Apple Cider Glazed Donuts – A Warm Autumn Treat

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who believes food should capture the spirit of every season. For me, autumn is best expressed through the flavors of apples, cinnamon, and warm spices. That’s why Apple Cider Glazed Donuts are one of my favorite fall bakes. These baked donuts are light, fluffy, and infused with reduced apple cider and cozy spices. Finished with a glossy apple cider glaze, each bite is sweet, tangy, and comforting. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these donuts embody autumn in its most delicious form.

Apple Cider Glazed Donuts

Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat, traditionally found at orchards and fairs. My version keeps all the warm, spiced flavor but makes them more approachable for home kitchens. Instead of frying, these donuts are baked, making them lighter while still maintaining that tender crumb. Reducing apple cider intensifies the flavor, ensuring every bite carries notes of crisp apples and cinnamon. Topped with a sweet apple cider glaze that drips into the golden rings, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty. These donuts make cozy afternoons even more memorable.

Why This Recipe Works

• Cider Reduction: Intensifies apple flavor for authentic autumn richness.
• Baked, Not Fried: Healthier, lighter, and easier to make at home.
• Spiced Batter: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice deliver cozy warmth.
• Glossy Glaze: Sweet apple cider glaze adds irresistible shine and flavor.
• Versatile: Enjoy plain, glazed, or coated in cinnamon sugar.

Health Benefits

• Baked Method: Less oil and fat compared to fried donuts.
• Apples & Cider: Provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Portion Control: Each donut is a manageable serving.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg offer anti-inflammatory properties.
• Homemade: No preservatives, artificial colors, or excess oils.

Ingredients

For the Donut Batter:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider (to be reduced to ½ cup)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons reduced apple cider
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Donuts

Reduce apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it measures about ½ cup. Cool completely. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in one bowl. In another, whisk eggs, sugars, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and reduced cider. Combine wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter. Grease donut pans and pipe or spoon batter into molds. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, then dip warm donuts into apple cider glaze. Let set on a rack until glossy. Serve warm or cooled.

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
   Pour 1 ½ cups apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup, concentrating the flavor. This takes 15–20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely before using in the batter and glaze.
2. Make the Batter:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-cavity donut pans or line with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and cooled reduced cider. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet, whisking until just combined.
3. Fill the Pans:
   Transfer batter into a piping bag (or use a spoon) and fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. Smooth tops lightly with a spatula for even baking.
4. Bake the Donuts:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes or until donuts spring back lightly when touched. Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean. Remove pans from oven and let donuts cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
5. Make the Glaze:
   In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of reduced cider, and vanilla until smooth. Add more cider if needed to reach pourable consistency.
6. Glaze the Donuts:
   While donuts are still slightly warm, dip tops into glaze. Set on wire rack with parchment underneath to catch drips. Allow glaze to set for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Optional Variation:
   Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing for a rustic orchard-style version.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cider Reduction Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: ~52 minutes

Nutrition Information (per donut, 12 servings)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 115mg

Serving with Apple Cider Glazed Donuts

These Apple Cider Glazed Donuts are best enjoyed slightly warm, with the glaze just set and the aroma of spiced cider filling the air. Serve them alongside steaming mugs of coffee, tea, or mulled cider for a cozy autumn treat. Arrange donuts on a rustic platter, drizzle with extra glaze for shine, and dust with cinnamon for presentation. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or a weekend bake, these donuts are portable yet indulgent. Each bite captures the warmth of autumn in a soft, spiced ring.

Pro Tips & Variations

• For Extra Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of apple butter to the batter.
• Cinnamon Sugar Style: Skip glaze, brush donuts with melted butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Maple Glaze: Replace cider glaze with maple glaze for a richer flavor.
• Make Ahead: Store donuts in an airtight container for 2 days; glaze just before serving.

The Bottom Line

The Apple Cider Glazed Donut is autumn comfort wrapped in a golden ring. By reducing apple cider, every bite bursts with orchard-fresh sweetness balanced by cozy spices. Baking keeps them lighter, while the glossy glaze adds elegance and indulgence. For me, this recipe captures the essence of fall: crisp mornings, warm kitchens, and the joy of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or baking just for yourself, these donuts prove that simple ingredients can create magic that tastes like the season itself.