Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Cake Style

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are the ultimate cozy treat, a delightful fusion of fluffy cake and the warm, spiced essence of autumn. There’s something undeniably magical about these treats that captures the spirit of fall in every bite. We love them because they deliver all the comforting flavors of our favorite fall beverage without the fuss of deep-frying. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, moist cake infused with the sweet, tangy notes of real apple cider, then dusted with a cinnamon-sugar coating that adds just the right amount of sparkle and crunch. These aren’t your average donuts; they’re a simpler, healthier, yet equally delicious way to enjoy that beloved apple cider flavor, making them a perfect weekend project or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and these Baked Apple Cider Donuts capture that essence perfectly. Forget the mess and fuss of frying; these cake-like donuts are baked to perfection, making them a wonderfully accessible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast option or a satisfying dessert, these donuts deliver a burst of cozy fall flavor in every bite. The secret to their moistness and rich flavor lies in using apple cider not just as a liquid, but as a key flavor component. And the cinnamon-sugar coating? Pure bliss. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Can also use melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

Instructions:

Preparing the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your donut pans. The first step to achieving perfectly baked donuts is to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature is crucial for ensuring the donuts bake evenly through without burning the outside before the inside is cooked. If you’re using donut pans, generously grease each cavity with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the donuts from sticking and make them easy to remove once they’re done. If you don’t have donut pans, you can also use mini muffin tins, though the shape will be different. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as they might cook a bit faster.
2. Combine the wet ingredients and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, one large egg, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and contributes to the tender texture of the donuts. Next, add the melted butter (or coconut oil) and the milk. Whisk everything until it’s well combined and the sugars have started to dissolve. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture forms the liquid base of our donut batter and is packed with all the delicious moisture and sweetness that will make these donuts irresistible. Ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated before moving on to the dry ingredients.
3. Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are essential for giving the donuts their light and airy texture. The spices are what truly elevate these donuts, giving them that signature warm, autumnal flavor. Take a moment to inhale the fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom – it’s a preview of the deliciousness to come!
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be relatively thick, but still pourable. If it seems too thick to pour, you can add another tablespoon or two of milk. Once the batter is mixed, spoon it into your prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This will allow the donuts to rise without overflowing.
5. Bake the donuts and prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. Place the filled donut pans into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your donut pans. While the donuts are baking, prepare the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Mix them thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This coating is what gives the donuts that classic bakery finish and adds an extra layer of sweet, spicy flavor.

Finishing Touches:

Once your donuts are baked, let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period will help them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Then, carefully invert the pans onto a wire rack to release the donuts. While the donuts are still warm (but not piping hot!), gently dip each one into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. The warmth of the donuts will help the coating adhere beautifully. Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to cool completely. The result is a batch of tender, flavorful baked apple cider donuts that are sure to become a new favorite! Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a truly delightful experience.

Conclusion:

There you have it! A delicious and surprisingly simple recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donuts. These aren’t your average fried treats; they’re baked to perfection, offering a wonderfully moist and tender crumb reminiscent of a delightful cake, infused with the comforting essence of apple cider. The hint of warm spices makes them the ultimate autumnal indulgence, but honestly, they’re fantastic any time of year. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachability – no special equipment needed, just a standard muffin tin and a few pantry staples. I truly believe these baked apple cider donuts will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

For serving, I love them dusted with a simple cinnamon-sugar mixture, but a warm glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash more apple cider is equally divine. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try folding in a handful of finely diced, crisp apples into the batter before baking, or even a touch of cardamom for a more complex spice profile. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these baked apple cider donuts a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! As demonstrated in the recipe, a standard muffin tin works perfectly. Just fill the wells about two-thirds full with batter, and you’ll get lovely, round donut-like shapes.

How long do these baked apple cider donuts stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerating them might be a good idea to prevent spoilage.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the best flavor, use 100% pure apple cider, not apple juice. The difference is significant, and the cider will contribute a richer, more authentic apple flavor to your donuts.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Delicious and easy baked donuts infused with the warm flavors of apple cider, perfect for a fall treat.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder.
4. Step 4
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   While the donuts are baking, prepare the topping by combining 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder in a shallow dish.
8. Step 8
   Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack. While still warm, dip or toss each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.