It’s just not fall without a big batch of baked apple cider donuts fresh from the oven. I can’t get enough of their soft, fluffy texture and spiced apple flavor. These donuts are super simple to make with just 10 ingredients, and I baked them in the oven, so there’s no messy frying! I love to enjoy them for breakfast or with my afternoon cup of coffee.
These baked apple cider donuts always transport me to the apple orchard. The crisp fall air, flannel shirts, pumpkin patches… I could go on and on about how much I love fall! I love to make these donuts with my kids, and they love to eat them. I feel good knowing they’re a little healthier than the fried versions from the orchard, but they still taste just as delicious!
What’s in This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe?
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives these donuts structure.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the donuts.
- Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise to become light and fluffy.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to the donuts.
- Egg: Helps bind the donuts and keeps them moist.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness. I recommend whole milk for the richest texture, but any kind will work.
- Apple Cider: Adds that classic apple flavor! I recommend farm-fresh cider for the best taste, but store-bought also works. In a pinch, you can also use apple juice but the flavor will be milder. Just don’t accidentally use apple cider vinegar!
- Oil: Vegetable oil makes these donuts moist and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet flavor of the donuts.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying at room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave.
Tips for Success
- You can use a piping bag to easily fill the donut pan with batter before baking.
- I dipped the donuts in cinnamon sugar when they came out of the oven but this is totally optional! If you’d like to add the cinnamon sugar exterior, just combine ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl and dip the warm donuts in the sugar mixture.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Donut Tin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut tin with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg together to combine.1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Add in the egg, milk, apple cider, vegetable oil, and vanilla and whisk to combine– mix just until no large lumps of flour remain. You don’t want to over mix.1 large egg, ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fill each section of the donut pan ¾ of the way full (I used about ¼ cup batter in each one).
- Bake the donuts for 16-18 minutes, until they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Transfer the doughnuts to a wire rack to cool and enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Step-by-Step
Whisk the Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F, grease a donut tin with nonstick spray, and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg together to combine.
Mix the Batter: Add in 1 large egg, ½ cup of whole milk, ½ cup of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and whisk to combine– mix just until no large lumps of flour remain. You don’t want to over mix.
Portion the Donuts: Fill each section of the donut tin ¾ of the way full (I used about ¼ cup batter in each one).
Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts for 16-18 minutes, until they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the doughnuts to a wire rack to cool and enjoy!
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