Is there anything that captures the taste of fall more than warm, golden brown baked apple cider donuts fresh from your own kitchen?
Table of contents
- 🍂 Top Reason to Make These WW-Friendly Apple Cider Donuts
- More Reasons to Love this Baked Donut Recipe
- 🍎 Ingredients You'll Need (and Smart Substitutions!)
- The Best Donut Pans for Baking Homemade Donuts
- How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Watch the How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Video Here...
- 🍩 Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Top FAQs
- Are you a Weight Watcher?
- GRAB A COPY OF MY 30 DAY MEAL PLAN FROM AMAZON
- WANT THE 30 DAY MEAL PLAN NOW? FOR A LIMITED TIME MY BLOG VISITORS CAN HAVE INSTANT DIGITAL ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE PROGRAM FOR JUST $8.97 - CLICK HERE
- GRAB MY 3 BEST SELLERS FOR THE PRICE ON ONE!!!
These easy baked apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with a strong apple flavor that comes from reduced apple cider - not artificial extracts.
In fact, did you know that apple cider doughnuts were first made in New England and became a classic treat at every local apple orchard and pumpkin patch?
They were the baker's way of using up cider from apple picking season and turning it into something magical!
This homemade apple cider donut recipe skips deep frying and uses a simple donut batter made with the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients - think flour mixture, maple syrup, melted butter, and a splash of vanilla extract.
You'll love how quick they are to make in a prepared pan or even a mini muffin pan for donut holes. Once baked to golden perfection, they're brushed with melted butter and rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that makes them taste like fall in every bite.
Whether you follow WW and love knowing your points value, or you simply enjoy good recipes made with high-quality ingredients, these baked donuts are the perfect cozy weekend bake.
Use your own apple cider or a rich apple cider concentrate for the best apple cider flavor - a little apple cider reduction goes a long way!
This recipe is easy, fun, and so rewarding you'll feel like you're at a New York Times-worthy bake shop without ever leaving home.
Make sure try some of my other popular healthy Weight Watcher recipes. Low Calorie Wendy's Frosty, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins , Mini DASH Chaffles, Air Fryer Beignets and The WW Zero Point Apple Crisp Chips.
🍂 Top Reason to Make These WW-Friendly Apple Cider Donuts
Weight Watcher Friendly - This baked apple cider donut recipe is Weight Watchers friendly at just 6 WW points per donut and only 139 calories for one delicious donut - so you can enjoy that cozy fall flavor without the guilt!
Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW points.
If you're working on improving your eating habits, tracking what you eat truly makes a difference. Whether you count WW points, calories, or simply want to be more mindful of your meals, keeping a daily record helps you stay on track and see real progress over time.
That's exactly why I created my Complete Healthy Meal Planner - a printable and digital tool that makes tracking your meals, WW points, and calories easy and motivating. It's only $7 and includes daily pages to print and plan your meals, log your progress, and stay accountable to your goals - all in one simple, beautiful place.
👉 Get the Complete Healthy Meal Planner here for just $7 and start seeing how much better you feel when you track what you eat!
More Reasons to Love this Baked Donut Recipe
Baked, Not Fried: All the cozy apple cider donut flavor you crave - with a light, fluffy texture and a fraction of the fat and calories of traditional fried donuts.
Perfect Fall Treat: Bursting with warm cinnamon spice and fresh apple flavor, these donuts are the ultimate healthy fall dessert or morning coffee companion.
Quick & Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, one mixing bowl, and no deep fryer needed - you'll have bakery-quality donuts ready in under 30 minutes.
🍎 Ingredients You'll Need (and Smart Substitutions!)
When it comes to making the best Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts, simple, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Here are a few key ingredients that give these donuts their warm fall flavor and soft, bakery-style texture - plus easy swaps if you need them!
🍏 Fresh Apple Cider
We love using fresh apple cider from a local Long Island apple farm - it gives these donuts an authentic, crisp apple flavor that store-bought juice just can't match. If you can't find fresh cider, look for an unsweetened, 100% pure apple cider from your grocery store. In a pinch, you can use apple juice, but simmer it down a bit first to concentrate the flavor.
