Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like apple cider donuts. These warm, spiced treats are a seasonal favorite, enjoyed by food lovers everywhere. Whether baked or fried, homemade apple cider donuts offer an irresistible blend of sweet apple flavor, cozy spices, and a perfectly soft texture. If you’ve ever visited an apple orchard or a farmers’ market in autumn, you know that fresh apple cider donuts are a must-have. But why wait for a trip when you can make the best apple cider doughnuts right in your own kitchen?
This guide will take you through everything you need to know to create fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced apple cider donuts from scratch. From reducing apple cider to enhance its richness to choosing between baking or frying, this recipe ensures you get the best possible taste and texture. Whether you prefer baked apple cider donuts for a lighter option or crispy fried apple cider donuts for an indulgent treat, this recipe has got you covered.
Table of Contents
What Are Apple Cider Donuts?
Apple cider donuts are classic cake-style doughnuts infused with fresh apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices. They are typically coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. While traditional homemade apple cider donuts are fried to golden perfection, baked apple cider donuts have become a popular alternative for those who prefer a lighter treat.
These donuts originated from apple orchards and farm stands, where they became a seasonal staple. The key to their distinct taste is apple cider reduction, which intensifies the fruity, tangy sweetness of the cider. Whether you’re making apple cider cake donuts, mini apple cider donuts, or even apple cider donut muffins, the process remains simple, and the results are always delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Recipe
✔ Bursting with Fall Flavors – Made with fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg for that perfect autumn taste.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all skill levels.
✔ Baked or Fried Options – Choose between baked apple cider donuts for a healthier version or fried apple cider donuts for a crispy texture.
✔ Perfectly Sweet & Spiced – The balance of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract ensures a deliciously rich taste.
✔ No Special Equipment Needed – You can make them with a donut pan, muffin tin, or even by shaping the dough by hand.
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider Donuts
To make the best apple cider donuts, you’ll need the right combination of dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional but enhances flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple cider reduction (see next section for details)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
👉 If you’re a fan of warm spices, check out what cinnamon chips are made of to add an extra burst of cinnamon flavor to your baking!
The Secret to Intensifying Apple Cider Flavor
One of the biggest mistakes in making apple cider donuts is using cider straight from the bottle. If you want a strong, bold apple cider flavor, you need to reduce the apple cider before adding it to the batter.
How to Reduce Apple Cider:
1-Pour 1 ½ cups of fresh apple cider into a saucepan.
2-Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to ½ cup (about 15-20 minutes).
3-Let it cool before adding it to your batter.
💡 Why is this important? Reducing the cider removes excess water and intensifies the flavor, ensuring your homemade apple cider donuts taste as rich and flavorful as possible.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cider Donuts
1. Prepare Your Equipment
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- If frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Grease a donut pan, muffin tin, or a baking sheet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔ Flour
✔ Baking powder & baking soda
✔ Salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat:
✔ Melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
✔ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
✔ Stir in vanilla extract, apple cider reduction, and buttermilk.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Mix until just combined (overmixing will result in dense donuts).
5. Bake or Fry the Donuts
Baking Method:
-Spoon batter into donut molds, filling ¾ full.
-Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Frying Method:
- Roll the dough and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter.
- Fry each donut in hot oil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- While warm, dip each donut in melted butter.
- Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic apple cider donut taste.
Baked vs. Fried Apple Cider Donuts
| Feature | Baked Apple Cider Donuts | Fried Apple Cider Donuts |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light & fluffy | Crispy outside, soft inside |
| Cooking Method | Oven-baked | Deep-fried in oil |
| Equipment | Donut pan or muffin tin | Deep fryer or pot |
| Healthier Option? | Yes (less oil) | No (higher fat) |
How to Store & Reheat Apple Cider Donuts
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Variations & Customization
✔ Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts – Use almond flour or gluten-free flour.
✔ Vegan Apple Cider Donuts – Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
✔ Dairy-Free Apple Cider Donuts – Use almond milk instead of buttermilk.
✔ Apple Cider Donut Muffins – Bake in a muffin tin for a fun variation.
👉 Want to explore more fall-inspired treats? Try this funnel cake recipe for another warm, crispy delight!
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are best enjoyed warm, paired with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee. You can also serve them with a caramel drizzle or alongside a classic bundt cake for a perfect autumn dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Apple Cider Donuts Different?
Apple cider donuts stand out from regular donuts due to their rich apple flavor, warm spices, and unique texture. Unlike traditional yeast or cake donuts, these treats are made with apple cider reduction, which intensifies the apple taste and gives them a slightly tangy sweetness. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar enhances their cozy, autumn-inspired flavor. They are typically coated in cinnamon sugar after baking or frying, creating a crisp, flavorful exterior that complements their soft and fluffy interior.
What Ingredients Are in Apple Cider Donuts?
Apple cider donuts are made with a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients, including:
Dry Ingredients:
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
Baking powder & baking soda (for a light texture)
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice (for warmth and depth)
Salt (to balance sweetness)
Wet Ingredients:
Apple cider reduction (to intensify the apple flavor)
Brown sugar & granulated sugar (for sweetness and moisture)
Unsalted butter (for richness)
Eggs (to bind the ingredients together)
Vanilla extract (for added depth)
Buttermilk (to keep them soft and tender)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Melted butter
Why Do They Call Them Apple Cider Donuts?
Apple cider donuts get their name because apple cider is a key ingredient in the batter. The cider is often reduced to concentrate its flavor, giving the donuts a distinct apple essence that sets them apart from traditional donuts. The name also comes from their popularity at apple orchards and farm stands, where they are often served fresh alongside hot or cold apple cider, making them a beloved seasonal treat.
What Do Apple Cider Donuts Smell Like?
Apple cider donuts have an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with the comforting scents of fall. As they bake or fry, you’ll notice the rich fragrance of warm apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The buttery dough combined with the spiced coating creates a cozy, sweet, and slightly caramelized scent similar to freshly baked apple pie but with a hint of deep-fried indulgence if made the traditional way.
Ultimate Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: Soft, Spiced, and Incredibly Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
These homemade apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm fall flavors. Whether baked or fried, they have a rich apple taste thanks to reduced apple cider and are coated in cinnamon sugar for the perfect crispy finish. Enjoy them fresh with a cup of hot cider or coffee!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple cider reduction (see notes below)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Reduce Apple Cider: In a saucepan, simmer 1 ½ cups apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup (about 15-20 minutes). Let it cool.
2️⃣ Preheat Oven or Prepare Oil: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. If frying, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
3️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice.
4️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, apple cider reduction, and buttermilk, mixing well.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
6️⃣ Bake or Fry:
- For Baked Donuts: Pipe or spoon batter into a greased donut pan, filling ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- For Fried Donuts: Roll out the dough and cut using a donut cutter. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on a paper towel.
7️⃣ Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While warm, dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container for later!
Notes
✔ Reducing Apple Cider Enhances Flavor – Don’t skip this step!
✔ No Donut Pan? No Problem! – Use a muffin tin or shape the dough by hand.
✔ Want a Stronger Apple Taste? – Add ½ teaspoon apple extract for extra flavor.
✔ Storing & Reheating – Keep donuts in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked apple cider donuts, fried apple cider donuts, homemade donuts, fall desserts