Soft baked donuts with apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Servings
12
12 donuts
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Soft baked donuts with apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar
★4.7(14)
Tender, warmly spiced baked donuts made with real apple cider, coated in cinnamon sugar while still warm. A bakery-style fall treat without the deep fryer.
15m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
27m
Total Time
12
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These apple cider donuts capture the essence of autumn in every bite—soft, cake-like donuts infused with reduced apple cider and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar. Baking instead of frying makes them easier and lighter.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/3 cup sugar (coating)
Instructions
- 1
Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
- 2
Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and reduced cider.
- 3
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pipe or spoon into a greased donut pan.
- 4
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 5
Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Apple ciderApple juice reduced with 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Close approximation if cider is unavailable
Brown sugarMaple sugar
A more complex, autumnal sweetness
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
A donut pan is key for the shape, but you can also bake the batter as muffins.
Reduce the cider a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on baking day.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (25mg) · 12 servings
Calories175
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat28g
Fiber120mg
Sugar1g
Sodium16g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a donut pan?
- A donut pan gives the classic shape, but this batter also makes excellent muffins.
- Can I fry these instead?
- This batter is designed for baking. For fried donuts, you need a sturdier yeast dough.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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