Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

Name: Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp melted butter (cooled); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Published: September 13, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion
Their flavor profile bursts with seasonal spices and sweetness that will keep you coming back for more
Visually appealing with their golden-brown exterior, they look fantastic on any dessert platter
Versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or a sweet treat throughout the day

One unforgettable morning, I made these donuts for my family’s annual fall gathering. Everyone raved about them, and even my picky cousin who usually avoids anything healthy couldn’t resist their charm.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious donuts:

All-purpose Flour: This forms the base of your donut; sift it well for light and airy results.
Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder to ensure your donuts rise beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Blueberry Lemon Donuts recipe.
Cinnamon: The star spice! Go for freshly ground if possible for maximum flavor.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
Apple Cider: Use fresh cider for that authentic fall flavor; it makes all the difference.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal while helping create that lovely crust.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor—yum.
Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together nicely while adding richness.
Butter: Melted and cooled slightly; it gives your donuts that decadent mouthfeel.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all those fabulous flavors harmoniously.
Pear or Apple Sauce: Use unsweetened sauce as a healthier alternative to oil or butter; it keeps things moist!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty donut pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray so those beauties don’t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined well. Sifting helps avoid lumps for that velvety texture we love.

Create Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix melted butter with eggs, apple cider, vanilla extract, and applesauce until combined. The mixture should look smooth and shiny—like liquid gold.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold them together until just combined—don’t overmix! We want those donuts light and fluffy.

Fill Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or spoon (whichever you have handy), fill each cavity in the donut pan about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for rising without overflow disaster!

Bake Away: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched—so satisfying!

Cool Down: Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Resist the urge to devour immediately; they need time to firm up slightly!

These Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Dust them lightly with powdered sugar or dip them in cinnamon-sugar for an extra treat. apple pie bars with streusel Enjoy every scrumptious bite while sipping that warm cup of coffee or tea!

Now go ahead and treat yourself—and maybe share one or two if you’re feeling generous!

You Must Know

Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts are a delightful treat; they combine the warmth of fall spices with the sweetness of apples
These donuts are not only fluffy but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Pour batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier twist. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch, making your donuts uniquely yours. pumpkin chocolate chip cake.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. tasty baked lemon donuts For a warm treat, reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly baked donuts, ensure your batter is not overmixed; lumps are okay!
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor and consider adding a glaze afterward for extra sweetness
Remember, patience is key while baking—let them cool before removing from the pan

Sometimes I whip up these donuts just to see my kids’ faces light up when they smell that spicy aroma filling the house. It’s pure joy!

FAQ

How long do Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts last?

For more inspiration, check out this Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs recipe.

They can last up to three days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just be sure to wrap them tightly.

What can I use instead of apple cider?

You can substitute apple cider with apple juice or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card