How far can I make the cider ahead?

Up to 5 days refrigerated or 2–3 months frozen. Reduce it to intensify flavour, then cool fully before storing.

Can I air-fry the donuts?

You can pipe batter into silicone donut molds and air-fry at 170°C for 8–12 minutes. Times vary by model; remove when a toothpick tests clean.

02 October 2025

Real Apple Cider Donuts (Whole Apples)

Name: Real Apple Cider Donuts (Whole Apples)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 5 each apples (cored and chopped; any variety or a mix); 1 each orange (chopped); 2 each cinnamon sticks; 2 g pumpkin pie spice; 1.5 L water (enough to cover fruit; add as needed); 25 g sweetener (optional; brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup); 1 spray cooking spray; 110 g all-purpose flour; 3 g baking powder; 3 g salt (fine); 2 g cinnamon (divided; ½ tsp for batter, ½ tsp for coating); 113 g unsalted butter (room temperature; 70 g for batter + 43 g melted for coating); 70 g brown sugar (light); 65 g granulated sugar (divided; 25 g for batter; 50 g for coating); 1 each egg (large); 2.5 ml vanilla extract; 60 ml apple cider (from above or store-bought)

Reid Quiggins (adapted by JojoM)

Real Apple Cider Donuts (Whole Apples) 🍎🍩

There’s nothing cozier than the scent of warm apple cider donuts wafting through the kitchen. These baked donuts aren’t made with just any cider—they start with real apple cider simmered from whole apples, infused with cinnamon sticks and spice. Rolled in a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, they’re bakery-style treats you can easily pull off at home.

The best part? You don’t even need a mixer or deep fryer. Just a simple whisk, a donut pan (or muffin tin if that’s what you have), and a little patience while your apples cook down into that golden cider base. Perfect for fall baking or any chilly day when comfort food is calling. 🍂✨

Why These Donuts Are Special

Whole apple cider base → simmering real apples and spices creates unmatched flavor depth.
Baked, not fried → less mess, less oil, still perfectly tender and flavorful.
Cinnamon sugar finish → brushed with melted butter and dipped in cinnamon sugar for that classic crunch.
No fancy tools required → even a muffin tin works beautifully.

Baking Tips & Tricks 🥄

Reduce your cider until it’s syrupy for a stronger apple punch.
If using a muffin tin, only fill halfway for the right crumb and shape.
Always coat donuts while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.
Swap a bit of flour for cornflour if you like extra tenderness.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy these warm out of the oven with a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or even hot mulled cider. They also make a fun breakfast for weekend brunch, a cozy snack for chilly evenings, or a sweet treat to bring to fall gatherings and pumpkin patch outings. 🎃☕

What Readers Are Saying ⭐

“Made these this morning—used store-bought cider and they were still insanely good. The cinnamon sugar crunch is perfection.” – Victoria
“Swapped 2 tbsp flour for cornflour—super tender. Will double next time.” – Ethan
“Did them in a muffin tin—worked a treat. Cider from scratch is worth it.” – Buddy
“Used maple syrup in the coating. So good with coffee!” – Mary

FAQs ❓

Can I make these without a donut pan?
Absolutely—use a muffin tin and fill halfway. Bake slightly longer, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.

How far in advance can I make the cider?
You can make the cider up to 5 days ahead (fridge) or freeze it for 2–3 months. Just reduce it down before storing.

Can I air-fry instead of baking?
Yes! Pipe into silicone molds and air-fry at 170°C (340°F) for about 8–12 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing or using too much flour is usually the culprit. Mix just until combined, weigh flour if you can, and avoid overbaking.

Bring the cozy bakery vibes straight to your kitchen with these real apple cider donuts—simple, fragrant, and impossible to resist. 🍏✨

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

150 mins

Total Time

175 mins

Servings

Tools Used

Large PotWooden SpoonMixing Bowls WhiskPastry BrushCooling Rack

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Comments & Reviews

Mary
10/2/2025
“Used maple syrup in the coating. So good with coffee!”
Buddy
10/2/2025
“Did them in a muffin tin—worked a treat. Cider from scratch is worth it.”
Ethan
10/2/2025
“Swapped 2 tbsp flour for cornflour—super tender. Will double next time.”
Victoria
10/2/2025
“Made these this morning—used store-bought cider and they were still insanely good. The cinnamon sugar crunch is perfection.”

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 donut (1 of 6)

Calories 308

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 16g21%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 71mg24%

Sodium 253mg11%

Total Carbohydrates 37g13%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 20g

Protein 3g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.