This post shows you how to make apple cider donuts.
Looking for a cozy, homemade breakfast treat? these Baked Apple Cider Donuts are your new go-to recipe!
Infused with warm spices and reduced apple cider, these donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. They’re easy to make, baked not fried, and perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weekend brunch or meal prepping for busy mornings, these donuts bring all the cozy fall flavors in every bite! 🍂✨
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What to eat for breakfast in fall
Fall is the perfect season for warm, cozy, and comforting breakfasts that feature seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and maple. Here are some delicious ideas to start your autumn mornings right! 🍂☕🍎
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes .
- Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Pumpkin French Toast Bake
- Butternut Squash Hash
- Pumpkin Scones
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Caramel Apple Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Pear & Walnut Smoothie
- Apple Pie Breakfast Quesadilla
- Maple Pecan Granola
- Chai-Spiced Waffles
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Maple Walnut Overnight Oats
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Cinnamon-Spiced Breakfast Quinoa
- Harvest Breakfast Bowl
- Cranberry & Brie Grilled Cheese
- Sausage & Apple Breakfast Casserole
- Mushroom & Swiss Omelet
Aesther Cooking Pairs this recipe with
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Reduce the Apple Cider
In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of apple cider to a simmer over medium heat.
Let it reduce to about ½ cup, which intensifies the flavor. This takes 8-10 minutes.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Donut Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Donuts
Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm with coffee, or tea! 🍩☕🍏
Tips and Tricks
✔ Reduce the cider properly – This step intensifies the apple flavor, so don’t skip it!
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
✔ Use a piping bag – Spoon batter into a Ziploc bag, cut the tip, and pipe into the donut pan for a mess-free experience.
✔ No donut pan? – Use a muffin tin and bake as mini muffins instead.
✔ Make them ahead – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months!
🌿 Make It Your Own – Try:
- Glazed Apple Cider Donuts 🍁
- Skip the cinnamon sugar and coat in a maple or vanilla glaze instead.
- Extra Apple Flavor 🍎
- Stir ½ cup of finely diced apples into the batter for apple chunks in every bite!
How to Serve
✔ Warm & Fresh – These are best enjoyed freshly baked with a hot drink.
✔ With a Coffee or Latte – The warm spices pair beautifully with a cappuccino or pumpkin spice latte.
✔ With Yogurt & Fruit – Serve with Greek yogurt and apple slices for a balanced breakfast.
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider reduced to ½ cup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Reduce the Apple Cider
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of apple cider to a simmer over medium heat.
- Let it reduce to about ½ cup, which intensifies the flavor. This takes 8-10 minutes.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Donut Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Donuts
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with coffee, tea, or apple cider! 🍩☕🍏
FAQs
Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
A: Yes! You can bake them in a mini muffin tin for about the same time. They turn into delicious apple cider donut holes!
Q: Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of reducing it?
A: Reducing apple cider deepens the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can use ½ cup store-bought apple cider and add an extra ½ tsp cinnamon for flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 9g
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect cozy fall breakfast or snack. They’re easy, quick, and packed with warm spices that will make your kitchen smell incredible. Whether you enjoy them fresh, freeze them for later, or get creative with different variations, these donuts are sure to become one of your new favorite! 🍩🍏✨
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- 19 Delicious Pumpkin Recipe ideas
- 15 Best Bonfire Night Party Food and Drink ideas
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
- Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Looking for more fall recipe ideas? visit seasonal
This post shows you how to make apple cider donuts.
