Easy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe For Fall

As the seasons shift and a crisp breeze fills the air, there is nothing quite like welcoming the morning with the cozy, sweet scent of warm spices drifting from the oven. These baked apple cider donuts offer a beautiful way to celebrate autumn, capturing the rich essence of orchard-fresh apples and aromatic cinnamon in a soft, cake-like treat. By simmering the cider down to a rich concentrate, we infuse a deep, authentic fruit flavor into every single bite of these homemade delights. 🍏🍁

Skip the messy deep-frying and enjoy a stress-free morning of baking using a simple donut pan and basic pantry essentials. In just about thirty minutes, you will have a fresh batch of golden-brown rings ready to be brushed in melted butter and rolled in sweet, sparkling cinnamon-sugar. It is a wonderfully simple baking project that is guaranteed to gather everyone around the table with smiling faces and eager hands. 🍩✨

Perfect for cozy weekend mornings, festive fall gatherings, or as a sweet companion to your favorite warm beverage, these treats bring a touch of bakery magic right to your home. Preheat your oven and let the sweet aroma of these spiced orchard delights fill your kitchen today. ☕🍂

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the coating: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Shopping List

• Pantry: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, pure vanilla extract
• Beverages: 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
• Dairy & Eggs: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk

Equipment Needed

• Standard 6-cavity donut pans (2 pans)
• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Pastry bag or large zip-top bag
• Wire cooling rack

Helpful Tips

• Crucial Cider Reduction: Ensure you simmer the apple cider down to a concentrated syrup; this step boils off excess water, intensifying the natural apple sweetness without throwing off the liquid ratio in your batter.
• Mess-Free Piping: For perfectly symmetrical, professional-looking donuts, transfer your batter into a large zip-top bag and snip the corner to easily pipe it into the pan instead of spooning it.
• The Warm Coating Technique: Brush the warm baked donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately after they cool enough to handle, ensuring the sweet coating clings perfectly.
• Warm Spice Enhancements: Elevate the spiced profile by adding a pinch of ground cardamom, allspice, or ginger to the dry ingredients for a unique, complex flavor bouquet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the 1 1/2 cups of apple cider until it reduces to exactly 1/2 cup (about 10 to 12 minutes). Set aside to cool completely.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease two 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a silicone spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into a large zip-top or pastry bag, snip off the corner, and pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut cavities, filling them about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, brush or dip each donut into the melted coating butter, then toss generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Pair these comforting spiced donuts with a hot mug of mulled cider, a creamy chai latte, or a cold glass of farm-fresh milk. They look gorgeous arranged on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh apple slices, whole star anise, and cinnamon sticks for a seasonal brunch. To keep them tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, and gently reheat them in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their irresistible fresh-baked softness.

We hope these sweet, spiced treats bring a beautiful bloom of flavor and warmth to your kitchen! We would love to hear how your baking turns out, so please leave a comment and share your thoughts below!