Is there anything that screams fall more than the smell of freshly baked apple cider donuts? I don’t think so!
These perfectly spiced, soft, and slightly crispy donuts are the ultimate fall treat, and making them at home is a lot easier than you might think. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, need a snack to go with your pumpkin spice latte, or just want to fill your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples—this easy baked apple cider donut recipe has you covered!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts
Let’s be real, one of the best parts of fall is indulging in all the seasonal flavors, and apple cider donuts are at the top of my fall bucket list. The tangy apple cider gives the donuts a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon-sugar coating takes them to another level of yum. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so they’re a little lighter, but still totally indulgent. (Who said you can’t have it all?)
DIY Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Apple Pie Spice can be usually found in your grocery store but if not, here is how to make your own. Mix all the spices together, and you’ve got the perfect warm, aromatic spice blend ready to sprinkle into pies, cakes, oatmeal and coffee. Allspice and ginger are often used in other recipes, feel free to incorporate them, if you like. Make sure to store in a small airtight container and it will last for up to 3 years. This recipe makes 2 Tablespoons of Apple Pie Spice.
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Pro Tip: Serve them Warm
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm apple cider donut fresh from the oven. The cinnamon-sugar coating melts in your mouth, and the soft, pillowy inside is packed with fall flavor. Pair these with a cozy drink like hot apple cider, chai tea, or your favorite coffee for the ultimate fall vibe.
Why Make These at Home?
Sure, you could head to a pumpkin patch or your local bakery, but homemade apple cider donuts are next-level. You can control the ingredients, customize the flavors (want more spice? Add extra cinnamon!), and the best part, they’re fresh and warm whenever you want. Plus, your whole house will smell like a fall wonderland.
If you’re as obsessed with fall as I am, you’re going to love these donuts. They’re the perfect treat for cozy nights, brunches with friends, or just because you deserve something sweet and seasonal. So, get your baking gear ready and prepare to fall in love with this apple cider donut recipe!
Happy baking and happy fall!
+ Check out my Homemade Pumpkin Coffee Creamer
Ingredients
-
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp apple pie spice*(see blog post)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp apple pie spice*(see blog post)
- 6 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
Instructions
Reduce The Apple Cider:
- Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat while stirring occasionally until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. Mine takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with ghee non-stick spray and set aside.
Make The Donuts:
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl then set aside.
- Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Pour into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined...will be slightly thick.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan. I recommend using a large zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway to the top.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. You will know when they are done when you poke your finger on the top of the donut. If the donut bounces back, they’re done.
- Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack while you bake the rest of the batter.
- Next, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together in a medium bowl and set aside
- Melt the butter in another bowl.
- Once cool enough to handle, roll each donut in the melted butter, then generously in the apple spice topping.
- Donuts are best served immediately.
- Leftovers will keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Enjoy on their own or top with some vanilla ice cream!
Notes
*See blog post for the Apple Pie Spice recipe
Gina
1 comment
These look delicious!
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