Easy Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes- The Perfect Fall Morning Recipe

Fall is in the air, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with the warm flavors of apple cider. If you’re like me, the smell of apple cider brings an instant sense of comfort, and these Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes are the perfect way to enjoy it. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, making treats for a weekend brunch, or simply looking for something sweet to enjoy with your morning coffee, these donut holes are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donut Holes

There’s something magical about the combination of reduced apple cider and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These donut holes pack all the flavor of traditional apple cider donuts but are baked, making them a lighter alternative to the classic fried version. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The Secret to Incredible Flavor

The key to getting that deep apple flavor is reducing the apple cider. This step condenses the cider’s natural sweetness and brings out its rich flavor. It’s a small extra step that makes a huge difference and truly sets these donut holes apart.

Choosing the Right Pan for Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

When it comes to making these Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes, you have a few options for the type of pan you can use. The most common choice is a mini muffin pan, which helps create perfectly round donut holes that are soft, fluffy, and easy to coat in cinnamon sugar. If you already have one of these in your kitchen, it will work beautifully for this recipe.

However, if you want to take your fall baking up a notch, consider using a specialty pan, like the Nordic Ware Autumn Delights Cakelette Pan. This pan adds an extra festive touch to your baked goods with intricate fall-themed shapes like acorns, pumpkins, and leaves. It’s perfect if you want to elevate your presentation and really embrace the fall spirit!

No matter which pan you choose, these apple cider donut holes will turn out delicious, but using a fun, seasonal pan can make them even more special for fall gatherings and holiday spreads. Just be sure to grease your pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal, especially if you opt for a more detailed pan design.

Variations You Can Try

If you want to change things up, here are a few fun twists on the classic recipe:

• Maple Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, dip the donut holes in a simple maple glaze for extra sweetness.
• Pumpkin Spice: Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin spice to create a fall-flavored twist on the original.
• Vanilla Icing Drizzle: Drizzle some homemade vanilla icing over the donut holes for a bakery-style finish.

Print Pin Recipe

Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes are a cozy fall treat packed with warm spices and rich apple flavor. Lightly coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re easy to make and perfect for crisp mornings or autumn gatherings.

Course Breakfast

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

• 1 cup apple cider This will be reduced to 1/4 cup.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup milk can substitute for non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 6 tbsp melted butter for dipping

Instructions

• Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce it down to about ¼ cup (this intensifies the flavor). Set aside to cool.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan to form the donut holes.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until combined.
• Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
• Fill and Bake: Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Coat the Donut Holes: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Once the donut holes are slightly cooled but still warm, dip each in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
• Serving: Serve warm and enjoy these fluffy, flavorful donut holes with a cup of cider or coffee!
• Tips: Make sure to reduce the apple cider for a more concentrated flavor. You can store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.