Name: Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh apple cider; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cake flour (or more all-purpose flour); 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Pinch of allspice; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp grated apple (optional, for extra moisture and apple flavor); 3 tbsp melted butter; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy autumn morning wrapped in the warm, inviting flavors of fall, then these Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Combining the fragrant spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with the natural sweetness of reduced apple cider, these baked treats are light, tender, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re indulging in a weekend brunch or craving a comforting afternoon snack, this recipe is a gorgeous way to celebrate the season in every bite.

Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential—they work together to create that perfect texture, snug flavor, and golden color that make Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts so irresistible. Each component brings something special, from the tangy buttermilk keeping the batter moist to the slow-reduced apple cider intensifying that lovely apple note.

1 cup fresh apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the sweet, tart flavors that make the donuts truly shine.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base flour that gives structure without weighing down the donuts.
1/4 cup cake flour (or more all-purpose): Adds tenderness and lightness to the crumb.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Provides lift for a soft, airy texture.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for just the right rise.
1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives a warm, sweet-spicy note.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy warmth.
Pinch of allspice: Introduces complexity with a hint of clove-like fragrance.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Browned for a toasty, nutty richness.
1/4 cup light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and that cozy caramel flavor.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Gives just enough sweetness and helps with browning.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives lift.
1/3 cup buttermilk (room temp): Adds moisture and a gentle tang for depth.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1 tbsp grated apple (optional): Adds extra moisture and apple flavor, boosting the cider notes.
For topping – 3 tbsp melted butter: To brush on warm donuts and help sugar coating stick.
For topping – 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweet coating for a crunchy finish.
For topping – 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds spice to the sweet sugar crust.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by simmering fresh apple cider gently over medium heat until it evaporates down to about one-third of a cup. This step takes some patience (around 15 to 20 minutes), but trust me—it’s key for concentrating the cider’s natural sweetness and tang. Let it cool completely before mixing to ensure it doesn’t affect the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

While the cider is reducing, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it foams and then turns a beautiful golden-brown with a lovely, nutty aroma. This browned butter adds warmth and depth that perfectly complements the spices, so don’t rush it. Allow the butter to cool slightly before mixing.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Donut Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your donut pan. Proper greasing ensures your donuts release easily after baking, keeping their gorgeous shape intact for the topping and presentation.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This dry blend forms the flavorful backbone of the recipe, distributing spices evenly throughout every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cooled reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Stir in the optional grated apple if you like, for an extra burst of fresh apple flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—you want the batter thick but not overworked because overmixing will make your donuts tough. Those tender, moist Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts depend on keeping the batter light.

Step 7: Pipe and Bake

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off, then carefully pipe into the donut pan cavities. Fill each about two-thirds to three-quarters full so that the donuts rise perfectly while still keeping their classic hole. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched gently.

Step 8: Add the Topping

As soon as the donuts are warm, brush them generously with melted butter, then toss or dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that irresistible sweet-spiced crust. This final touch is the signature finish that elevates this recipe to absolute show-stopper status.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

Garnishes

Beyond the cinnamon sugar, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a few toasted chopped pecans to add texture and an extra pop of flavor. Fresh apple slices served alongside enhance the cider’s star role in the recipe.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts with a cozy mug of hot apple cider, chai tea, or coffee to complement the spices beautifully. A bowl of seasonal fruit or a simple yogurt parfait creates a balanced and inviting fall breakfast or snack time spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming country-style display. Stack them high in a decorative cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, and sprinkle with edible flowers to add a pop of color and whimsy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to two days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain softness by absorbing any excess moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a little fall magic any time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the donuts in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Brushing with a bit of melted butter before warming will help them regain that fresh-baked glow and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly sweetened or spiced already, so you have control over the flavors in your donuts.

What can I substitute for cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour—just replace the 1/4 cup cake flour with all-purpose. The texture might be a bit denser but still delicious.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider evaporates the water content and intensifies its natural sweetness and flavor, packing more apple punch into every bite of your Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

With some flour substitutions like a gluten-free all-purpose blend, you can make these donuts gluten-free, though the texture and rise might differ slightly. It’s worth experimenting!

Is it okay to skip the grated apple?

Yes! The grated apple is optional, meant to add extra moisture and apple flavor. Your donuts will still taste amazing without it, thanks to the reduced cider and spices.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about how the warmth of cinnamon and the tang of apple cider come together in these Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with that same cozy joy it brings mine, inviting you to savor every delightful bite. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of treat you want to make again and again!

Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts are a delightful autumn treat featuring warm spices and the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. Light and fluffy with a subtle crispness on the outside, they’re finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that perfectly complements the tender, moist interior. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or fall gatherings, these baked donuts offer the comforting taste of apple pie in an easy-to-make, healthier form.

Instructions

Reduce the cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the fresh apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, roughly 15–20 minutes. This concentrating step intensifies the apple flavor. Set aside and let it cool completely.
Brown the butter: In a separate small pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it foams and turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. This adds depth to the donut flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice. Ensure all spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and egg until smooth and combined. Add the cooled reduced apple cider, room temperature buttermilk, and vanilla extract, whisking to combine. If using, fold in the grated apple for extra moisture and apple flavor.
Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender. The batter will be thick.
Pipe and bake: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising without covering the donut hole. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
Apply topping: While the donuts are still warm, brush each donut with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. This adds a sweet, spiced crust and extra flavor.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for best flavor; avoid apple juice as it is often sweeter and less complex.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based buttermilk alternative.
Don’t overfill the donut cavities to maintain the classic donut hole shape.
If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon can be used but piping provides more uniform results.
Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American