Nothing says fall quite like the warm aroma of homemade apple cider donuts. These soft, cake-style donuts are packed with real apple cider flavor, coated in cinnamon sugar, and taste just like the ones you’d find at a local orchard or farmers market. The best part? You can make them right in your own kitchen without deep frying.

This easy homemade apple cider donuts recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade treat. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, comes together quickly, and produces moist, flavorful donuts every time.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying homemade donuts for the first time, this step-by-step guide will help you create bakery-quality apple cider donuts with confidence.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts

• Soft and tender cake-like texture
• Rich apple cider flavor in every bite
• No yeast required
• Baked instead of fried for easier preparation
• Ready in about 40 minutes
• Perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, and weekend breakfasts
• Family-friendly recipe using everyday ingredients

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Kitchen Equipment

• Donut baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Pastry brush or small bowl for butter

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider reduces to about ½ cup. This usually takes 20 to 25 minutes.

Reducing the cider concentrates the natural apple flavor, giving the donuts a richer taste.

Allow the reduced cider to cool before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a donut baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Reduced apple cider

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently using a spatula until no dry flour remains.

Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donuts dense instead of soft.

The batter should be thick but easy to spoon or pipe into the donut pan.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner cut off.

Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full.

This helps the donuts rise evenly without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.

A toothpick inserted into the donut should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack.

Allow them to cool just enough so they’re still warm but easy to handle.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until evenly combined.

Brush each warm donut with melted butter.

Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

The butter helps the coating stick while adding extra richness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donuts warm with:

• Fresh hot coffee
• Apple cider
• Hot chocolate
• Chai latte
• Warm milk

They are especially delicious while still slightly warm.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

• Reduce the cider for the strongest apple flavor.
• Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup.
• Do not overmix the batter.
• Fill the donut cavities only two-thirds full.
• Coat the donuts while they are still warm.
• Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
• Grease the pan well to prevent sticking.

Delicious Variations

Maple Apple Cider Donuts

Replace the cinnamon sugar coating with a homemade maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Apple Spice Donuts

Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves and a pinch of allspice for deeper fall flavor.

Caramel Apple Donuts

Drizzle cooled donuts with caramel sauce before serving.

Walnut Apple Donuts

Fold ½ cup finely chopped walnuts into the batter for added crunch.

Powdered Sugar Donuts

Skip the cinnamon coating and dust with powdered sugar after cooling.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Warm frozen donuts in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Donut
Calories	220
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	180 mg
Carbohydrates	32 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Total Sugars	18 g
Protein	4 g
Potassium	80 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

These easy homemade apple cider donuts bring the cozy flavors of autumn straight to your kitchen. They’re soft, moist, warmly spiced, and coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar finish that makes every bite irresistible. Because they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple enough for beginner bakers while still delivering bakery-style results. Pair them with a mug of hot coffee or fresh apple cider, and you’ll have a comforting homemade treat that’s perfect for crisp mornings, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a taste of fall.