There’s something magical about biting into a warm, fluffy apple cider donut. The way it crumbles slightly in your mouth, releasing that sweet, spiced aroma, is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine a crisp fall day with leaves crunching beneath your feet, and in your hand, a perfectly glazed apple cider donut—it’s the simple joys like these that make life deliciously meaningful.

I can still recall the first time I made these delightful treats. My kids dashed into the kitchen, eyes wide with excitement and noses twitching at the sweet scent wafting from the oven. If you’ve ever wanted to bring that kind of joy home, let me assure you: these apple cider donuts will do just that. They’re perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or any day you want to treat yourself!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These apple cider donuts are easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion
- The flavor is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy goodness
- Their golden-brown exterior is visually appealing, making them irresistible on any dessert table
- You can enjoy them fresh or freeze them for later enjoyment!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that apple cider donuts have become a household favorite. I remember my daughter’s delighted squeal when she took her first bite; it became a family tradition that never fails to bring joy.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; it adds a rich sweetness to the batter.
All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice that gives structure and helps keep the donuts light.
Baking Powder: Essential for creating those fluffy textures; be sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and depth; feel free to add more if you’re a fan!
Packed Brown Sugar: For that caramel-like sweetness; it makes all the difference in flavor.
Eggs: These bind everything together; using room-temperature eggs helps with mixing.
Vegetable Oil: Helps create moist donuts; you can substitute with melted butter for extra richness.
Granulated Sugar (for coating): Roll warm donuts in sugar for an irresistible finish; it’s simply divine!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well because nobody wants sad stuck donuts ruining their day.
Mix together dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar until combined. Your kitchen should smell like fall already!
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine apple cider, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth—this is where dreams start becoming reality!
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be gentle here; we want airy donuts!
Fill donut pans: Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared pans about halfway full—this allows room for rising without overflow.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. You want them to bounce back when lightly touched—this means they’re done!
Coat in sugar: Once cooled slightly but still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar to finish them off gloriously! Enjoy immediately or let cool completely before storing.
Now you have homemade apple cider donuts ready to bring smiles and warm memories! Let’s dive into those flavors and enjoy every bite together.
You Must Know
- Apple cider donuts are a fall favorite, bursting with warm spices and sweet apple flavor
- These fluffy treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, and the aroma will have everyone coming back for seconds
- A delightful twist on classic donuts, they’re simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients, then whisk in the wet ones until just combined. This prevents overmixing, leading to light and fluffy apple cider donuts.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your apple cider donuts by adding chopped nuts or drizzling with caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor in your donuts; it makes a world of difference
- Don’t skip the nutmeg; it adds that cozy autumn spice we all love
- Make sure to let the oil heat properly before frying for perfectly golden results
The first time I made apple cider donuts, my friends devoured them so quickly that I barely got one! The laughter and joy shared around that kitchen counter were priceless.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for these delicious donuts.
How do I prevent my donuts from being greasy?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy donuts.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.

Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are the epitome of autumn indulgence. These fluffy, spiced treats are bursting with the rich flavor of fresh apple cider, making them a delightful addition to any fall gathering or cozy day at home. With a golden-brown exterior and a warm, sweet aroma, these homemade donuts will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, let’s dive into this recipe that brings warmth and joy to every bite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, combine apple cider, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe batter into prepared pans halfway full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and springy to touch.
- Roll warm donuts in granulated sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg