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 1/2 Cup
- 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 cup of Maple Syrup
- 1 Egg
- 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/4 cups of All Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon of Nutmeg
- 1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
- For the Coating:
- 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter Melted
- 1/4 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