Baked Apple Cider Donuts (with Spiced Sugar & Glaze)

Nothing says fall quite like a batch of warm apple cider donuts. Soft, cakey, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts (with Spiced Sugar & Glaze) are bursting with cozy apple flavor thanks to reduced apple cider and warm spices. Perfect with a cup of coffee, a mug of hot cider, or as a sweet treat after apple picking, this recipe is a fall must-make.

Unlike fried donuts, this version is baked in the oven—making them lighter, easier, and totally doable in your own kitchen. You’ll love the balance of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a crunchy spiced sugar coating. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle them with an apple cider glaze for the ultimate fall treat.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts (with Spiced Sugar & Glaze)

• Fall in a bite – warm spices, apple cider, and sugar all rolled into one cozy treat.
• Baked, not fried – no hot oil or frying mess, just simple baking.
• Easy to make – ready in about 30 minutes.
• Perfectly spiced – apple pie spice + cinnamon give that nostalgic flavor.
• Customizable – enjoy with spiced sugar only, or add glaze for extra sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these cozy donuts:

• Apple cider (reduced) – intensifies the apple flavor.
• Flour, baking powder & soda – your base for light, fluffy donuts.
• Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and apple pie spice.
• Butter, eggs, applesauce – for richness and moisture.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar – sweetens the batter and toppings.
• Chopped apple – adds juicy bursts of fresh apple.
• Optional glaze – made with apple cider, butter, and confectioner’s sugar.

Storage

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

The Perfect Fall Treat

These baked apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with autumn flavor. Serve them warm with a hot drink, take them to a fall gathering, or make a batch just because—you don’t need an excuse. Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to fall baking recipe.

Looking for more fall dessert recipes? Here are a few ideas:

• Easy Apple Crisp (Vegan & Gluten Free)
• The Best Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Mixed Berry Crumble Bars

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (with Spiced Sugar & Glaze)

• Author: Taylor – A Conscious Kitchen
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 12 Donuts
• Method: Baked

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Description

Soft, cakey, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are bursting with cozy apple flavor thanks to reduced apple cider and warm spices.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Honey Apple Vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 honeycrisp or gala apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice* (if you don’t have apple pie spice, see recipe in notes for how to make it or just use cinnamon)

Spiced Sugar Topping Ingredients:

• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice* (recipe in notes or you can just use cinnamon)

Apple Cider Glaze (optional):

• 1 1/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider
• 1 Tablespoon salted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or a mini muffin pan with butter or oil.
2. Make apple cider reduction: Gently boil apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the ½ cup cider reduction, melted butter, eggs, apple sauce, vanilla extract, vinegar, and brown sugar. In a small bowl combine the granulated sugar and apple pie spice or cinnamon. Dump in the chopped apple with the spiced sugar mix and stir until coated. Add the coated apples to the batter.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the greased donut or muffin cups. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes. Run a knife around the edges to help release them. Remove them from the pan to a wire rack.
7. Spiced sugar topping: While the donuts are cooling in the pan, make the spiced sugar topping by combining the granulated sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice* in a small bowl. In another small bowl, melt the butter. When the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush them with the melted butter and then dredge them in the spiced sugar mixture. Enjoy warm or let cool completely.
8. Apple cider glaze (Optional): In a small bowl stir together the confectioner’s sugar, apple cider and melted butter. Stir until completely combined. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more apple cider. Adjust to your desired consistency. Drizzle over donuts.
9. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Notes

• *Apple pie spice: You can make your own by combining 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. cardamom