Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s an overview of the key ingredients for these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts.

Cake Mix: We used yellow cake mix with cinnamon mixed in. You could use white cake mix or even a spice cake mix.

Apple Cider: This beverage gives the doughnuts moisture and a subtle apple flavor.

Melted Butter: Key for mimicking the rich exterior of a traditional fried doughnut. It also helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the outside of the doughnuts.

Cinnamon Sugar: This classic combination gives these baked doughnuts a sweet, sparkling exterior and delicious flavor.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Here are our best tips for making great baked doughnuts. See the full recipe for the details.

1. Mix the Batter

This batter is thicker than traditional cake batter and is made with seasonal apple cider, just like at your favorite cider mill or apple orchard.

2. Bake the Doughnuts

Bake the doughnuts in batches. If you only have one 6-cavity doughnut pan, it will take 3 rounds of baking.

3. Brush with Butter

Brush the baked doughnuts with melted butter while still warm so some of the butter absorbs into the doughnut. Immediately toss and coat with cinnamon sugar.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Double down on the apple season vibes and serve the doughnuts still slightly warm with chilled or hot apple cider.

How to Store (and Reheat) Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

The doughnuts are best on the day they are made. However, you can store leftovers using the methods listed below.

Room Temperature

Wrap doughnuts in plastic wrap or seal in an airtight container and store at room temp for 1 to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Wrap doughnuts in plastic wrap or seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap doughnuts in plastic wrap or seal in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.

Thawing and Reheating

Thaw frozen doughnuts at room temperature. To heat, unwrap and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.