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.
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
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.
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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.
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
Course: Dessert, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes12
minutes220
kcal27
minutesThese 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.
