There’s nothing that says fall quite like warm apple cider, cozy spices, and something sweet fresh from the oven. These baked spiced apple cider donuts are the perfect autumn treat—soft, tender, full of apple flavor, and finished with a silky maple icing that makes them absolutely irresistible. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy all the flavor without the fuss.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a festive weekend baking project, or simply craving a cozy treat with your morning coffee, these apple cider donuts are the answer.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts
- Full of fall flavor – apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring all the cozy vibes.
- Easy to make – no frying required, just mix, pour into a donut pan, and bake.
- Healthier option – baked donuts are lighter but still taste indulgent.
- Maple icing – adds the perfect sweet finish with a hint of rich maple flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need – makes 10 donuts
For the donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup for concentrated flavor)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 1/2 cups bob’s red mill GF flour)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 tbs salted butter
- 3/4 cup maple sugar (not syrup – I buy my maple sugar on amazon)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or non-dairy milk with a tsp of vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the maple icing:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup maple sugar
- 1 tbs milk
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Reduce the apple cider – In a small saucepan, simmer the cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Mix wet ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, maple sugar and vanilla. Add the egg, cooled cider, and buttermilk.
- Combine – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake – Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each about ¾ full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until springy to the touch.
- Make icing – In a small saucepan, add icing ingredients and cook on medium heat for 3-5 mins stirring continually. Should look like a caramel sauce – slightly thick – when done.
- Dip and enjoy – Once donuts are slightly cooled, dip tops into maple icing and let set on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts
- Don’t skip reducing the cider – it’s the secret to bold apple flavor.
- Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut off) to fill the donut pan neatly.
- For extra spice – dust with cinnamon sugar before icing.
- Serve warm – these taste best slightly warm with the icing just set.