1-First Step: Reduce the Apple Cider Start by pouring 1 and 1/2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer it over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reduces to roughly 1/2 cup. This step concentrates the apple flavor, which is essential for the best baked apple cider donuts. Once done, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before using, and if you’re making a vegan version, ensure your cider is from a plant-based source.

2-Second Step: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin for donut muffins, adjusting bake time to 18-20 minutes. For gluten-free adaptations, double-check that your spray is suitable to avoid cross-contamination in your baked apple cider donuts.

3-Third Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This combination ensures the donuts rise properly and have that signature cinnamon spice flavor. If you’re going gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour blend here to keep the batter consistent for your baked apple cider donuts.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg at room temperature, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk at room temperature, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth. For low-calorie tweaks, use a sugar substitute or nondairy milk to lighten it up. This mixture forms the base that makes your baked apple cider donuts moist and flavorful.

5-Fifth Step: Make the Batter Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, then stir in the reduced 1/2 cup of apple cider. Whisk until the batter is smooth and thick, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. If adapting for vegan needs, ensure your egg substitute is well mixed to bind everything. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in homemade baked apple cider donuts.

6-Sixth Step: Fill and Bake the Donuts Use a zipped-top bag with a corner cut off to pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when touched. For mini donuts, reduce baking time to 8-9 minutes. Cool them in the pan for 2 minutes before removing, and re-grease if making multiple batches of these cinnamon spice donuts.

7-Final Step: Add the Topping and Serve While the donuts cool, mix 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice in a bowl. Dip each cooled donut in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, then coat it generously in the sugar-spice mixture. Serve right away for the best taste, or store for later. For dietary variations, use plant-based butter in this step to keep your baked apple cider donuts inclusive.