Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe and Tips

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

A new baked apple cider doughnut recipe uses reduced cider and warm spices to create a flavorful autumn treat without frying. This method simplifies preparation and cleanup while delivering a tasty alternative to traditional fried doughnuts.

Apple cider doughnuts are a classic autumn treat that captures the season’s flavors in a wholesome, baked form. Unlike traditional fried versions, which require careful temperature management to avoid undercooked centers or greasy exteriors, baked doughnuts offer a simpler, less messy alternative that still delivers a satisfying taste and texture.

The recipe centers on reducing apple cider to intensify its natural sweetness and flavor, eliminating the need for excessive cider in the doughnut batter. After simmering the cider down to about half a cup, it is incorporated into a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Melted butter, eggs, brown and granulated sugars, milk, and vanilla extract are then combined with the dry ingredients and the concentrated cider to create a slightly thick batter.

The batter is spooned or piped into a nonstick doughnut pan, filled about halfway, and baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 11 minutes. The doughnuts are ready when the tops spring back to the touch and light golden edges appear. After a brief cooling period, they are removed from the pan to finish cooling on a wire rack.

To enhance the autumnal flavors, the baked doughnuts are dipped first into melted butter, then coated in a mixture of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. This finishing touch provides a warm, spicy-sweet crust that complements the tender crumb inside.

These baked apple cider doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm but also keep well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigeration can extend their freshness to about five days, though serving them at room temperature helps preserve their soft texture.

This method offers a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the seasonal charm of cider doughnuts without the challenges of frying. While baked doughnuts may lack some of the pillowy quality found in fried versions, they remain a flavorful and easier-to-make fall favorite.

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