Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan gives the classic shape, but this batter also makes excellent muffins.

Can I fry these instead?

This batter is designed for baking. For fried donuts, you need a sturdier yeast dough.

Three delicious donuts with cinnamon sugar on a plate

Soft baked donuts with apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 egg; 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/3 cup sugar (coating)

27 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

27 min

Servings

12 donuts

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

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Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Soft baked donuts with apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar

Tender, warmly spiced baked donuts made with real apple cider, coated in cinnamon sugar while still warm. A bakery-style fall treat without the deep fryer.

15m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

27m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Sarah Chen

December 4, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

These apple cider donuts capture the essence of autumn in every bite—soft, cake-like donuts infused with reduced apple cider and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar. Baking instead of frying makes them easier and lighter.

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon + 1/3 cup sugar (coating)

Instructions

1
Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
2
Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and reduced cider.
3
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pipe or spoon into a greased donut pan.
4
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
5
Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start

Substitutions

Apple ciderApple juice reduced with 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Close approximation if cider is unavailable

Brown sugarMaple sugar

A more complex, autumnal sweetness

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Vanilla Extract

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the vanilla matters

For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.

This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.

Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes

Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.

Shop vanilla extract for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

A donut pan is key for the shape, but you can also bake the batter as muffins.
Reduce the cider a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on baking day.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (25mg) · 12 servings

Calories175

LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein2g

Carbohydrates6g

Fat28g

Fiber120mg

Sugar1g

Sodium16g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a donut pan?: A donut pan gives the classic shape, but this batter also makes excellent muffins.
Can I fry these instead?: This batter is designed for baking. For fried donuts, you need a sturdier yeast dough.

Explore More

More Breakfast More Dessert More Snack Oven Recipes

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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Instructions

1
Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
2
Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and reduced cider.
3
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pipe or spoon into a greased donut pan.
4
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
5
Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

Instructions