Easy Apple Cider Cake Donuts Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Recipe with Apples is the perfect fall treat when you want something warm, tender, and full of cozy apple flavor. These homemade donuts are made with reduced apple cider, fresh apples, and warm spices, then finished with cinnamon sugar for that classic cider-donut taste.

They’re simple enough for a weekend breakfast but special enough for a fall gathering. You can bake them for a lighter option or fry them when you’re craving that traditional golden, crisp exterior.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts

• Full of real apple cider flavor
• Made with fresh grated apple
• Soft and tender cake-donut texture
• Warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavor
• Easy to bake or fry
• Perfect for fall breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Delicious served warm with coffee or apple cider

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1½ cups apple cider
• 1 small apple, peeled and finely grated
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to approximately ¾ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.

Reducing the cider concentrates the apple flavor and gives the donuts that classic cider-donut taste.

2. Prepare the Apple

Peel and finely grate the apple.

Gently squeeze out a little excess moisture, but don’t press it completely dry. The fresh apple adds moisture and natural apple flavor to the donuts.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

5. Combine the Batter

Add the cooled reduced cider and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, alternating with the dry ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Fold in the grated apple.

Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts tough instead of tender.

6. Prepare for Baking

For baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a donut pan.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.

7. Bake

Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.

Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. Make the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter, then toss it in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

9. Serve

Serve the donuts warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of chilled apple cider.

Fried Apple Cider Donuts

If you prefer a traditional Fried Cider Donuts Recipe, you can fry the prepared dough instead.

Instead of piping the batter into a donut pan, prepare a slightly thicker dough using the same flavors, roll it out on a lightly floured surface, and cut into donut shapes.

Heat neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) and carefully fry the donuts in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and coat with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Never leave hot oil unattended.

Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts

For an Easy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Air Fryer variation, use a firm donut dough rather than the liquid cake batter.

Shape the dough into donuts and place them in a lightly greased air-fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly golden.

Brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar while warm.

Cooking times can vary between air fryers, so check them early.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts

Reduce the cider.
This is one of the most important steps because concentrated cider gives the donuts a much stronger apple flavor.

Use a flavorful apple.
A crisp, naturally sweet-tart apple works beautifully. Finely grating it helps distribute the apple throughout the batter.

Don’t overmix.
Stir just until the ingredients come together for soft, tender donuts.

Don’t overfill the pan.
The batter expands while baking, so filling each cavity about ¾ full gives you nicely shaped donuts.

Coat while warm.
The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still warm.

Variations

Apple Pie Cider Donuts

Add a little extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice to the batter for a stronger apple-pie flavor.

Maple Apple Cider Donuts

Replace a tablespoon or two of the sugar with maple syrup and drizzle the finished donuts with maple glaze.

Glazed Cider Donuts

Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip cooled donuts into a simple powdered sugar and apple cider glaze.

Apple Cider Cake Donuts

For a classic Apple Cider Cake Donuts Recipe, keep the batter thick and bake it in a donut pan. The result is soft, tender, and slightly cakey with crisp cinnamon-sugar edges.

Storage Tips

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

For the best texture, enjoy them the same day they’re made.

Can You Freeze Apple Cider Donuts?

Yes. Allow the donuts to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.

For the freshest coating, add the melted butter and cinnamon sugar after reheating rather than before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, but apple cider generally provides a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor. If using apple juice, reducing it first will help intensify the flavor.

Can I skip the fresh apple?

You can, but the grated apple adds moisture and a subtle fresh apple flavor. For the best homemade apple cider donuts, I recommend keeping it.

Are these better baked or fried?

Both are delicious. Baked cider donuts are lighter and easier to prepare, while fried donuts have a more traditional crisp exterior and rich texture.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For the best texture, bake the donuts soon after preparing the batter. You can, however, prepare the reduced cider and dry ingredients ahead of time to make the process quicker.