Name: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

Apple Cider Donuts capture the essence of cozy autumn mornings with their tender, cakey texture and a delightful cinnamon sugar coating that just melts in your mouth. This classic fall treat combines the rich, tangy sweetness of reduced apple cider with warm spices, creating a flavor experience that feels both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re welcoming the crisp air or hosting friends for a seasonal brunch, these Apple Cider Donuts are a must-make that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautifully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your donuts. Each item plays its part—from the cozy warmth of spices to the richness of buttermilk—to make these Apple Cider Donuts truly special.

Apple cider (1 cup): This is the star ingredient that brings authentic apple flavor and natural sweetness, which intensifies when reduced.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Lends a deep, molasses-like richness and moisture to the donuts.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and a silky texture, enhancing the cakey softness.
Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and help the donuts rise beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness to round out the flavors.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of your donuts, providing structure and body.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the donuts a light, fluffy rise.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Works with acidic ingredients to help the donuts lift and become soft.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses warm spice notes that pair perfectly with apple cider.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds depth and a cozy hint of earthiness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Keeps the donuts tender and introduces a slight tang that balances the sweet spices.
For Coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar & 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: This classic cinnamon sugar coating is what makes the donuts irresistibly crave-worthy.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan and bringing it to a boil. Then gently simmer it down until you have about 1/4 cup left—a concentrated burst of that sweet, tangy flavor that really elevates the donuts. Let this cool completely before adding it to your batter so it doesn’t interfere with the baking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together both types of sugar and the melted butter until they’re perfectly blended and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined and silky. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt—this dry mix is where your donuts get their spiced, tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now comes the fun part: alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mix, beginning and finishing with the dry ingredients. This layering helps maintain that light texture we adore. Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider gently; this brings a lovely moistness infused with deep apple flavor without overmixing, which can toughen your donuts.

Step 4: Bake Your Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan well to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Coat Your Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar

While your Apple Cider Donuts are still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip each donut into the mixture, making sure every inch is coated in that sweet, spicy layer that gives these donuts their signature crunch and irresistible flavor. This final step adds that cozy, nostalgic touch we all love about fall treats.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Apple Cider Donuts, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that works beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of spiced apple cider, chai tea, or even a creamy latte to create a perfect fall pairing. A bowl of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait keeps the meal balanced and refreshing, making it feel like a thoughtful seasonal spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can stack your Apple Cider Donuts on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. For a fun twist at parties, create donut skewers alternating with apple slices and marshmallows, turning this classic treat into an interactive autumn delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, keeping them in a cool place helps retain their texture longer.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these donuts over a longer period, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month without losing their delightful taste or texture.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, gently reheat your donuts in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. After reheating, consider a quick toss in the cinnamon sugar if needed to refresh their classic coating.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cider Donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in muffin tins for apple cider donut muffins or fry the batter using a piping bag to shape classic donuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and watch carefully to achieve a golden finish.

Is it okay to substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. This helps maintain the tender crumb and proper rise in the donuts.

Can I use fresh apple cider, or does it have to be store-bought?

Fresh apple cider is excellent if you have access to it, as it brings an even brighter apple flavor. Just be sure to reduce it down properly for the richest taste in your donuts.

How long do Apple Cider Donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within two days when stored at room temperature. Because they are cakey and moist, they don’t hold up as well beyond this without refrigeration or freezing.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even dried cranberries make great additions. Fold them gently into the batter before filling the pan to add texture and extra bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about sinking your teeth into freshly baked Apple Cider Donuts. They offer the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and that subtle tang of apple that brings fall right to your plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite seasonal treat to share and savor with loved ones.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat, combining the rich flavors of spiced apple cider with soft, cakey donut texture. These homemade donuts are baked, not fried, then rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating for a deliciously sweet and spicy finish. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or cider on a crisp autumn day.

Instructions

Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Add Reduced Apple Cider: Fold the cooled, reduced apple cider into the batter, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.
Apply Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Dip each warm donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and prevents the batter from being too wet.
Using a donut pan ensures evenly shaped donuts and easier baking compared to frying.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and cakey rather than dense.
For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American