Baked Apple Cider Donuts

ByClara Beaumont
Baked apple cider donuts on a cooling rack, topped with cinnamon sugar.
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<p>There's something about apple cider that sings in the fall—every sip warms you from the inside, whispering sweet promises of cooler weather and cozy gatherings. Baked Apple Cider Donuts have become a cherished recipe in my kitchen, evoking nostalgia with every bite. The tender, cake-like donuts brim with the unmistakable essence of spiced cider, and while I enjoy them warm, they also excel at welcoming morning coffee or an afternoon snack. They remind me of crisp autumn days spent wandering through orchards, so I guess you could say these donuts carry a little bit of that joy with them.</p>
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<p>These donuts are more than just dessert; they're a soothing embrace on a chilly day. Once you pop one into your mouth, the subtle sweetness balances perfectly with the warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg waltzing together. The donut itself is fluffy yet has a delightful bite, making them a treat worth the effort. Whether you're serving them at a brunch or just want something special for yourself, they definitely deserve a moment in your kitchen.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What makes this recipe special</h2>
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<p>So, what makes these Baked Apple Cider Donuts a must-try? First, they are baked rather than fried, which means you can enjoy a slightly healthier version of a classic treat without sacrificing that delightful satisfaction. The key ingredient, of course, is apple cider—it's not just a flavor here; it infuses the batter with warmth and depth. The spices are there to remind you that it’s harvest season; cinnamon and nutmeg abound in each bite, wrapping you in nostalgia while the moisture from the cider ensures the donuts stay tender long after they come out of the oven.</p>
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<p>Plus, they’re remarkably simple to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and a moderately quick bake time, they can transform your kitchen into a delightful pastry shop in no time. It’s a subtle way of welcoming the fall vibes, and trust me when I say your house will smell heavenly. Each bite invites you to linger a bit longer, as if to savor the moment before diving into your next task or indulgence.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gather these ingredients</h2>
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<p>Here’s what you’ll need to make these lovely donuts:</p>
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<li><strong>2 cups all-purpose flour</strong>: This forms the base of your donuts. If you're looking for a lighter texture, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.</li>
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<li><strong>1 cup apple cider</strong>: Use fresh cider for the best flavor—it brings that lovely apple sweetness to the forefront.</li>
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<li><strong>1/2 cup granulated sugar</strong>: This sweetens the mixture and ensures a delightful outside crust when baked.</li>
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<li><strong>1/4 cup brown sugar</strong>: For a hint of molasses and deeper flavor, this adds complexity to the sweetness.</li>
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<li><strong>1 teaspoon baking powder</strong>: This is your leavening agent, helping the donuts rise to fluffy perfection.</li>
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<li><strong>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</strong>: A little boost for the baking powder, ensuring a really light texture.</li>
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<li><strong>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</strong>: Because what’s an apple cider donut without this spice? It brings warmth and coziness.</li>
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<li><strong>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</strong>: This adds another layer of spice; just a pinch gives it that iconic seasonal flavor.</li>
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<li><strong>1/2 teaspoon salt</strong>: Helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors—you'll forget it's there until it's not.</li>
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<li><strong>2 large eggs</strong>: These provide structure and moisture, binding everything together beautifully.</li>
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<li><strong>1/4 cup vegetable oil</strong>: This keeps the donuts moist—feel free to swap it for melted coconut oil for a tropical twist.</li>
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<li><strong>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</strong>: Just a splash to deepen the flavor profile. Trust me; it's worth adding.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How this recipe comes together</h2>
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<p>Let’s walk through the steps to make these delightful donuts:</p>
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<li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan generously—this will help remove them easily once baked.</li>
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<li>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mix brings all those enticing flavors together before they meet the wet ingredients.</li>
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<li>In another bowl, combine the apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well incorporated.</li>
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<li>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s quite all right if a few floury streaks linger. This keeps the donuts tender!</li>
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<li>Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with the batter—this allows room for rising.</li>
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<li>Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. The scent wafting through your kitchen is confirmation that they’re about to be fantastic.</li>
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<li>Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, you can coat them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture while they're still warm—it's a lovely touch.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best way to enjoy it</h2>
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<p>To serve, I like to add a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm—this creates a delightful sweetness with a hint of spice on the outside. These donuts stand alone quite well, but some feel-good toppings can elevate your experience. Think about a side of warm caramel or a rich chocolate drizzle, if you’re feeling indulgent.</p>
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<p>Pair them with a fresh cup of coffee or spiced tea for a true fall treat. Alternatively, serving them with a dollop of whipped cream can bring a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced cake.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to store and freeze</h2>
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<p>Leftovers? Not often a problem, but if you have any, they can be stored in an airtight container for about three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, just freeze them! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to three months. When you want one, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or let it thaw at room temperature—you’ll be surprised how well they hold their flavor and moisture.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Helpful cooking tips</h2>
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<p>Before diving in, here are a few last-minute tips to ensure success:</p>
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<li>Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. They should be lively to achieve the perfect lift.</li>
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<li>Don’t hesitate to fold in small chunks of apple for added texture and flavor. It makes the donuts feel like a warm afternoon in an orchard.</li>
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<li>If you want a more pronounced spice flavor, consider toasting your spices in the dry mix for a minute—they'll awaken beautifully.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Creative twists</h2>
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<p>If you’re looking to play around with the flavor, there are plenty of fun variations you could try:</p>
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<li><strong>Maple Glaze:</strong> Drizzle a warm maple syrup glaze over the donuts for an extra sweet touch.</li>
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<li><strong>Nutty Addition:</strong> Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to bring a satisfying crunch to the mix.</li>
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<li><strong>Chocolate Chips:</strong> For the chocolate lovers, mix in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful surprise.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ingredients</h2>
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<li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
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<li>1 cup apple cider</li>
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<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
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<li>1/4 cup brown sugar</li>
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<li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li>
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<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
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<li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
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<li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li>
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<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
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<li>2 large eggs</li>
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<li>1/4 cup vegetable oil</li>
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<li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Directions to follow</h2>
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<li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.</li>
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<li>In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.</li>
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<li>In another bowl, combine apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.</li>
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<li>Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.</li>
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<li>Fill the donut pan ¾ full with batter and bake for 12-15 minutes.</li>
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<li>Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan; coat in cinnamon sugar if desired.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Common questions</h2>
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<li><strong>Can I make these gluten-free?</strong> Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.</li>
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<li><strong>How should I store them?</strong> Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.</li>
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<li><strong>Can I make the batter in advance?</strong> You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.</li>
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<li><strong>What can I substitute for apple cider?</strong> Apple juice can work, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.</li>
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<li><strong>How can I make these extra festive?</strong> Consider adding orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy kick.</li>
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<p>Cooking has a wonderful way of connecting us to seasons and memories. Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a celebration of everything cozy and comforting—perfect for gathering around the kitchen or enjoying quietly with a cup of tea. I hope you'll give these a try, savor your time in the kitchen, and find joy in each delicious bite. Go on, get baking!</p>
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Print
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts

  • Author: clara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These delightful baked apple cider donuts are infused with warm spices, offering a cozy treat for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan generously.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine the apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with the batter.
  6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

Coat with cinnamon sugar while still warm for added sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: apple cider donuts, fall recipes, baked donuts

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