When autumn rolls around, it brings with it a beautiful bounty of crisp apples, golden leaves, and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon in the air. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably been searching for the perfect fall simple desserts to celebrate the season. Look no further—Baked Apple Cider Donuts are here to steal the show.
These warm, spiced cake donuts are a classic comfort food, offering the nostalgic flavor of a fall fair or apple orchard trip, but baked in the oven and made with real apple cider. Moist, fluffy, and topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating, they’re the ultimate recipe with apple cider and one of the most beloved fall apple baking recipes out there.
Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving recipes breakfast, need November bake sale ideas, or just want to explore more apple cider uses food lovers will enjoy, this is one treat that belongs on your seasonal baking list.
🍎 Why Apple Cider Donuts Are the Best Cake Donut Recipe for Fall
The texture of these donuts is what makes them truly special. Unlike yeast-raised donuts that require kneading and frying, cake donuts are quick to make, with a tender crumb and rich flavor. Add reduced apple cider to the batter, and you get a moist, perfectly sweet donut that’s full of fall warmth in every bite.
Apple cider in recipes brings depth and brightness. Reducing it concentrates the flavor, so each donut has the intense, tangy-sweet apple taste that defines autumn desserts.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s walk through the ingredients for this best cake donut recipe. These pantry staples come together to create a warm, festive donut that’s perfect for the season.
For the Donut Batter:
- 1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice or cloves (optional but recommended)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
🍁 How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
This fall apple recipe dessert comes together in just a few easy steps, and the results are always bakery-quality. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, until it reduces to ½ cup. This step is essential—it concentrates the apple flavor and enhances the richness of the donuts.
Let the cider cool slightly before adding it to your wet ingredients.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cooled reduced apple cider, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this can make your donuts tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This sweet, spiced coating adds crunch and flavor, making these donuts irresistible.
🎃 Fun Ways to Customize Your Apple Cider Donuts
This recipe with apple cider is incredibly adaptable. Here are some exciting flavor twists and toppings:
- Maple Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup for a sticky-sweet topping.
- Caramel Drizzle: A rich caramel sauce takes these donuts to dessert level.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for crunch.
- Stuffed Donuts: Inject apple butter or cinnamon cream cheese into the center for a surprise filling.
🍂 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These donuts are easy to store and freeze, which makes them great for holiday prep or weekend brunches.
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for 5–7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without coating for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then dip in cinnamon sugar before serving.
🥣 Tips for the Perfect Baked Donuts
To ensure your baked apple cider donuts turn out bakery-perfect every time, follow these tips:
- Use reduced cider. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives these donuts their apple-forward flavor.
- Don’t overfill the pan. Stick to ¾ full to avoid overflow.
- Pipe for precision. It’s cleaner and gives you evenly shaped donuts.
- Brush while warm. The melted butter and sugar mixture sticks better to warm donuts.
- Use fresh spices. Spices lose potency over time. Use freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for the best results.
🍏 The Role of Apple Cider in Fall Baking
Apple cider isn’t just a drink—it’s a powerhouse ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and tang to a wide range of fall baked goods. From muffins to cakes and yes, donuts, there are so many amazing apple cider uses food lovers should explore.
In this recipe, the cider is reduced to concentrate its natural sugars and acidity, which enhances the texture and richness of the final product. It also helps the donuts stay moist longer—perfect for make-ahead breakfast treats or lunchbox snacks.
🧁 Serve These Donuts in Creative Ways
Need ideas for when and how to serve these donuts? Here’s some inspiration:
1. Thanksgiving Recipes Breakfast Table
Start Thanksgiving morning on a sweet note with warm apple cider donuts served alongside spiced lattes, scrambled eggs, and fruit salad. You can even arrange them on a festive platter with a side of pumpkin butter.
2. Fall Brunch Gathering
Hosting friends? These donuts pair perfectly with mimosas, cinnamon rolls, and a cheesy egg casserole. It’s a low-effort brunch that looks and tastes like you spent all morning preparing.
3. November Bake Sale Ideas
Wrap each donut individually in wax paper or tuck them into small bakery boxes. Add a label that says “Homemade Apple Cider Donuts – Baked, Not Fried” to appeal to health-conscious buyers.
4. Afternoon Snack or Dessert
Serve with hot apple cider or chai tea. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for a simple dessert.
📝 Nutritional Overview (Per Donut, Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
These are a more wholesome alternative to deep-fried donuts—making them a guilt-free indulgence for fall.
🧡 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This donut recipe hits all the right notes:
✅ Easy to Make
✅ No Frying Needed
✅ Made with Real Apple Cider
✅ Customizable with Glazes & Fillings
✅ Perfect for Sharing, Gifting, or Storing
✅ Tastes Like Fall in Every Bite
It’s the kind of cozy recipe that fills your kitchen with warm, spiced aromas and makes you want to throw on a flannel shirt and start raking leaves.
🍂 Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Season with Every Bite
There’s a reason baked apple cider donuts are a beloved fall tradition. With their nostalgic flavors, soft texture, and simple prep, they’re one of the best ways to bring the comfort of the season into your home.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive breakfast, a bake sale, or just a cozy day in, these donuts are one of the most satisfying and rewarding fall simple desserts you can make. They combine the heart of autumn with the simplicity of homemade baking—a true win for anyone who loves fall apple baking recipes or is looking to explore creative apple cider uses food enthusiasts can appreciate.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the scent of warm cinnamon and apple cider fill your kitchen. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a fall tradition worth keeping.
