Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

If you’re searching for a warm and inviting treat that embodies everything cozy about autumn, look no further than this Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe. These donuts are a beautiful blend of tender crumb, spiced warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and the subtly sweet tang of fresh apple cider that has been lovingly reduced to concentrate its flavor. Finished with a luscious brown butter and a cinnamon-sugar coating, these baked delights transform a simple ingredient list into something truly magical and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a comforting dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different ingredients. From top left moving clockwise: one bowl with white milk, next bowl with yellow egg yolks and clear egg whites, a bowl with dark brown liquid, a bowl with dark brown sugar, a bowl with several pale yellow butter cubes, a clear glass measuring cup filled with amber liquid, a bowl with shredded pale yellow cheese, a bowl with light brown sugar, a bowl with white powder, a bowl with mixed spices including cinnamon and brown powder, a bowl with white flour, a bowl with white sugar mixed with brown cinnamon powder, and a bowl with a block of pale yellow butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on accessible, straightforward ingredients that work together harmoniously to create the perfect texture and depth of flavor. Each element plays an essential role—whether it’s the flours giving structure, the spices delivering that cozy kick, or the reduced apple cider infusing every bite with vibrant, fruity notes.

1 cup fresh apple cider: The star of the show, reduced to concentrate its bright, apple essence.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base and body for tender, soft donuts.
1/4 cup cake flour: Adds an extra lightness and delicate crumb—substitute with more all-purpose if needed.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps with rise and fluffiness.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Works in tandem with baking soda to create a perfect texture.
1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives that unmistakable warm spice.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds cozy, slightly sweet warmth that complements the cinnamon.
Pinch of allspice: A subtle complexity that rounds out the spice profile.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Browned for a nutty richness that elevates every bite.
1/4 cup light brown sugar: Offers moisture and a mellow caramel sweetness.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds crunch and structure inside the batter.
1 large egg: Binds everything together while enriching the texture.
1/3 cup buttermilk (room temp): Keeps the donuts tender with a slight tang.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, fragrant background note.
Optional: 1 tbsp grated apple: For extra moisture and an enhanced apple flavor burst.
For the topping: 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon to coat the donuts in a luscious cinnamon-sugar embrace.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring fresh apple cider into a small saucepan. Let it gently simmer over medium heat, reducing it until only about a third of a cup remains. This reduction intensifies the cider’s natural sweetness and tartness, imprinting every donut with pure apple magic. Once reduced, set it aside to cool completely before incorporating it into the batter.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

While your cider cools, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Keep it cooking until you see it foam and transform into a gorgeous golden brown color, releasing a delicious nutty aroma. This step isn’t just about flavor—it adds depth and a silky richness that you’ll notice in each donut bite. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prep the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease your donut pan. Proper greasing ensures your treats come out perfectly without sticking, preserving their tender shape and crumb.

Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice. Whisking them together evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, creating a balanced flavor and uniform rise.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cooled cider reduction, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re adding that optional grated apple, fold it in here to boost moisture and apple flavor even more.

Step 6: Combine and Fold

Pour the dry ingredient mix into the wet bowl and gently fold until just combined. The batter will be thick and rich, so take care not to overmix or the donuts could become dense. A gentle hand here is key to achieving that perfect soft, tender crumb.

Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full to allow space for rise. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 8: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

While the donuts are still warm, brush each with melted butter. Then, generously toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture so they’re fully coated with a sweet, crunchy finish that perfectly complements the spiced, tender interior.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe

A gray metal donut pan holds twelve freshly baked donuts arranged in three rows and four columns against a white marbled surface. Each donut is golden brown with a smooth, slightly spongy texture and a perfect hole in the center. The donuts are evenly cooked, with a consistent color and a few small air bubbles visible on their surfaces. The pan sits flat and takes up most of the image, giving a clear top view of the donuts inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the appeal of your Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe by adding simple yet delightful garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a few thin apple slices arranged on top. These touches add elegance and an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the star focus—the perfectly spiced donut itself.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with fall-inspired sides such as a steaming cup of coffee, a robust chai latte, or a glass of crisp apple cider. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad, a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe into a centerpiece by stacking them on a tiered cake stand for your brunch table, or place them in rustic baskets lined with linen for a charming picnic vibe. For parties, serve them with little flags or decorative toothpicks, or alongside mini jars of flavored butters and jams to make every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your leftover donuts fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to two days, perfect for enjoying a quick treat without any effort.

Freezing

To preserve your donuts for longer, freeze them by wrapping each donut individually in plastic wrap and then storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, they will maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months—ideal for making ahead and enjoying whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your stored donuts, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives their soft, fresh-baked texture and melts the cinnamon-sugar coating slightly, making them taste just like the day they came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use bottled apple cider instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled apple cider works just as well, but make sure it is pure apple cider without added sugars or spices, so you have full control over the donut’s flavor.

What’s the difference between all-purpose and cake flour in this recipe?

Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a lighter, more tender crumb. Using both flours balances softness with enough structure to hold the donut shape during baking.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, swap the flours for your favorite gluten-free baking blend and ensure it already contains xanthan gum or another stabilizer for best results.

Why do you brown the butter instead of just melting it?

Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes these donuts extra special and enhances the cozy spice notes.

Can I skip the topping or use a different coating?

Absolutely! While the cinnamon-sugar topping is classic and delicious, you can also dust the donuts with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or dip them in melted chocolate for a different spin.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about the Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts Recipe, a treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall in every bite. I encourage you to try making these donuts yourself—once you do, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite, filling your kitchen with the comforting aromas of apple cider and spices. Whether for a cozy morning, dessert, or sharing with friends, these baked donuts offer a simple yet extraordinary slice of seasonal happiness.