Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze are soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced treats that taste like fall in every bite. Instead of being fried like traditional doughnuts, these are baked in the oven, which makes them easier to prepare and a little lighter too. They are made with apple cider, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a sweet maple glaze that adds a rich, cozy flavor on top.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

These doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack after school. They have a tender texture, a sweet apple flavor, and just the right amount of spice. Even better, they are simple enough that a beginner or even a 10-year-old with some help can make them at home without any special baking skills.

Why You Should Try Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

You should definitely try Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze because they are easy, delicious, and fun to make. Unlike fried doughnuts, these don’t require hot oil, which makes them safer and less messy. Plus, baking them saves time and cleanup.

Another reason to love this recipe is how cozy and comforting it feels. The smell of apple cider and spices baking in the oven fills your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma. The maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each doughnut taste like a special treat. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, these doughnuts are sure to bring smiles.

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Here is everything you need to make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze:

For the Doughnuts:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1

Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and gently simmering it over medium heat until it reduces to about half a cup, which helps concentrate the flavor and make the doughnuts taste more like apples; once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is evenly combined, then in a separate bowl mix the sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider until smooth and well blended.

Step 3

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix because that can make the doughnuts dense instead of soft and fluffy. And Lightly grease a doughnut pan and carefully spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling them about three-quarters full so they have room to rise as they bake.

Step 4

Bake the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched, then remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5

While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them back on the rack to set.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Doughnut pan
  • Mixing bowls large and medium
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven

Tips and Variation Ideas

Reduce the apple cider for stronger flavor don’t skip this step.

Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined.

Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to neatly fill the pan.

Let doughnuts cool before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.

What to Eat With Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

I like making baked apple cider doughnuts with maple glaze when I want a cozy, sweet treat that feels perfect for a relaxing day at home. The doughnuts bake up soft and tender with a warm apple flavor, and the maple glaze on top adds a rich sweetness that makes every bite extra delicious. They’re great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, and my daughter loves them especially when they’re still slightly warm. At home we usually enjoy them with fresh fruit on the side. For drinks, we like having coffee, orange juice, a fruit smoothie, or iced tea, which pair really well with the sweet and comforting flavors of the doughnuts.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider ?

Yes, you can, but apple cider gives a richer and more natural apple flavor.

How do I keep my doughnuts soft ?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking them.

Can I freeze baked apple cider doughnuts ?

Yes, freeze them without the glaze and add the glaze after reheating.

How long do these doughnuts stay fresh ?

They stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Recipe by sophieCourse: Dessert, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

220

kcal
Total time

27

minutes

These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze are soft, fluffy, and full of warm apple spice flavor. They are baked instead of fried, making them easy to prepare at home, and finished with a sweet maple glaze that makes every bite delicious and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and gently simmering it over medium heat until it reduces to about half a cup, which helps concentrate the flavor and make the doughnuts taste more like apples; once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is evenly combined, then in a separate bowl mix the sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider until smooth and well blended.
  • Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix because that can make the doughnuts dense instead of soft and fluffy. And Lightly grease a doughnut pan and carefully spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling them about three-quarters full so they have room to rise as they bake.
  • Bake the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched, then remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them back on the rack to set.

Notes

  • Let the cider cool before adding it to the batter.
  • Grease the doughnut pan well to prevent sticking.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep doughnuts soft.
  • Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for neat filling.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Baked Banana Donuts
Mint Chip Donuts
Sweet Cream Pancakes

    Similar Posts

    • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

      Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a creamy, sweet dessert that combines two favorite treats into one amazing cake. It has the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake and the warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls but it’s made without any dairy, eggs, or animal products. Instead of cream cheese and butter, we use plant-based ingredients like vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free butter. The result is just as delicious and satisfying as a traditional cheesecake.

    • Coffee Cake Muffins

      Coffee Cake Muffins are soft, fluffy muffins inspired by classic coffee cake. Even though the name says “coffee cake,” these muffins usually do not contain coffee. Instead, they are sweet, buttery muffins topped with a delicious crumbly streusel made from sugar, butter, and flour. The topping adds a slightly crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender muffin inside.

    • Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

      Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes are soft, fluffy pancakes made extra creamy with ricotta cheese, brightened with fresh lemon, and filled with sweet, juicy blueberries. They are not like regular pancakes. These pancakes are lighter, richer, and have a gentle tangy flavor that makes every bite taste fresh and special. The ricotta cheese makes them tender and moist on the inside, while the blueberries add little bursts of sweetness. The lemon zest and juice give them a sunny, happy flavor that feels like spring or summer on a plate.

    • Mississippi Mud Pie

      Mississippi Mud Pie is a rich, indulgent dessert that chocolate lovers dream about. Imagine a chocolate cookie crust filled with creamy chocolate pudding or ganache, topped with whipped cream, and sometimes even drizzled with more chocolate or nuts. Its name comes from the thick, gooey, “mud-like” texture of the chocolate filling, which is as decadent as it sounds. This dessert is incredibly popular in the Southern United States, often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special celebrations.

    • Apple Cider Cupcakes

      Apple Cider Cupcakes are soft, fluffy cupcakes made with real apple cider and warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They taste a lot like a cozy autumn day, even if you bake them any time of year. The apple cider gives these cupcakes a gentle apple flavor that is sweet but not too strong, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. They are often topped with a simple glaze or frosting, but they are also delicious all on their own.

    • Easy French Crêpe

      Easy French Crêpes are thin, soft pancakes that come from France and are loved all around the world. Unlike fluffy breakfast pancakes, crêpes are delicate, flexible, and slightly golden with lightly crisp edges. They can be folded, rolled, or stacked and filled with sweet or savory ingredients, making them one of the most versatile foods you can prepare at home. Crêpes are simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to serve for special breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or desserts.