If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the cozy warmth of autumn in a single bite, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, fragrant, and bursting with fall spices, these donuts are baked rather than fried, making them delightfully light yet flavorful. The rich hints of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a subtle touch of cardamom blend with the tangy sweetness of reduced apple cider, creating a treat that’s not only irresistible but also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a comforting snack, or want to impress your loved ones, this recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season with love and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a single layer of thick, light brown batter that has a slightly rough texture and a few small lumps, spread evenly inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and some of the batter is stuck along the sides of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these enchanting donuts. Each component plays a vital role—whether adding spice, moisture, or that golden-baked glow—to bring this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe to life.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the donuts their perfect structure without heaviness.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds natural caramel notes and moisture for tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and stay light as air.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create a soft, fluffy texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that quintessential warm-spiced fall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the spice profile.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Lends a deep, nutty warmth for complexity.
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom: Provides an exotic touch that elevates the donut’s aroma.
1 ½ cup apple cider: Reduced to intensify its sweet-tart character, forming the heart of the batter.
⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the donuts moist while adding natural sweetness and a tender crumb.
⅓ cup melted vegan butter: Adds richness and helps deliver that buttery aroma without dairy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, mellow hint.
¾ cup granulated sugar (for topping): Creates that irresistible crunchy coating when mixed with cinnamon.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Combines with sugar for a classic cinnamon-sugar finish.
3 tablespoons melted vegan butter (for topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully and adds a luscious glaze.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your donut pan a light greasing with oil or non-stick spray. This simple step ensures your donuts will slide out easily after baking, preserving their tender edges and perfect shape.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

The magic in this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe lies in the concentrated apple flavor. Simmer your apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 3/4 cup, deepening its sweetness and intensifying its aroma. Let it cool before measuring exactly 3/4 cup for your batter to hit just the right flavor note.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the beautiful medley of spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom. This blend sets the warm, spicy backbone of your donuts and ensures every bite has that cozy autumn character.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the reduced apple cider, unsweetened applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mixture carries moisture and sweetness that will make your donuts wonderfully soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, taking care not to overmix. Your batter should be slightly thick, a sign that your donuts will bake up just right—not too dense nor too cakey, but perfectly tender and light.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 14-16 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Brush each warm donut with melted vegan butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step turns your donuts into sweet, crunchy, cinnamon-kissed delights that are irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

The image shows a cinnamon sugar coated donut sitting in a white scalloped bowl filled with a layer of cinnamon sugar mix. Around the bowl, there are two whole cinnamon sticks on a white marbled surface. To the right, two more cinnamon sugar donuts rest on a parchment-lined baking tray with a metal edge. Below the bowl, there is another plain donut placed on the white marbled surface next to a beige cloth with dark stripes. The overall color scheme is warm brown tones of the donuts and cinnamon sticks, contrasted by the white bowl and white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra dash of cinnamon on top can bring visual appeal and additional flavor depth. For a festive touch, consider a light drizzle of maple glaze or a handful of chopped pecans to add crunch and elegance.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider. For a complete fall-inspired breakfast, serve alongside creamy yogurt with fresh fruit or a bowl of warm oatmeal topped with toasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe into a charming gift by stacking them in a pretty box with parchment paper or arrange them on a rustic wooden tray sprinkled with autumn leaves during gatherings. You might even sandwich them with a smear of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves their soft texture and fresh flavors, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast the following day.

Freezing

Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To regain that just-baked warmth and softness, heat your donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a bit chewy instead of tender and light.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Absolutely! Regular butter works just as well and will add a rich, creamy flavor to the donuts. Feel free to use whichever you prefer based on your dietary needs.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and helps keep the donut batter from becoming too watery. While optional, it makes a noticeable difference in the donut’s taste and texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly depending on the blend used.

Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin as an alternative, though the shape will change. Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full and bake a few minutes longer, checking for doneness regularly.

How do I keep the donuts moist without eggs?

The combination of applesauce and reduced apple cider provides moisture and binding power in lieu of eggs, ensuring the donuts stay tender and soft without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is pure autumn magic you can whip up any time you crave that comforting seasonal treat. Tender, spiced, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts warm the heart and the kitchen. Don’t hesitate—gather these simple ingredients and create a batch of homemade joy that everyone will adore.