Apple Cider Glazed Donuts Recipe – Easy Fall Favorite

The aroma of warm apple cider donuts drifting through the kitchen is pure autumn magic. These donuts are everything you love about fall, wrapped up in a lightly spiced, fluffy treat, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze that’s impossible to resist. I first tried making these apple cider glazed donuts on a crisp October morning, inspired by a trip to a local apple orchard, and they’ve been a seasonal tradition in my home ever since. Whether you’re sipping on a warm mug of cider or hosting friends for a cozy brunch, these donuts are perfect for capturing the spirit of the season.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, even if you’re new to donut-making. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a seasoned baker in no time. Plus, the combination of apple cider and warming spices makes these donuts taste like fall in every bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: These donuts come together in less than an hour, making them perfect for last-minute fall cravings.
• Easy Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
• Fall Flavor Explosion: The apple cider glaze paired with the cinnamon-spiced donut base is pure autumn bliss.
• Baked, Not Fried: A slightly healthier twist on a classic treat—no messy oil splatters to worry about.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These donuts are great for brunch, dessert, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends.

What sets these apple cider glazed donuts apart is the reduction of apple cider to concentrate its flavor. This technique ensures every bite is bursting with that signature tangy sweetness. You’ll also love how the glaze adds a glossy, bakery-style finish without too much effort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but isn’t fussy—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create donuts that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly glazed. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apple Cider: The star of the show! Make sure to use fresh apple cider, not apple juice, for the best flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully.
• Baking Soda: Adds extra lift and balances the tangy cider.
• Ground Cinnamon: A must-have for that warm, cozy fall flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the spice profile.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Brown Sugar: For a deep, caramelized sweetness.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for the glaze—smooth and sweet.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor or swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and almond milk instead of regular butter and milk.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Donut Pan: Essential for shaping the donuts. If you don’t have one, muffin tins work as a substitute.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the batter.
• Small Saucepan: To reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor.
• Cooling Rack: Helps the glaze set without making the donuts soggy.

If you’re just starting out, a donut pan is a great investment—you’ll find yourself using it year-round for all kinds of recipes!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This should take 10-15 minutes. Let it cool.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter and mix it with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider.
5. Make the Batter: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops if needed.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 3 tbsp apple cider until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze and place it on the rack to set.

Pro Tip: If your glaze feels too thick, add a splash of cider; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Skip the Reduction: Concentrating the cider is what gives these donuts their signature flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and ensures the donuts bake consistently.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the batter can make the donuts dense instead of fluffy.
• Let the Donuts Cool: Glazing warm donuts can make the glaze slide off—patience is key!
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and almond milk in place of dairy-based ingredients.
• Spiced Maple Glaze: Replace apple cider in the glaze with maple syrup for a cozy twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the glazed donuts for extra indulgence.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties!

Personally, I’ve tried swapping in pumpkin puree for apple cider in the batter, and the results were equally delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature. Serve them with a steaming mug of apple cider or coffee for the ultimate fall breakfast. If you’re hosting guests, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

For storage, keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap them individually and store for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven until warm.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each donut is estimated to contain around 180 calories, with 4g of protein and 6g of fat. The apple cider provides a dose of antioxidants, and baking instead of frying keeps them lower in fat. Note that these donuts contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, so they may not be suitable for certain dietary restrictions.

For me, the real benefit is the joy that comes with sharing these donuts on a crisp fall day—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Conclusion

These irresistible apple cider glazed donuts are a tried-and-true fall favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. With their warm spices, tangy glaze, and soft texture, they’re the perfect seasonal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, fun, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

I’d love to hear how your donuts turn out! Share your thoughts, adaptations, or any questions in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Let’s make fall even sweeter, one donut at a time.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can use a muffin tin instead. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you can, apple cider has a stronger flavor that makes these donuts shine. If you use apple juice, try adding a pinch of apple pie spice to amp up the flavor.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the donuts a day ahead and glaze them right before serving for the freshest taste.

What’s the best way to reheat these donuts?

Pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

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