Name: Apple Baked Donut Recipes – Soft Cake-Style Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups apple cider; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup packed brown sugar; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil); ½ cup milk (whole or 2%); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ⅛ tsp ground cardamom; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp ground cardamom; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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A dozen spiced apple cider–infused, cake-style donuts arranged on a cooling rack, each coated in cinnamon sugar and gleaming with autumn warmth.

You know that irresistible whiff of autumn in the air? The one that whispers, “Pumpkin spice is nice, but have you tried Apple Baked Donut Recipes yet?” Buckle up, buttercup, because I’m about to introduce you to the fluffiest, most tender cake‐style donuts you’ll ever bake—no fryer required. These beauties come together in about 30 minutes, are coated in a perfectly spiced cinnamon‐sugar blend, and deliver all the cozy vibes of fall in every single bite.

Why You’ll Go Nuts for These Donuts

First off, homemade donuts trump anything you can snag from a shop or drive‐thru. Trust me, once you’ve inhaled that warm cider aroma wafting from your oven, you’ll never settle for pre-packaged rings again. And don’t even get me started on texture—these are soft, moist and tender with a cake-like texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Here’s the secret weapon: you reduce apple cider down to a thick syrup, concentrating that orchard-fresh flavor into every crumb. Seriously, it’s the difference between “eh” and “oh my yum.” Without this step, your donuts taste more waterlogged than Waldorf salad, so don’t skip it.

The Essentials—Keep ‘Em Simple

You need just a handful of pantry staples:

Apple cider – boil it down to syrup for intense apple punch.
One large egg at room temp.
Granulated & brown sugars for that sweet depth.
Unsalted butter, melted. No shock-salt surprise here.
Whole or 2% milk (because water would be rude).
Vanilla extract to round out the warmth.
Flour, baking powder & soda – the dynamic baking trio.
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to keep things interesting.

Bold Tip: Use unsalted butter so your donuts don’t taste like pretzels.

Step-by-Step Baking Fun

Reduce the Cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer 1½ cups cider until it shrinks to about ⅓ cup. Let it cool—hot syrup will cook your egg!
Mix the Wet: Whisk together the cooled cider syrup, egg, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth.
Combine the Dry: In another bowl, stir flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Marry ‘Em: Dump the dry mix into the wet, folding just until combined. Lumps? Totally fine. Overmix and you’ll get hockey-puck donuts—nobody wants that.
Pipe & Bake: Spoon batter into a greased donut pan (or muffin tin if you’re living on the edge without one). Bake at 350°F for about 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Sugar Coat: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a shallow dish. In another bowl, whisk cinnamon sugar. Dip warm donuts in butter, then roll them in spice sugar.

Pro Tip: While those donuts bake, why not tackle a quick “Simple Hairstyles For Medium Hair Easy” tutorial on YouTube? Multitasking never tasted so good!

Endless Variations & Serving Ideas

Feeling wild? Drizzle them with a Vanilla Powdered Sugar Cake Glaze or dunk ‘em in chocolate ganache. Want a decadent dip? Serve alongside Homemade Caramel Sauce or even Homemade Dulce De Leche. No donut pan? No problem—use a muffin tin and call them “apple cider muffins.” Same heavenly flavor, just squat and round.

And don’t forget to stash extras for Thanksgiving Recipes Breakfast—imagine your relatives’ faces when they bite into a cider-kissed donut while eyeing the turkey. These also double as an epic Fall Simple Desserts pick-me-up for potlucks, football games, or those “is it socially acceptable to have breakfast for dinner?” nights.

Storing & Reheating

Room Temp: Airtight container for up to 2 days (though they’ll disappear faster).
Fridge: Sealed for up to 3 days. Pop in the microwave for 10 seconds to warm.
Freezer: Uncoated donuts layer-wrapped with wax paper in a freezer bag—up to 1 month. Thaw, then coat before devouring.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you’re craving something that screams “autumn glory,” roll up your sleeves and whip up these Apple Baked Donut Recipes. With zero frying, minimal fuss, and a flavor punch that rivals a caramel apple, they’ll become your new fall staple. Go on—treat yourself to a dozen, then thank me later (or, y’know, send me one). 😉