Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze

These Apple Cider Donuts are truly a dream come true for autumn lovers! Infused with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, sweet Honeycrisp apples, pure apple cider, and a hint of maple syrup, they are the quintessential treat for any fall gathering or a relaxing evening at home. The rich, nutty brown butter glaze elevates these donuts to an irresistible level – prepare to be enchanted!

As apples grace us with their full bounty this season, our kitchen transforms into an apple cider sanctuary. While we love our Instant Pot Apple Cider and our festive Apple Cider Mimosa for beverages, we felt a void in our dessert repertoire for a truly iconic apple cider-centric treat. We already boast delightful recipes like our comforting Apple Tart and scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Muffins, but nothing quite captured the essence of pure apple cider in dessert form. Well, the wait is over! These baked apple cider donuts are here to claim a special spot in your kitchen and your heart, just as they have in ours. Our taste testers, Gus and Bode, couldn’t get enough of them, and honestly, neither can we!

Why These Baked Apple Cider Donuts Are a Must-Try

If you’ve always wanted to try making donuts at home but felt intimidated, fear not! This recipe simplifies the process, proving that delicious homemade donuts aren’t rocket science. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture. The simple steps involve combining your dry and wet ingredients to create a perfect batter, which is then effortlessly piped into a donut pan. While these beauties bake to golden perfection, you’ll whip up the star of the show: a luscious brown butter glaze. Once the donuts are out of the oven and slightly cooled, a quick dip in the glaze is all it takes before you can indulge in these autumnal delights. Get ready for soft, moist, and wonderfully spiced donuts that taste like a warm hug on a crisp fall day.

The Heart of the Recipe: Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts

Crafting the perfect apple cider donut relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients that harmoniously blend to create that signature fall flavor. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential foundation of our donuts, providing the ideal balance of structure and a wonderfully fluffy texture. It’s crucial for achieving that classic donut crumb.
• Cinnamon: An indispensable spice for any apple cider treat! Cinnamon infuses these donuts with a warm, inviting aroma and a quintessential fall flavor that pairs perfectly with apple. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an even deeper autumnal note.
• Honeycrisp Apple: Widely regarded as one of the best apple varieties, the Honeycrisp truly shines here. Famous for its delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, and its crisp texture, it adds natural moisture and an authentic apple flavor to the donut batter. If Honeycrisp isn’t available, Fuji or Gala apples make excellent substitutes.
• Apple Cider: This is the hero ingredient that gives these donuts their name and distinctive taste. Using pure, unfiltered apple cider is highly recommended for the most robust and authentic apple flavor. Avoid apple juice if possible, as cider offers a more concentrated and complex profile.
• Greek Yogurt: We prefer 5% plain Greek yogurt for its rich creaminess, which contributes significantly to the donuts’ moist and tender crumb. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the apples and maple syrup. A lower-fat Greek yogurt can be used, but the richer option yields a more luxurious result.
• Maple Syrup: The ultimate natural sweetener for fall baking. Maple syrup not only sweetens the donuts but also imparts a subtle, earthy flavor that beautifully enhances the apple and cinnamon. Ensure you use pure maple syrup for the best taste.
• Butter (for the Glaze): This isn’t just any butter; we specifically brown it for our glaze. The browning process transforms regular butter into a nutty, aromatic, and deeply flavorful ingredient that adds unparalleled richness and complexity to the topping. Trust us, this step is absolutely worth the extra minute or two!
• Powdered Sugar: The base for our easy and smooth glaze. When combined with the browned butter and a touch of apple cider, it creates a silky-smooth coating that sets beautifully and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Donut Pan: Essential for baking perfectly shaped donuts! A non-stick donut pan with six cavities is ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have one, muffin tins can work for donut holes, but you’ll miss the classic ring shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donuts

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple cider offers a more robust and nuanced flavor profile, apple juice can absolutely be used as a substitute in a pinch. If you’re using apple juice as-is, expect a slightly milder apple flavor in your donuts. For a more concentrated apple flavor that mimics cider, we recommend a simple trick: boil 1 cup of apple juice in a small saucepan until it has reduced by half. This intensifies the apple essence. Allow it to cool completely before incorporating it into the wet ingredients in step 3 of the recipe.

Can I make these apple cider donuts gluten-free?

Yes, certainly! Adapting this recipe to be gluten-free is quite straightforward. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Our go-to recommendation is Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour, as it’s formulated to replace regular flour cup for cup without needing additional modifications. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum, or add about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t, to help with structure and elasticity in your baked goods.

What if my donuts come out dense or flat?

Several factors can lead to dense or flat donuts. The most common culprit is overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Another reason could be expired leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda). Always check their freshness. Lastly, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that’s too cool won’t give the donuts the quick lift they need.

How to Make Homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful apple cider donuts at home is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Lightly spray a non-stick donut pan with cooking spray, ensuring all cavities are thoroughly greased to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, measure out all the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. Set this bowl aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: apple cider, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, avocado oil, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth and well integrated.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently combine them. Mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared. It’s crucial not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Gently scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
5. Pipe the Batter: Transfer the donut batter into a large gallon-sized resealable storage bag. Snip off one corner of the bag, creating a small opening (about ½ inch). Carefully pipe the batter into each cavity of your prepared donut pan, filling each about two-thirds full. This method makes filling the pan neat and easy.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to make our signature brown butter glaze. Place the butter in a small, light-colored saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to fully melt, then continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a rich golden-brown color and fragrant, nutty flecks appear at the bottom of the pan. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to stop the browning process. Let it sit in the pan for a minute or two to ensure all the butter is beautifully browned. In a small bowl, combine the warm browned butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider and stir until a smooth, luscious glaze forms.
8. Glaze and Serve: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the prepared brown butter glaze, ensuring an even coating. Alternatively, you can spoon the glaze generously over the tops of the donuts. Allow any excess glaze to drip off, then let them set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful homemade apple cider donuts!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Storage Guidelines for Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

How long do homemade donuts last?

To keep your freshly baked apple cider donuts tasting their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, these donuts also freeze exceptionally well for longer storage. Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked experience.

5 from 2 votes

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If fall is your favorite season, this baked apple cider donuts recipe is a must-try! These donuts are perfectly soft, moist, and filled with apple cider flavor. The brown butter glaze on top makes the perfect finishing touch.

By: Emily Richter

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 25 mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour (link)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (link)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (link)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup shredded honeycrisp apple

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup apple cider
• ¼ cup 5% plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (link)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (link)

Brown Butter Glaze

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar (link)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (link)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and spray a donut pan with cooking spray.
2. Place all of the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
   

   

3. Whisk together the wet ingredients.
   

   

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk together. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and ensure everything has been mixed thoroughly.
   

   

5. Transfer the dough to a gallon storage bag. Cut the tip off and pipe it into the donut pan.
   

   

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
7. While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. Place the butter in a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium/high to fully melt the butter. When the butter begins to caramelize, turn the heat off and let sit in the pan until all the butter is browned.
8. Place the browned butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider and stir.
9. Dip each donut into the glaze or spoon on top.
   

   

10. Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.

Tips & Notes

• Apple juice can be used in place of the apple cider as is. Or you can concentrate the flavor by boiling 1 cup of apple juice until it has reduced by half. Cool and use in step 3.
• If the glaze is too thick for dipping, add more apple cider, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Watch It

Nutrition

Calories: 160 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 20 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 9 g,
Fiber: 1 g,
Sugar: 18 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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