Introduction

These Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts bring the warm flavors of fall right to your kitchen. Lightly sweetened and infused with cozy spices, they are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Baking them makes for a healthier alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing any deliciousness.

A stack of three sugar-coated doughnuts is shown on a white marbled textured surface, with the top doughnut having a bite taken out to reveal a soft, light brown inside with air pockets. The doughnuts are round and thick, each covered evenly with a layer of granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon, giving them a slightly rough texture and a sparkling appearance. The middle doughnut is a deeper brown color, while the bottom one appears lighter. In the blurred background, there is a bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with twine and a partially visible yellow and red apple. The overall lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the texture and color contrast of the doughnuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup fresh apple cider
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cake flour (or more all-purpose if needed)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tbsp grated apple for extra moisture and apple flavor
For topping:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the cider by pouring it into a small saucepan and simmering over medium heat until it reduces to about ⅓ cup, approximately 15–20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Brown the butter by melting it in a small pan over medium heat. Continue cooking until it foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cooled cider reduction, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. If using, stir in the grated apple now.
Step 6: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter thick and tender.
Step 7: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the donuts spring back lightly when touched.
Step 8: While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper apple flavor, add the optional grated apple to the batter to add moisture and freshness.
If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour but add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch per cup to mimic cake flour’s texture.
Use maple sugar or coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a different but complementary sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven to bring back their softness. They are best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when warmed.

How to Serve

The image shows a top view of a white marbled surface with eleven clear glass bowls and one glass measuring cup arranged in a scattered pattern. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with white milk, next to it on the right is a bowl with two raw yellow egg yolks in clear egg whites, followed by a small bowl containing a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Below the milk is a bowl filled with white flour, and next to the egg yolks and vanilla extract is a bowl with dark brown sugar. To the left bottom of the brown sugar is a small bowl with a mix of white and brown spices, while next to it on the right is a bowl containing white granulated sugar with a brown spice on top. In the center bottom is a bowl with a solid square of pale yellow butter. To the right of the butter is a glass measuring cup with a golden amber liquid inside, possibly syrup or honey. At the lower left side are two bowls, one with white powdered sugar and the other with golden brown granulated sugar. Finally, in the bottom right is a small bowl with pale yellow shredded butter or cheese. The clean, clear glass bowls and the white marbled surface create a bright and organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. However, texture might vary slightly, so adjust liquids as needed for batter consistency.

Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baking with leavening adapted for oven use. For frying, you’d need a different batter recipe better suited for deep frying to achieve the classic donut texture and rise.