Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts Cinnamon Sugar

Baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar are a true taste of autumn comfort, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! There’s something utterly magical about that first bite – a warm, tender donut bursting with the sweet, spiced essence of freshly pressed apple cider, all coated in a glistening layer of cinnamon sugar. It’s no wonder these delightful treats have become a fall favorite. Forget the fryer; these baked apple cider donuts are incredibly easy to make at home, proving that you don’t need a special occasion to indulge in something truly delicious. They capture the very essence of cozy evenings by the fire, crisp walks through fallen leaves, and the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen when this goodness is baking. Get ready to fall in love with this simpler, yet equally spectacular, version of a classic dessert.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something truly magical about the flavors of fall. Crisp air, changing leaves, and the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon. While fried apple cider donuts are a beloved fall treat, they can be a bit… involved. Enter these baked apple cider donuts! They capture all the deliciousness of their fried counterparts with a fraction of the effort and a lighter touch. Imagine biting into a warm, tender donut, infused with the deep, sweet flavor of apple cider, all coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar sparkle. These are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a sweet treat for a fall gathering. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment – just a donut pan and a whisk!

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup apple cider
• 2 cups (8 1/2 oz) cake flour, (or all-purpose flour, measured by spoon and sweep (see note))
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, (melted and cooled)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan: Before we even think about mixing ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. Next, grab your donut pan (or pans, if you have multiple!). It’s crucial to grease your donut pan very thoroughly. I like to use a pastry brush and a bit of melted butter or cooking spray to get into every nook and cranny of the donut molds. If you don’t grease well, your beautiful donuts might stick, and nobody wants that! Alternatively, you can use a baking spray that contains flour, which helps prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking these together ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is a crucial step for a light and airy donut. If you’re using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour, make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour, which can make your donuts dense.
3. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and the sugars are mostly dissolved. It’s important to let the butter cool slightly after melting so it doesn’t cook the eggs. The brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture to the donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Cider: Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough donuts. Once the batter is almost combined, slowly stream in the apple cider while continuing to stir. The batter should be thick but pourable. It will be thicker than a typical cake batter, which is exactly what we want for a donut.

Baking the Donuts

5. Fill the Donut Pan and Bake: Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan. Fill each mold about two-thirds of the way full. It’s helpful to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to make filling easier and less messy. If you don’t have either, a spoon works perfectly fine. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your donut pan. Keep an eye on them as they get close to being done.

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: While the donuts are baking, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl or a pie plate, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir this together until it forms a smooth, slightly thick glaze. This is where the magic happens for that irresistible coating.

Finishing Touches

7. Coat the Warm Donuts: As soon as the donuts come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for just a minute or two. Then, carefully invert the donut pan onto a wire rack to release the donuts. While they are still warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides. The warmth of the donuts will help the coating adhere beautifully. If the butter mixture seems too thick, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave.

These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, while they’re still warm and the cinnamon sugar coating is perfectly gooey. They are a wonderful testament to how delicious home-baked treats can be, especially when they capture the essence of the season so perfectly. Enjoy every bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! My recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar is truly a winner. These donuts offer all the cozy, autumnal flavors you crave without the mess and fuss of frying. The tender, cake-like interior infused with real apple cider, paired with that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. They are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply an afternoon pick-me-up with a warm mug of coffee or extra apple cider. I love serving them dusted generously with the cinnamon sugar, but they’re also delicious plain or with a light glaze. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a touch of nutmeg to the batter or toss the warm donuts in a spiced powdered sugar mix instead of cinnamon sugar.

I genuinely encourage you to give this Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar recipe a try. It’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is just heavenly, and the taste is even better!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can! While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can bake and coat the donuts a few hours ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, I recommend enjoying them the same day.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the best flavor, I recommend using unfiltered, good-quality apple cider. The more robust the apple flavor in your cider, the more intense the apple taste will be in your donuts. Avoid apple juice, as it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Can I use a different spice for the coating?

Absolutely! While the cinnamon sugar is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment. A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves would be wonderful. You could also try a simple powdered sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon or even a maple glaze for a different flavor profile.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Deliciously spiced baked donuts infused with the warming flavor of apple cider, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup apple cider
• 2 cups (8 1/2 oz) cake flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan, or spray with cooking spray.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, 3 tbsp melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4
   Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   While donuts are baking, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a shallow dish for the cinnamon sugar coating. Melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter in a small bowl.
8. Step 8
   Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.