I have created an easy baked apple cider donuts recipe that brings together the mix of all-purpose flour, apple cider, and melted unsalted butter, giving a delightful twist to traditional treats. With a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a touch of nutmeg, these donuts add a burst of fall flavors.

Jump to Recipe

I recently discovered a way to enjoy fall treats with a twist that skips the mess of deep frying. I decided to try baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar, and let me tell you they totally exceeded my expectations.

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt mixed with spices such as 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. I love that it includes a large egg, 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup buttermilk, and melted unsalted butter which makes the batter extra moist.

The donuts are then coated with a delicious blend of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. I was really excited to experiment with this recipe because it brings a fresh spin on fall doughnut recipes and offers a fun way to enjoy apple cider in a dessert.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make. I mean, skipping the deep fry mess is a huge win for me, and it doesn’t take forever to whip up a batch of these donuts.
2. I love the apple cider flavor in it; it gives the donuts a perfect, fall vibe that makes me feel all cozy and nostalgic whenever I eat one.
3. The cinnamon sugar coating is seriously irresistible. I always end up wanting more after just one bite, and dipping them in extra apple cider just takes it to a whole new level of yum.
4. I appreciate how simple the ingredients are; you don’t have to hunt down exotic stuff, just everyday items you probably already have in your kitchen, which makes it even more fun to try out.

Ingredients

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All-purpose flour gives structure and carbohydrates.
Its refined nature offers little fiber.
Sugar provides sweetness and energy.
Too much might be unhealthy sometimes.
Apple cider adds a tangy taste and moisture.
It includes vitamins and boosts flavor.
Buttermilk gives tang and tenderness.
It adds a bit of protein and calcium.
Melted butter gives rich flavor and helps coat the bake.
Use sparingly for healthier option.
Baking powder helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
It dont add taste.
Cinnamon gives a warm spicy note and antioxidants.
Its subtle heat balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 large egg

1/2 cup apple cider

1/4 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon sugar coating)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon sugar coating)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

3. In another bowl, beat the large egg then mix in 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup buttermilk, and the 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir lightly just until combined; dont overmix.

5. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.

6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts look lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.

7. While they are baking, mix the 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

8. Take the donuts out of the oven and brush them immediately with this cinnamon sugar butter mixture so it sticks really well.

9. Let the donuts sit for a few minutes to cool off a bit before serving.

10. Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm and dip them into apple cider for an extra yummy treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Donut pan
3. Medium bowl for whisking dry ingredients
4. Another bowl for beating the egg and mixing wet ingredients
5. Whisk
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Small bowl for the cinnamon sugar butter mixture
9. Pastry brush for coating the donuts
10. Toothpick for checking doneness

FAQ

Is apple cider really necessary for these donuts?

Yep it gives 'em that awesome apple flavour. If you dont have it, you can try using apple juice with a splash of lemon juice, but it might not be as tangy.

Can I use oil instead of butter in the batter?

You could, but the melted butter really adds a rich taste so i recommend sticking with it if you can.

Why are these donuts baked and not fried?

Theyre baked to make them a bit healthier and easier to make at home. It also gives a softer, cake-like texture compared to deep fried ones.

How long can I keep these donuts after baking?

They stay fresh for about 2 days tightly wrapped at room temperature. If you want them longer, freeze 'em and reheat in the microwave.

Do i need to grease the baking pan?

Yes, its best to lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking, and you can even spray a little extra butter to get that golden coating on the donuts.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of all-purpose flour, you could use a gluten-free flour blend or even whole wheat pastry flour; just note that it might slightly change the texture.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/4 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
You can swap apple cider with an equal amount of apple juice, maybe add a little lemon juice to bring out the tart flavor.
Unsalted butter can be replaced with an equal amount of margarine if thats what you have, just keep in mind the flavor might be a tad different.
Instead of granulated sugar in the batter, you might try coconut sugar, which gives a nice deep flavor and is slightly less sweet.

Pro Tips

1. Be careful not to overmix the batter – mix just until the ingredients are combined. It helps keep the donuts light and not too dense.
2. Preheat the oven really well before you start mixing the batter so you get an even bake; if your oven is off, the donuts might not rise right.
3. Brush the donuts with the cinnamon sugar butter immediately when they come out of the oven while they are still hot, its key to a sticky, yummy coating.
4. If you plan on dipping your donuts in apple cider, try warming the cider up a little first; it makes the dipping even more tasty and fun to eat.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

206

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Donut pan
3. Medium bowl for whisking dry ingredients
4. Another bowl for beating the egg and mixing wet ingredients
5. Whisk
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Small bowl for the cinnamon sugar butter mixture
9. Pastry brush for coating the donuts
10. Toothpick for checking doneness

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large egg
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon sugar coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon sugar coating)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
In another bowl, beat the large egg then mix in 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup buttermilk, and the 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir lightly just until combined; dont overmix.
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts look lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
While they are baking, mix the 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Take the donuts out of the oven and brush them immediately with this cinnamon sugar butter mixture so it sticks really well.
Let the donuts sit for a few minutes to cool off a bit before serving.
Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm and dip them into apple cider for an extra yummy treat.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.