Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Easy Cake Donut Recipe

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are the ultimate cozy treat, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! There’s something undeniably magical about the warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen when you’re baking these. Forget the fryer and the fuss; these baked apple cider donuts deliver all the delightful flavor and tender crumb of their fried counterparts, but with a much simpler and healthier approach. The secret lies in infusing the batter with concentrated apple cider, creating a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. People adore them because they evoke feelings of autumn nostalgia, warm sweaters, and crisp fall air, all wrapped up in a single, delicious bite. This baked version elevates the beloved donut to cake status, offering a substantial and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).

Ready to bake your own batch of pure bliss?

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, especially when it’s combined with the cozy embrace of autumn. While traditional apple cider donuts are a delightful fried treat, I’ve found a way to capture that same magical flavor and texture in a much simpler, baked form. These baked apple cider donuts are more like tender, spiced cakelets, perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re wonderfully moist, bursting with apple cider flavor, and coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar glaze that truly makes them irresistible. Forget the deep fryer and the mess; we’re taking a shortcut to deliciousness that even a beginner baker can master.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Can also use melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder (for coating)

Making the Dough

The base of our baked donuts is a simple cake batter, infused with the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. To start, let’s concentrate that cider flavor. In a small saucepan, bring the 1.5 cups of apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Let it gently boil and reduce until you have about 1/2 cup of concentrated cider. This step is crucial for intensifying the apple flavor without adding extra liquid that could make our donuts too cakey. Keep an eye on it; it usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and the 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Add the melted butter (or coconut oil) and whisk until well combined. Then, crack in your large egg and whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly lighter in color. Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking to incorporate. Finally, gently whisk in the cooled, reduced apple cider. You’ll notice the liquid is a beautiful, warm amber color.

Now, it’s time to add our dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg powder, and the 1/8 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Whisking them together ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help our donuts rise evenly and have a consistent flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick, similar to a very thick pancake batter.

Baking the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need donut pans for this recipe. If you don’t have donut pans, you can use muffin tins, but they won’t have the traditional donut hole. Lightly grease your donut pans or muffin tins with butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray. This is important to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Using a spoon or a piping bag (a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off works well too!), carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Don’t overfill, as the donuts will puff up as they bake. Place the filled donut pans onto a baking sheet – this makes them easier to transfer in and out of the oven and catches any potential drips.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden brown. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always best to check them a minute or two before the suggested time.

Glazing and Enjoying

While your donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Stir them together until the cinnamon is evenly distributed. This is where that classic donut flavor really comes to life!

Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove without breaking. After the initial cooling, carefully invert the donut pans onto a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet (to catch any excess coating). Gently lift the pans away.

While the donuts are still warm (but not piping hot), immediately roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth of the donuts will help the coating adhere beautifully. Make sure to coat them completely on all sides for maximum flavor. If the donuts have cooled too much, you can lightly brush them with a bit of melted butter or even a little extra melted cider before rolling them in the sugar for better adherence.

Let the donuts cool completely on the wire rack before serving. These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made, when they are at their freshest and most tender. They make a wonderful accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or of course, more apple cider. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall, made simple and delicious!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to bake these delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) as I am to share them with you! This recipe is truly a winner because it captures all the warm, comforting flavors of fall in an incredibly easy and approachable way. Forget the frying; baking these beauties yields a tender, cake-like donut that’s infused with the spiced goodness of apple cider. The crispy cinnamon-sugar coating adds that perfect textural contrast, making each bite a little piece of heaven. These are perfect for a cozy morning treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or even as a charming dessert. Serve them warm with a glass of your favorite apple cider or a steaming cup of coffee. For a twist, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce after baking for an extra decadent touch. I truly encourage you to give these baked apple cider donuts a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best texture, you might want to give them a quick refresh in a warm oven (about 250°F / 120°C) for a few minutes before serving if they seem a little soft.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the most intense flavor, I recommend using unfiltered, fresh apple cider. Avoid apple juice as it often contains less apple flavor and more added sugar, which can alter the taste and texture of your baked apple cider donuts.

My donuts seem a little dry. What did I do wrong?

It’s possible they were overbaked. Be sure to bake them only until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking is the most common culprit for dry cake-like donuts. Also, ensure your ingredients, especially the flour, were measured accurately.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Delicious and easy baked apple cider donuts, perfect for a fall treat. These cake-style donuts are infused with apple cider and warm spices, then coated in a cinnamon-sugar glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder.
4. Step 4
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   While the donuts are baking, in a shallow dish, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon powder for the coating.
8. Step 8
   Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9
   Once cooled, dip each donut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides.

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.