Apple Cider Donuts

why make this recipe

Apple Cider Donuts are warm, soft, and full of fall flavor. They use apple cider and spices for a clear apple taste. This baked version is simple and faster than frying. You can make them for breakfast, snack, or a small party.

introduction

These Apple Cider Donuts are light and moist. They bake in a donut pan and get a sweet cider glaze. The recipe uses applesauce and apple cider for natural apple flavor. If you like other apple baked goods, try Apple Walnut Fritter Bread for more ideas.

how to make Apple Cider Donuts

You mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Then stir them together until just mixed. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake. Let the donuts cool a bit, then dip the tops in a simple apple cider glaze.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider (for glaze)

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, apple cider, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fill each donut mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth.
9. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and let set before serving.

how to serve Apple Cider Donuts

Serve these donuts warm or at room temperature. They go well with coffee, tea, or cold milk. For a brunch plate, you can serve them with savory items like ham — try a sweet ham recipe such as Pineapple Glazed Ham if you want a full meal.

how to store Apple Cider Donuts

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. You can freeze plain donuts (no glaze) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.

tips to make Apple Cider Donuts

• Do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep donuts tender.
• Fill the donut wells about 3/4 full to avoid overflow.
• Let the donuts cool before glazing so the glaze sets.
• Use fresh apple cider for better flavor, not the concentrate.
• If you do not have a donut pan, bake the batter in a muffin tin for 10-14 minutes.

variation (if any)

• Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for texture.
• Swap the glaze for a cinnamon sugar coating: brush donuts with melted butter and roll in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Make the donuts with maple syrup instead of some sugar for a maple-apple flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
A: This recipe is for baked donuts. Frying needs a different batter and method. For fried apple donuts, use a recipe made for frying.

Q: Can I use apple sauce instead of apple cider?
A: The recipe already uses applesauce and apple cider. You need some liquid cider for the batter and glaze. Do not replace all cider with applesauce.

Q: Can I make these without a donut pan?
A: Yes. Use a muffin tin and bake 10–14 minutes. The shape will change but the taste stays good.

Q: How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
A: Add a little more powdered sugar to thicken. Add a few drops more apple cider to thin it.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix the dry and wet parts separately and combine just before baking. Fully mixed batter is best baked right away.

Conclusion

For another baked take on apple cider donuts and a detailed guide, see this recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Sally’s Baking.

Apple Cider Donuts

Warm, soft, and full of fall flavor, these baked Apple Cider Donuts are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
• 2 tablespoons apple cider for glaze

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, apple cider, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fill each donut mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cooling and Glazing

1. Allow donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
2. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth.
3. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and let set before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts tender. Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.