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baked apple cider donuts
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5 from 9 votes

The Best Baked Apple Cider Donut Recipe

You will go crazy over these baked apple cider donuts! Full of the most delicious fall flavors like apple cider and warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon with a hint of orange zest make this apple cider donut recipe one of the best we’ve ever had. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
10 hours
Total Time10 hours 21 minutes
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 18 donuts
Calories: 246kcal
Author: Eden
Cost: $8

Ingredients

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter room temp.

Dipping

  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions

  • In a measuring cup combine buttermilk, apple cider and vanilla extract.
    oil, apple cider, vanilla and buttermilk
  • Add flour, salt, spices, baking powder, and orange zest in a bowl.
    flour, orange zest, spices
  • In a mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and both sugars until combined
    apple cider donut batter
  • Add in egg one at a time and continue to beat.
  • With the mixer on low, slowly alternate the wet ingredients with the dry until the ingredients are mixed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  • Preheat the oven and butter the donut pan.
  • Add half of the batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, the corner of a plastic Ziplock will work.
    batter, donut pan and piping bag
  • Cut a 2-inch hole at the end and pipe the batter into the greased donut pan.
    apple cider donut batter
  • Bake the donuts in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15-18 minutes.
  • When the donuts are done, carefully remove them and brush melted butter over the top and bottom.
    brushing donut with butter
  • Then, dip both sides in the sugar and spice mixture.
    dipping in cinnamon and sugar

Notes

The fresher the cider donuts are when you freeze them, the fresher they will taste when you decide to pull them back out. You can freeze them once they are dipped in cinnamon and sugar. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
When you do, place the donut in the microwave for around 15 to 20 seconds. Or, you can defrost them on your kitchen counter overnight. 
Make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it so you can have freshly baked donuts in the morning without the hassle of making the batter.
Always use high-quality ingredients when baking. 
Bake for 15 minutes then check to see if they are done. If they need more time, bake for a few more minutes. 
Do not leave out the cardamom, it's an important flavor in the recipe and what separates it from other cider donut recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg