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Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

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These easy homemade spiced apple cider donuts are baked, not fried, and bursting with cozy fall flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive autumn treat, they’re soft, tender, and finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for batter)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind)
  • Cinnamon Sugar Topping: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter (for brushing donuts before coating)

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 1/2 cups apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (120ml), about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and the cooled, reduced apple cider until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix; batter will be thick.
  6. Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently turn out onto a wire rack.
  9. While donuts are still warm, brush each with melted butter and roll or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  10. Serve warm, or cool completely and store as desired.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor—don’t skip this step! For gluten-free donuts, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk. Don’t overmix the batter for the best texture. Coat donuts in cinnamon sugar while warm for best results. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall dessert, cinnamon sugar, easy donut recipe, autumn baking, homemade donuts, spiced donuts, apple recipes, oven baked donuts

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/spiced-apple-cider-donuts-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-treat/