There’s nothing more comforting than a warm apple cider donut, fresh from the kitchen and rolled in cinnamon sugar. These donuts are tender, cakey, and infused with reduced apple cider for that classic fall flavor. They’re a favorite at orchards and fall festivals, but the good news is you can make them right at home with simple ingredients.
The secret to the best cider donuts? Simmering down fresh apple cider until it’s thick and syrupy, then folding it into the batter. This gives every bite a bold, apple-spice taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
Whether you’re making them for an after-school treat, a fall gathering, or just a cozy weekend bake, these donuts are sure to become a family tradition.
Why Apple Cider Donuts Are a Fall Tradition
Apple cider donuts aren’t just a treat — they’re a tradition. If you’ve ever visited an apple orchard or pumpkin patch in autumn, chances are you’ve had a warm donut dusted in cinnamon sugar, served with a cup of hot cider. They’re a nostalgic bake that signals the start of sweater weather, falling leaves, and cozy weekends.
What makes them different from other donuts is the reduced apple cider in the batter, which infuses every bite with orchard flavor. The warm spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice makes the kitchen smell incredible while they bake. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar right out of the oven seals the deal — it’s comfort food at its finest.
Whether you’re making them for your family, a fall gathering, or just a quiet weekend bake, apple cider donuts are the kind of recipe that instantly makes a house feel like home.
Serving Ideas for Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun and cozy ways to serve them:
- Classic Pairing – Serve warm with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate fall snack.
- Donut Holes – Use a mini muffin tin and roll the bites in cinnamon sugar for easy, poppable treats.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Slice a donut in half and fill with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Party Platter – Stack donuts on a cake stand and garnish with cinnamon sticks and mini apples for a festive autumn centerpiece.
- Bread Pudding – Cube leftover donuts and use them in a custard bake for a farmhouse-style dessert.
- Caramel Drizzle – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over warm donuts for extra indulgence.
Substitutions for Apple Cider Donuts
- Apple Cider → If you don’t have cider, you can use apple juice. Just simmer it a little longer to concentrate the flavor.
- Buttermilk → Make your own by adding 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup milk. For dairy-free, use oat milk or almond milk with 1 tsp vinegar.
- Butter → Swap with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar → White sugar works in a pinch, though you’ll lose a bit of that caramel depth. You can also use coconut sugar for a less refined version.
- Spices → If you don’t have nutmeg or allspice, just use cinnamon. The donuts will still be delicious.
- Donut Pan → No donut pan? Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 16–18 minutes.
FAQs for Apple Cider Donuts
Q: Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
A: This recipe is written for baking, but yes — you can fry them. Scoop batter with a spoon or piping bag into 350°F oil and fry until golden brown, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Q: How do I store apple cider donuts?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. They taste best warm, so reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes! Freeze uncoated donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw, warm, and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Q: Why reduce the apple cider?
A: Reducing cider concentrates the flavor, which gives the donuts their classic orchard taste. Don’t skip this step — it’s what makes them special.
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
A: Yes, though it will be a little milder in flavor. Simmer it longer to intensify the apple taste.
Q: Do I need a donut pan?
A: No — if you don’t have one, bake the batter in a muffin tin. They’ll be “donut muffins,” but just as tasty!
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup (15–20 minutes). Cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, sugars, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Batter will be thick.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease donut pan. Fill wells about ⅔ full.
- Bake 12–14 minutes, until tops spring back when touched.
- Cool 5 minutes. Brush donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Enjoy warm with a cup of homemade apple cider!
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh but keep 2–3 days in airtight container.
- Freeze (uncoated) up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, and sugar before serving.
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin for “donut muffins.”