🥣 Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds protein, moisture, and richness without extra fat - the secret to soft, fluffy baked donuts that stay tender for days. If you're dairy-free, swap in a plant-based yogurt such as coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. The result is just as creamy and delicious!
🍁 Maple Syrup
A touch of pure maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in these apple cider donuts. It's a wholesome alternative to refined sugar and adds that signature fall warmth. You can substitute honey or agave syrup if preferred, but for the best flavor, go with real maple syrup whenever possible.
The Best Donut Pans for Baking Homemade Donuts
If you love baking as much as I do, these non-stick silicone donut pans are a game-changer! They make releasing your baked donuts effortless—no greasing or crumbling—and cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for healthy baked donut recipes like my Apple Cider Donuts, they’re oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and reusable for years to come. Grab a set and start baking perfectly shaped donuts at home! 🍩✨
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
1: Reduce the Apple Cider for Maximum Flavor - Pour 1 cup of fresh apple cider into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let it gently simmer (not boil) for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about ½ cup. You'll notice it thickens slightly and smells extra sweet - that's the concentrated apple flavor you want for your donuts! Set it aside to cool before using.
2: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Donut Pan - While the apple cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or a touch of melted butter to prevent sticking. If you're using silicone pans, a light spray is still helpful for easy release once the donuts are baked. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
3: Combine the Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients - all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. This step helps evenly distribute the warm spices and leavening agents, ensuring your baked apple cider donuts rise beautifully and have that cozy fall flavor in every bite.
4: Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a separate medium bowl, combine the reduced apple cider, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well blended. The Greek yogurt keeps your donuts tender and moist, while the apple cider and maple syrup add that irresistible fall sweetness.
5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined - be careful not to overmix! The batter should be smooth and slightly thick. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
6: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake - Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes this step quick and mess-free. Bake the donuts in your preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7: Add Your Cinnamon-Sugar Topping - Once your baked apple cider donuts have cooled for a few minutes in the pan, gently transfer them to a large plate or wire rack. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth). Brush each warm donut with a light coat of melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. The warm donut helps the topping stick beautifully - and that sweet-spiced finish brings the flavor home.
8: Serve and Store - Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm, fresh out of the oven - they're soft, fragrant, and full of cozy fall flavor! For storage, let the donuts cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a 300°F oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Watch the How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Video Here...
🍩 Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Reduce the cider for big flavor: Don't skip this step! Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor, giving your donuts that authentic, farm-stand apple taste.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let your Greek yogurt, egg, and maple syrup sit out for a few minutes before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly for a better batter consistency.
Don't overmix the batter: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
Pipe the batter neatly: For perfectly shaped donuts, transfer the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it into each cavity. It's quick and mess-free!
Check early for doneness: Every oven bakes differently. Start checking your donuts at the 10-minute mark - a clean toothpick means they're ready.
Coat while warm: The cinnamon sugar topping sticks best when the donuts are slightly warm. For a lighter version, brush with a little melted coconut oil instead of butter.
Storage tip: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to help absorb moisture and keep the texture soft.
Freeze for later: These donuts freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for that "fresh baked" taste anytime.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Top FAQs
The primary difference is the cooking method and texture. Fried apple cider donuts are cooked in hot oil, giving them a more traditional, crispy exterior and a rich, slightly greasy interior. Baked apple cider donuts are cooked in the oven, resulting in a lighter, more cake-like texture, similar to a muffin, and are generally considered a healthier alternative as they use less fat.
Reducing the apple cider is a crucial step because it concentrates the flavor. Apple cider contains a lot of water; by simmering (reducing) 1 cup of cider down to about ½ cup, you remove excess water and intensify the natural apple flavor, ensuring the donuts have a noticeable, authentic apple cider taste without making the batter too wet.
