Perfect for snacking, Apple Cider Donuts bring fresh cider, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple glaze together in a soft, cake-style treat with sweet apple and cinnamon flavor.
For anyone who loves apple treats, baked apple cider donuts can be made in standard or mini sizes and finished with maple glaze or cinnamon sugar. If you enjoy baking with apples, try my Apple Baked Oatmeal for another breakfast idea. Either size gives you a cake-style donut without frying.
Quick Look: Apple Cider Donuts
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 14 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 29 minutes
- 🍩 Yield: 24 mini donuts
- 🍎 Key Ingredient: Fresh apple cider
- 🍁 Flavor Profile: Apple cider, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple
- ☁️ Texture: Tender and cake-like
- ♨️ Cooking Method: Baked
- 🍩 Size Options: Standard or mini donuts
- 🍁 Finish: Maple glaze or cinnamon sugar
- Why This Recipe Works: Baking gives you cake-style donuts without dealing with hot oil or frying. The same batter works for standard or mini donut pans, and you can finish each batch with maple glaze or cinnamon sugar.
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Ingredients
- Fresh apple cider – ½ cup. Choose fresh, plain cider since cinnamon already goes into the batter. It gives the donuts their signature cider flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons. Brings warm spice to the cider and pairs naturally with the maple glaze.
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons. Keeps the donuts cake-like with a light crumb.
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons. Gives the donuts richness and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon. Its warm aroma complements the cider and cinnamon.
- Pure maple syrup – 3 tablespoons. Its caramel flavor and sweetness complement the cider and cinnamon in the glaze.
- Confectioners’ sugar – 1 ¼ cups. Blends with the liquid ingredients to create a smooth glaze.
- Dark corn syrup – 1 tablespoon. Helps give the maple glaze a smooth, glossy consistency that coats the donuts evenly.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Make and Bake the Apple Cider Donuts
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg. PIC. 1
- Prepare the cider mixture: Combine the apple cider, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir often until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and whisked egg. PIC. 2
- Make the batter: Slowly pour the cider mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until combined and almost no lumps remain. PICS. 3 & 4
- Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag, or use a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. PICS. 5 & 6
- Bake the donuts: Bake standard-size donuts for 12–14 minutes or mini donuts for 6–7 minutes. The donuts are ready when lightly golden and cooked through. PIC. 9
- Cool the donuts: Let them cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes. Transfer the donuts to a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.
Make the Maple Glaze
- Make the maple glaze: Whisk the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. PICS. 7 & 8
- Glaze the donuts: Set a wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the maple glaze. Return them to the rack and let the glaze set. PIC. 10
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Make the cinnamon sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the donuts: Brush the donuts with melted butter, then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
FAQ About Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Glaze
A donut pan gives these donuts their classic ring shape and is the best option for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can adapt the batter to a muffin pan, although the finished shape and texture will be different.
Yes. To make gluten-free Apple Cider Donuts, replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum to the recipe.
The baked apple cider donuts should be lightly golden and cooked through. Gently press the top of a donut. It should spring back when done rather than feel wet or collapse. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should also come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Glaze
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 Foyer
- 3 bowls
- 1 pan
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Baked Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg – at room temperature
- ½ cup fresh apple cider – reduced or not (I didn't reduce mine, which resulted in donuts with a more subtle flavor)
- ½ cup white sugar – Don't replace with brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon dark corn syrup or Karo syrup
- ½ tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon maple flavoring optional
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted, optional, but without it, the sugar-cinnamon mixture won't stick to the donuts as much
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Make and Bake the Apple Cider Donuts
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg.
- Prepare the cider mixture: Combine the apple cider, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir often until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and whisked egg.
- Make the batter: Slowly pour the cider mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until combined and almost no lumps remain.
- Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag, or use a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake the donuts: Bake standard-size donuts for 12–14 minutes or mini donuts for 6–7 minutes. The donuts are ready when lightly golden and cooked through.
- Cool the donuts: Let them cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes. Transfer the donuts to a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.
Make the Maple Glaze
- Make the maple glaze: Whisk the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the donuts: Set a wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the maple glaze. Return them to the rack and let the glaze set.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Make the cinnamon sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the donuts: Brush the donuts with melted butter, then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Recipe Notes
Storage and Reheating
Room temperature: Once completely cooled, store the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigerator: Store baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving. Freezer: Freeze the donuts without the maple glaze for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers in an airtight freezer container or bag. Thawing: Thaw frozen donuts at room temperature before adding the maple glaze. Reheating: Warm the donuts in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. If the donuts are already glazed, warm them gently and avoid overheating the glaze.Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
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Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.Post first published on September 22, 2013.
Looking forward to apple -- and maple! -- season. These donuts look just perfect -- thanks.
We have a Fall gathering coming up and the hostess was searching for an apple cider donut recipe so I am sending her this one. It looks straightforward and so yummy. Living here in New England, we will love the addition of the maple glaze, oh my! Found this on Pinterest and had to stop by and comment. Thanks!
Hi, Paula!
Thank you for stopping by. This recipe is pretty easy to make and yummy --a real family favorite! I hope y'all enjoy these donuts and have a very happy season.
