Can I make apple cider donuts ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the donuts a day or two in advance and keep them covered at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, skip the cinnamon sugar coating and freeze the donuts instead. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them and coat with fresh butter and cinnamon sugar — they’ll taste like they were baked that morning. This same method works perfectly for treats like Pumpkin Streusel Bread and Orange Cranberry Bread , which also freeze beautifully.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use real, unfiltered apple cider — the cloudy kind that’s made from pressed apples, not clear apple juice. It has a deeper flavor that really shines once you reduce it. If you can get fresh local cider from a farmers market, even better. I wouldn’t recommend apple juice; it lacks the tart sweetness you need here. If you’re in the mood for other cozy apple recipes, you’ll love my Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp — it pairs beautifully with a warm mug of cider.

How do I make apple cider donuts gluten-free?

You can make this recipe completely gluten-free by using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour . Measure the flour by weight (262g) to keep the texture soft and fluffy. These bake up just as beautifully as the original — no one will notice the difference. If you’re looking for more gluten-free inspiration, try my Easy Gluten Free Dinners for family-friendly weeknight meals.

Do I need a donut pan to make these?

A donut pan gives the best results and that classic bakery shape, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. You can spoon the batter into a muffin pan and bake them as mini “donut muffins.” Just keep an eye on the baking time — they may need a few extra minutes. If you love baking easy handheld treats, check out my Whipped Shortbread Cookies for another no-fuss favorite.

Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of making my own reduction?

Yes, but reducing the cider concentrates the flavor and makes a big difference. It only takes about 10–15 minutes to simmer down to one-third of a cup. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like warm caramelized apples. If you love the taste of sweet, sticky reductions, you might also enjoy trying the glaze on my Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl .

Apple Cider Donuts Irresistible Baked Fall Delight

Description

These Apple Cider Donuts are baked, not fried, and filled with cozy fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apple cider reduction. Light, fluffy, and dairy-free, they’re perfect for weekend mornings or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

- Apple Cider Reduction:
- 1¼ cups apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick

- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (262g) all-purpose or gluten-free flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (105g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (55g) melted coconut or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) almond milk or regular milk
- 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
6 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider with a cinnamon stick until it reduces to about ⅓ cup. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, melted oil, and cider reduction. Stir in milk and applesauce.
Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pipe or spoon the batter into donut pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Let donuts cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar until coated.

Notes

Use real, unfiltered apple cider for best flavor. These donuts are dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free. Store in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze uncoated donuts for up to a month.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg