There’s nothing quite like the taste of Apple Cider Donuts on a crisp Fall day, and this baked version brings all the cozy orchard flavors right to your kitchen! Made with concentrated apple cider, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, these donuts are soft, tender, and packed with classic Autumn flavor!

Homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts!

August is my favorite month for taking pictures, the Farmer’s Markets, and perfect temperatures! Everything is still beautiful and green, flowers are at their peak, the sun still shines brightly through the windows, and Fall recipes are creeping into my kitchen.

I don’t look forward to Winter and shorter days, but I sure do enjoy the months leading up to it! These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious start to the Fall season!

Why this Recipe Works

Cake Flour Creates a Tender Crumb – Cake flour has a lower protein content than all purpose flour, resulting in soft, light, bakery style donuts.

A Balanced Blend of Warm Spice Adds Depth – Cinnamon and nutmeg compliment the apple cider and creates a classic cozy flavor associated with Apple Cider Donuts.

Baking Instead of Frying Makes This Recipe Easy – The donuts still achieve a soft, cake like texture and flavorful cinnamon sugar finish without the extra time and oil required for frying.

Golden baked apple cider donuts covered in cinnamon sugar, ready to serve with a warm fall-inspired flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Donuts

1 1/2 cups Apple Cider – Provides apple flavor and moisture.

2 cups Cake Flour – Creates a soft, tender donut texture.

2 tsp Baking Powder – Helps the donuts rise.

1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon – Adds warm spice flavor.

1 tsp Salt – Enhances overall flavor.

1/4 tsp Nutmeg – Adds a classic bakery style spice.

1/2 cup Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and tender.

1/2 cup Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.

1/4 cup Sugar – Provides sweetness and balances the spices.

1 Egg – Binds ingredients and adds structure.

2 tbsp Butter (Melted) – Adds richness and moisture.

2 tsp Vanilla – Enhances sweetness and flavor.

And the Cinnamon/Sugar Coating

1 cup Sugar – Creates the sweet outer coating.

2 tsp Cinnamon – Adds warm spice flavor.

1/2 cup Butter (Melted) – Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the donuts.

Freshly baked apple cider donuts with a cinnamon-sugar coating arranged on a serving platter

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

In a small sauce pan, bring 1 1/2 cups apple cider to a boil over high heat. Let boil for a minute, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup. (This will take 15 minutes or so.) The cider will start to thicken a little and will get slightly darker in color. Make sure to measure out 1/2 cup when finished in case the cider didn’t reduce quite enough.

Allow the cider to cool completely before continuing to the next step.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups cake flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup reduced apple cider, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla.

Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

Distribute batter evenly between donut molds.

Bake for 8 minutes.

In a shallow bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter.

In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon.

Dip both sides of the donut into the melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture to cover both sides.

Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of a soft, tender crumb.

Coat the Donuts While They are Still Warm – Brushing warm donuts with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick evenly and creates the best flavor.

Avoid Overbaking – Check them early for the best texture. You can do this by making sure they spring back when touched.