Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No frying required – These doughnuts are baked, making them easier and less messy to prepare.
• Bursting with fall flavors – Apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup create a cozy, autumnal taste.
• Perfect texture – Soft, cakey, and slightly dense, just like a good apple cider doughnut should be.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a last-minute treat.
• Customizable – You can switch up the glaze or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the doughnuts:

• Apple cider
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

For the cinnamon maple glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Reduce the cider – In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to about half its original volume. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients – In a separate large bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced cider.
4. Combine wet and dry – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
5. Fill the doughnut pan – Grease a doughnut pan and spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling them about ¾ full.
6. Bake – Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
7. Cool – Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Make the glaze – In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the doughnuts – Dip each doughnut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack until the glaze sets.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 doughnuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Skip the glaze and instead brush the warm doughnuts with melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glazed doughnuts for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Vegan Version – Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free milk, and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Extra Apple Flavor – Add finely chopped dried apples to the batter for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their softness.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed doughnuts in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the doughnuts extra soft?

Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor and helps keep the doughnuts moist. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes! Just make sure it’s pure apple cider without added sweeteners.

What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?

You can use a muffin pan instead, though the texture may be slightly different.

Can I bake these as mini doughnuts?

Yes, just reduce the baking time to about 8-10 minutes.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of liquid in the glaze.

Can I skip reducing the apple cider?

You can, but reducing it enhances the flavor significantly.

What’s the best way to apply the glaze?

Dipping the doughnuts directly into the glaze gives the best coverage, but you can also drizzle it with a spoon.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch.

Are these doughnuts overly sweet?

No, the sweetness is balanced, but you can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in the glaze?

Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Conclusion

These baked apple cider doughnuts with cinnamon maple glaze are the ultimate fall treat. They’re easy to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with a warm cup of coffee. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try a variation, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit!

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