Soft Apple Cider Donuts You’ll Want to Make Today

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Apple cider donuts; everybody’s heard of ‘em, but have you ever tried making your own at home? If not, maybe it’s because you assume they’re fussy, or maybe your last batch turned out a little… well, chewy. (Hey, it happens!) Let me be real: I spent years trying to get that perfect fluffy bite. But trust me, you CAN bake soft apple cider donuts that taste like fall in every bite—no fryer needed. Honestly, if you’re already looking up apple recipes, check out this amazing old-fashioned apple crisp too. And when you need a drink with your donuts, you have to try the pineapple lemon drop. Let’s get to the magic.

Why This Recipe Works

Oh boy, let me tell you, apple cider donuts get their flavor punch from, well, apple cider. Not apple juice, not applesauce. Just real, tangy, reduced-down cider—the kind that’s actually a little tart on its own. The trick is using baked, not fried dough, so you get all the coziness of a donut without a deep fryer stinking up your kitchen for days. Yeah, no one needs that. You’ll love the tender crumb and warm spices (seriously cozy vibes) and, bonus, it’s a one-bowl situation if you play your cards right.

I used to think these had to be a treat just from the county fair, but nope. This recipe comes together fast—no yeast, no hours of rising, just simple mixing and in the oven they go. I’ve served them for brunch and honestly, people acted like I brought out a five-star restaurant tray. That’s how much these apple cider donuts impress.

“These were such a hit at our last family get-together that my cousin asked me for the recipe before she’d even finished her first donut!”

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Apple Cider	1 cup (reduced)	Main flavor component
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups	Structure and texture
Brown Sugar	1 cup	Adds sweetness and moisture
Baking Powder	1 tsp	Leavening agent for rise
Eggs	2 large	Richness and binding
Ground Cinnamon	1 tsp	Warm flavor
Milk or Buttermilk	1/2 cup	Moisture and flavor
Butter (melted)	1/4 cup	Flavor and moisture

Key Ingredients in Apple Cider Donuts

Okay, I’m gonna break down what you actually need (and what you really… don’t). So, for the best apple cider donuts:

• Apple cider: This is the star. Reduce it until syrupy. If you skip this step, the flavor just won’t punch through.
• Flour: All-purpose is just fine. Trust me, no need for fancy flour here.
• Sugar: Use brown sugar for that hint of molasses vibe. It adds depth. White will work too if that’s all you have.
• Baking powder & soda: So your donuts actually rise, duh.
• Warm spices: Hello, cinnamon! Nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom if you’re bold.
• Eggs & butter: Makes things rich and soft. Oil can work too, but I go butter every time for the best flavor.
• Milk or buttermilk: Don’t overthink it. Either works in a pinch.

Don’t get distracted by recipe “extras” like fancy toppings or hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Keep it simple. That’s where the nostalgia lives.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Let’s keep it real, nobody wants a recipe that takes all afternoon or has you washing dishes for hours. I’m giving it straight:

First, get that apple cider into a small pan and let it simmer until it’s thick, like syrupy thick. It’ll smell wild, in a good way. This step takes maybe 15–20 minutes (don’t walk away, though—I burned mine once and, wow, my kitchen stunk for a week).

While that’s going, gather your dry stuff—flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg (cardamom if you’re feeling fancy)—in a big bowl. Mix ‘em quick.

Now, in another bowl, grab your egg, melted butter, and milk. Stir in the cooled cider syrup. Combine the wet and dry – but don’t overmix! If you do, say goodbye to soft apple cider donuts. Stir until just blended.

Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan. (No donut pan? Muffin tin works. They’ll just be, uh, rounder.)

Bake at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes until they bounce back when you poke ‘em. Pop out, brush with melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and… start eating.

Seriously. These go quick.

Make-Ahead, Storage Tips, and Reheating Tips

Alright, here’s the real talk: these apple cider donuts taste best the day you bake ‘em, but I totally understand that sometimes you gotta plan ahead. I usually double the batch, keep half for “emergencies” (read: midnight snacks).

• Storing: Wrap in foil or pop in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Any longer? They get a little dense.
• Freezing: Yup, they freeze! Just skip the sugar coating until after thawing, or it gets kinda soggy.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10–12 seconds or zap in the air fryer for a crispy edge.

I’ve even left some out overnight, and they’re still better than half the “fresh” ones from overpriced bakeries.

More Apple Cider Donut Desserts to Try

Can you believe there are more things to do with apple cider donuts? Here’s what I suggest when you wanna get wild:

• Cut up leftover donuts and bake into an apple cider donut bread pudding. Trust me.
• Try making a sandwich with vanilla ice cream in the middle. Messy? Sure. Worth it? Oh yeah.
• You could also crumble them over this old-fashioned apple crisp for max autumn flavor. Absolutely next level.
• Or get creative with drinks—imagine dunking warm donuts in this pineapple lemon drop. You’re welcome for that idea.

If you love cozy desserts, don’t sleep on this trick: toss some apple cider donuts into your next brunch spread and watch them disappear. Everybody goes nuts.

Common Questions

Can I make these without a donut pan?
Totally, just bake in a muffin tin. They won’t have a hole, obviously, but still taste awesome.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Not really. Apple cider has a deeper, punchier flavor. Juice is just, well, pretty mild and sweet.

Why do I need to reduce the cider?
Reduces the water and amps up the taste. Don’t skip or they’ll be bland.

Can I make them gluten free?
Sure, swap the flour for a decent 1:1 GF mix. Texture is a tad different, but not a deal-breaker.

Best way to cut the sweetness?
Use less cinnamon sugar on the outside or use more tart cider if you can find it.

Time to Get Baking!

Okay, so you’ve got all the need-to-knows for super soft apple cider donuts, and really, it’s easier than you might think. Just focus on that apple cider reduction and don’t overmix. If you want even more ideas, check out these awesome Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Sally’s Baking or this homey Apple Cider Donuts Recipe (VIDEO) | A Farmgirl’s Kitchen. They’re classics. And take a peek at the Best Apple Cider Donuts (Top-Rated) | The Kitchn, Baked Apple Cider Donuts | Butternut Bakery, or Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe if you want to compare flavors. Whip some up, pour a glass of something cozy, and let me know how they turn out! Your kitchen is about to smell like fall, I promise.