Nothing says fall quite like the smell of fresh apple cider donuts — warm, cinnamon-scented, and impossible to resist. These donuts are the very definition of cozy. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with apple-cinnamon flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a lazy weekend morning or sharing with friends, the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with pure autumn magic.
This is my favorite fall donut recipe for a reason: it’s easy, foolproof, and requires no frying. You get that nostalgic apple orchard taste right from your own oven — with just a few ingredients and a bit of apple cider love. Trust me, one batch won’t be enough.
2. Ingredients
These apple cider donuts are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry — all you need is some good apple cider to bring it all together.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing or dipping)
Key Ingredients
- Apple Cider: The heart of this recipe — reduced for a deep, concentrated apple flavor.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make these donuts taste like fall.
- Buttermilk: Keeps them moist and tender.
- Brown Sugar: Adds richness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Butter: Provides flavor and softness while keeping the donuts light.
Optional Add-Ons / Variations
- Apple Cider Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with apple cider for a sweet finish.
- Maple Glaze: Combine maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Cinnamon Sugar Crunch: Add a touch of brown sugar to your coating for extra caramel flavor.
- Baked Muffin Version: Use a mini muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan.
- Extra Apple Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to the batter.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is quick and simple — the hardest part is waiting for your kitchen to fill with that heavenly fall scent.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a donut pan.
- In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup (about 10–15 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, egg, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
Cooking Steps
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe batter into greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Coat: Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm — they’re best fresh out of the oven!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with hot apple cider or coffee.
- Dust with extra cinnamon sugar just before serving.
- Top with a drizzle of caramel or maple glaze for extra decadence.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.
- Wrap a few in parchment for the perfect homemade gift or picnic treat.
4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes
These tips help ensure your apple cider donuts come out soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced every time.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Reduce the cider. It intensifies flavor — don’t skip this step!
- Use a donut pan. It keeps the shape perfect and texture light.
- Don’t overmix the batter. It makes donuts tough instead of tender.
- Coat while warm. The cinnamon sugar sticks best this way.
- Eat fresh! These are at their peak within a few hours of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping cider reduction — weakens flavor.
- Overbaking — can dry out the donuts.
- Not greasing the pan — donuts may stick.
- Using apple juice instead of cider — it lacks that cozy tartness.
- Waiting too long to coat — sugar won’t adhere properly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Buttermilk: Substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice.
- Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquids slightly).
- Flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Apple Cider: Use unfiltered for maximum apple flavor.
Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup or bake in mini donut form.
- Cakey Texture: Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Extra Spiced: Add ground cloves or cardamom.
- Vegan: Replace egg with flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
5. Storage & Reheating
These donuts stay soft for days and reheat beautifully for that fresh-baked feel.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
To keep sugar coating crisp, store uncovered for the first few hours.
Freezing
Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months.
Reheat and coat fresh after thawing for best flavor.
Reheating
- Oven: 160°C (325°F) for 5 minutes to refresh.
- Microwave: 10 seconds per donut for soft texture.
- Air Fryer: 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes to regain crispness.
6. Nutrition (Optional)
Estimated per donut:
- Calories: 190–210
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- The perfect cozy treat — sweet, spiced, and full of fall flavor.
7. Conclusion
These apple cider donuts are everything you love about fall — warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. They smell like heaven, taste like pure autumn joy, and come together effortlessly in your kitchen. With each bite, you get the cozy flavors of cinnamon, apple, and sugar — all the reasons we fall in love with fall baking. Make a batch, brew some cider, and enjoy the season’s sweetest comfort in donut form.