Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts are a delightful treat that brings warmth and flavor to your autumn gatherings. These doughnuts are soft and fluffy, infused with reduced spiced cider, apple butter, and warm fall spices. Topped with a rich cinnamon maple glaze made from browned butter and a hint of coffee, they are perfect for cozy weekends or festive occasions. Whether you are serving them at a fall party or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these doughnuts are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts. First, they are incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy fresh doughnuts without the hassle of frying. Second, the combination of apple cider and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that is perfect for fall. Third, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts, making them an excellent choice for those watching their diet. Additionally, you can customize them with various toppings or fillings, like nuts or chocolate chips, to suit your taste. Lastly, these doughnuts are ideal for sharing with friends and family, making them a great addition to any gathering.

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Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Gather these items:

1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup apple butter
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
4 tablespoons salted butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
3/4–1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter.
Step 2: Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together the reduced cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla, and brown sugar until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Step 5: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Toss chopped apples with cinnamon sugar, then fold into the batter.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 12–13 minutes until just set. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pan.
Step 7: To make the glaze, brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it smells toasted. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon.
Step 8: Dip or drizzle the warm doughnuts in the glaze and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Keep these in mind:

Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Use fresh apple cider for a vibrant flavor in your doughnuts.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or cloves for a unique twist.
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

These doughnuts are fantastic on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:

Serve warm with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee for a cozy breakfast experience.
Top with crushed nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

To store Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts?

The secret is in the quality of your apple cider and ensuring not to overmix the batter. This keeps the doughnuts light and fluffy.

Can I make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the doughnuts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just glaze them before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts?

Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense doughnuts.

Variations of Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Incorporate different spices like allspice or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
Make mini doughnuts for bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings.

Delicious Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Glaze

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Soft, fluffy baked apple cider doughnuts infused with reduced spiced cider, apple butter, and warm fall spices, topped with a rich cinnamon maple glaze made with browned butter and a hint of coffee.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup apple butter
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
4 tablespoons salted butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
3/4–1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter.
Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
In a large bowl, stir together the reduced cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla, and brown sugar until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Toss chopped apples with cinnamon sugar, then fold into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 12–13 minutes until just set. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pan.
To make the glaze, brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it smells toasted. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon.
Dip or drizzle the warm doughnuts in the glaze and serve immediately.