Yes, you can! While a donut pan is ideal for the classic shape, you can use a few substitutes:
Muffin Pan: Fill the cups about two-thirds full for dome-shaped "donut muffins."
Small Cake Pan: Bake the batter in a small, round cake pan for a flat "donut cake" that you can slice and glaze.
DIY Donut Shape: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and use a piping bag or a zipper-top bag with the corner snipped to pipe rings of batter. They may spread slightly, but the flavor will be the same!
Are you a Weight Watcher?
If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.
This Easy Baked Apple Cider Donut Recipe is only 6 Points on my app for a one moist & fluffy donut. Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.
Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.
I used to go back and forth between the Purple Plan and the Blue Plan prior to the new program and whenever I hit a plateau I did my own 30 Day Low Carb Meal Plan which jumpstarted the Fat Burning again, so if you feel stuck try it.
If you want to see the old Purple, Blue and Green WW Food Lists for each plan just click Here…
Make sure check out my Newbie WW Tips and Tricks Guide if you are just getting started.
GRAB A COPY OF MY 30 DAY MEAL PLAN FROM AMAZON
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Soft & Fluffy Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 22 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Donuts 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Is there anything that captures the taste of fall more than warm, golden brown baked apple cider donuts fresh from your own kitchen? These easy baked apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with a strong apple flavor that comes from reduced apple cider - not artificial extracts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Apple Cider Reduced to ½ Cup
- 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
- ½ cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
- ¼ cup of Maple Syrup
- 1 Egg
- 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
- 1 ¼ cups of All Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon of Nutmeg
- ¼ Teaspoon of Sea Salt
- For the Coating:
- 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter Melted
- ¼ cup of Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider for Maximum Flavor - Pour 1 cup of fresh apple cider into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let it gently simmer (not boil) for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about ½ cup. You'll notice it thickens slightly and smells extra sweet - that's the concentrated apple flavor you want for your donuts! Set it aside to cool before using.
- Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Donut Pan - While the apple cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or a touch of melted butter to prevent sticking. If you're using silicone pans, a light spray is still helpful for easy release once the donuts are baked. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients - all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. This step helps evenly distribute the warm spices and leavening agents, ensuring your baked apple cider donuts rise beautifully and have that cozy fall flavor in every bite.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a separate medium bowl, combine the reduced apple cider, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well blended. The Greek yogurt keeps your donuts tender and moist, while the apple cider and maple syrup add that irresistible fall sweetness.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined - be careful not to overmix! The batter should be smooth and slightly thick. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Fill the Donut Pan and Bake - Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes this step quick and mess-free. Bake the donuts in your preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Add Your Cinnamon-Sugar Topping - Once your baked apple cider donuts have cooled for a few minutes in the pan, gently transfer them to a large plate or wire rack. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth). Brush each warm donut with a light coat of melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. The warm donut helps the topping stick beautifully - and that sweet-spiced finish brings the flavor home.
- Serve and Store - Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm, fresh out of the oven - they're soft, fragrant, and full of cozy fall flavor! For storage, let the donuts cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a 300°F oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Reduce the cider for big flavor: Don't skip this step! Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor, giving your donuts that authentic, farm-stand apple taste.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let your Greek yogurt, egg, and maple syrup sit out for a few minutes before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly for a better batter consistency.
Don't overmix the batter: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
Pipe the batter neatly: For perfectly shaped donuts, transfer the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it into each cavity. It's quick and mess-free!
Check early for doneness: Every oven bakes differently. Start checking your donuts at the 10-minute mark - a clean toothpick means they're ready.
Coat while warm: The cinnamon sugar topping sticks best when the donuts are slightly warm. For a lighter version, brush with a little melted coconut oil instead of butter.
Storage tip: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to help absorb moisture and keep the texture soft.
Freeze for later: These donuts freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for that "fresh baked" taste anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Donut
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 8.8 g
- Sodium: 114.4 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 27.2 mg
GRAB MY 3 BEST SELLERS FOR THE PRICE ON ONE!!!
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