 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. 1Reduce the cider Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup — ab...
  2. 2Preheat and prep Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan well with cooking spray or butter. This step is critical — donuts will...
  3. 3Mix dry ingredients Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt together in a large bowl....
  4. 4Mix wet ingredients In another bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth....
  5. 5Combine and pipe Fold wet into dry until just combined. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner snipped. Pipe into prepared ...
  6. 6Bake and coat Bake 12-14 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and tops spring back. Cool 5 minutes, then brush with melted butter...

Ingredients

1.5 cups (355ml) fresh apple cider 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 1.5 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1.5 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp allspice 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed 2 large eggs 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce 1 tsp vanilla extract For coating: 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon + 4 tbsp melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Reduce the cider

    Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup — about 15 minutes. This concentrates the apple flavor dramatically. Cool completely.

  2. 2

    Preheat and prep

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan well with cooking spray or butter. This step is critical — donuts will stick without proper greasing.

  3. 3

    Mix dry ingredients

    Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt together in a large bowl.

  4. 4

    Mix wet ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.

  5. 5

    Combine and pipe

    Fold wet into dry until just combined. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner snipped. Pipe into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity 3/4 full.

  6. 6

    Bake and coat

    Bake 12-14 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and tops spring back. Cool 5 minutes, then brush with melted butter and roll generously in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Pro Tips

🏆 Chef Tips
  • Reducing the cider is the #1 most important step — don't skip it, it's what gives that authentic orchard flavor.
  • Don't have a donut pan? Use a muffin tin for donut muffins — same batter, same coating.
  • Coat while warm — cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly when the butter is freshly brushed.
  • Fresh apple cider (not apple juice) makes a massive difference in flavor — use the good stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe is specifically for baking. For fried donuts you'd need a yeast-based dough. Baked versions are lighter but equally delicious with the cider reduction.
Fresh apple cider gives much more flavor than juice. If you only have juice, reduce 2 cups down to 1/2 cup for a more concentrated flavor.
Best eaten the same day. Store uncovered at room temperature up to 2 days. The coating will absorb over time — just re-roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Yes — freeze before coating. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar just before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

220
Calories
3g
Protein
36g
Carbs
8g
Fat
1g
Fiber
18g
Sugar
165mg
Sodium
2g
Sat. Fat