October 9, 2025

Baked Apple Cider Donuts 🤎🍎

If fall mornings had a scent, it would be these Baked Apple Cider Donuts — soft, spiced, and coated in a warm cinnamon sugar hug. They’re the perfect cozy treat for apple-picking season, and they taste just like the ones from your favorite cider mill… only baked and made right at home.

It all starts with fresh apple cider — this gives the donuts their signature apple flavor. Mix it with applesauce, a hint of vanilla, and melted coconut oil for the softest texture, then fold in the cozy mix of flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. The result? Fluffy, fall-spiced perfection.

Here’s my favorite donut pan!!

The Recipe

You’ll Need:
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– ¼ cup sugar – monkfruit for sugar-free
– 2 tablespoons applesauce
– 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
– 1 cup pastry flour (white or whole wheat)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
– ¼ cup sugar – monkfruit for sugar-free
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter

How To Make It

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, sugar, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.

  2. Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix until a thick batter forms.

  3. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each about ¾ full.

  4. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, until golden and set.

  5. Let cool for 10 minutes, then brush each donut with melted butter or coconut oil.

  6. Roll in the cinnamon sugar mix until evenly coated (double-dip for extra crunch ✨).

Why You’ll Love Them

– Soft and fluffy with cozy apple-cinnamon flavor.
– Baked, not fried (so you can totally eat two).
– Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
– The cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible.

These Apple Cider Donuts are pure fall nostalgia — best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee and a cozy sweater moment. 🍁

If you make these, tag me on Instagram @WhatRobinEats — I love seeing your cozy fall bakes!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts 🤎🍎

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Servings 6 donuts

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup sugar OR monkfruit sweetener
  • 2 tbsp applesauce
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil OR EVOO
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup pastry flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/4 cup sugar OR monkfrut sweetener
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil OR vegan butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, sugar, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.
  • Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix until a thick batter forms.
  • Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each about ¾ full.
  • Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, until golden and set.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then brush each donut with melted butter or coconut oil.
  • Roll in the cinnamon sugar mix until evenly coated (double-dip for extra crunch!!)
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