Love these! These donuts were so delicious! I am so excited that I discovered your blog. I can't wait to try more recipes. Thank you for letting us sample.
Thank you, Mrs. Jeske, for stopping by. I am glad that you enjoyed these donuts.
The donuts you gave me were just delicious! Thank you! Thank you! I am so happy that you have shared the recipe! Now I must get the mini donut pan and make some for my husband and sons. They will love them too! ~Loving your blog! 🙂
Mrs. Miller: What a great surprise!!! Thank you for stopping by. I am glad to know that you enjoyed the donuts so much that you intend to make them for your family. Have a happy weekend!
What a coincidence!! I made apple cider donuts tonight!! And they are not nearly as delectable as yours 🙂
Kiran: I am sure that yours are to die for, as everything that you make in the kitchen. xx
Wow, donuts intimidate me to no end! What a beautiful post, and absolutely great job making these beauties!
After I make baked donuts for the first time this year I'm a true believer in delicious baked donuts! This apple cider donuts sounds AMAZING, and lovely combination with the maple glaze. Drool...
Thanks, Nami! It was my first time baking donuts as well...I loved it so much that I intend to make them again and again.
I could totally use this for breakfast right now!
Chung-Ah:
It's so good to have your visit. I enjoy eat them anytime of the day. Although delish, they are not too sweet. They go well at breakfast time for sure!
I do not used to make donuts because the grease, and each time I see a recipe of baked donuts I only wish the pan...!!!
Wow Denise...these little treats look delicious, I love the combination of apple cider and the spiced glaze...they are gorgeous...I can only imagine the face of your girls looking at these donuts...
Have a wonderful week my dear 😀
Tank you, Juliana! Likewise.
I just happen to have some cider in my fridge. Coincidence? I dont' think so!! These look soooo tasty.
What a delicious way to welcome the new season,Denise.
The Apple Cider donuts look so appetizing by just looking at the pictures and I'm sure they taste even better:)
I like your thinking Denise! I'll gladly have an Apple Cider Baked Donut with the fabulous Maple Glaze for both breakfast and snack time! An irresistible recipe to welcome fall!
Perfect treat to user in the fall! Your donuts look delish!!!
I want them NOW! Spring or Fall, I know I could eat at least 10 a day. Just gorgeous!
such an elegant and perfect way to welcome autumn....love those cute donuts 🙂
I should never have read this before lunch!!!
Oh my this looks amazing. Apples and donuts- and a glaze? Perfect for fall.
What a perfect donut to celebrate the entrance of the fall season! Glad to be part of SRC group C with you.
Those donuts look amazing!
What pretty looking donuts, I love the cider glaze idea!
Thanks, Nik! They are a comfort treat for sure.
These look like irresistible bites of autumn goodness! I have peach cider in the fridge from a local orchard I believe I am going to try these with. Since the warm weather is not entertaining the whole "it's fall", I will have to try them twice....once with the peach and once with apple. Brilliant choice!
Thanks a lot, Chris, for both stopping by and your sweet words. I hope you try this recipe. It became a family favorite.
I am getting on it asap. These are some delicious looking donuts.
Thanks, Ash!
I want one now!
I wish you could give you two, Abbe... 🙂
These look ahhhhhhhmazing! I need one stat!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Chelsy!
Loving the flavors of these baked donuts! And that maple glaze - I think I could drink it with a straw!
Oh, Shashi!Thanks so much...
What a perfect fall treat!
Thank you! My family and I really loved these donuts. They were gone in a blink of an eye.
I've held off on all the apple & pumpkin recipes because I'm a summer girl (plus 80 degree weather and still getting tomatoes and zucchini in my CSA share wanted me to enjoy summer to the very end.) But now I'm ready and this will probably be the very first apple recipe I make for the season - pinning right now!
Thanks, Deanna! I hope you make this recipe in a near future...It is a good one. Thanks also for sharing it!
Your donuts look heavenly! Perfect for fall. We just love anything maple so these sound perfect. Thanks!
Thanks, Erin!
I just bought a donut pan and can't get enough donut recipes! This looks like a great one, I can't wait to try it!! So perfect for this fall weather!
Thanks, Cate, Please, try this recipe. You won't regret it.
The perfect recipe to welcome fall. And they're beautiful!
Thank you!!!! Enjoy!
I remember when I got We Heart Vegan, I was petrified because I'm a big carnivore. Ended up loving their recipes. The donuts look amazing, wish I had one for breakfast right now.
We Heart Vegan has great recipes. It was hard for me to decide for only one.
Now that's what I call breakfast! 🙂 perhaps well have to make some of these this week.. My kids love their donuts and I usually make a lot to freeze for ahead of time as it is a great snack to quickly defrost and eat !
It sounds a great plan, Heather!
Perfect for a Fall morning. I so want these for breakfast now!
Oh, Lynne! They are great for breakfast -- and as an afternoon treat as well.
What a FAB autumn recipe and so delectable to look at! Hi! I am new to group C and am enjoying doing the rounds this morning! Karen
Welcome to group C!!! I am happy that you have enjoyed my treat, Karen!
Honestly I wanna grab those donuts out of my screen.
Thanks, Raymund!