Apple cider donuts are the quintessential fall dessert. They're also surprisingly easy to make at home — even if you just want one! This recipe explains how to make a single-serving apple cider donut, complete with a classic cinnamon sugar coating.
What's more, the donut is baked in the oven, so you don't need a deep fryer. You can also adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Read on for the full recipe, along with tips for making this easy and delicious treat.
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Quick Recipe Overview
SERVINGS: 1 apple cider donut
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
Apple Cider Donut
Things You'll Need
1/4 cup apple cider
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar
1 tsp. white (granulated) sugar
Butter, for greasing
Tip
To prepare the egg, whisk it in a bowl and scoop out 1 tsp. You can save the leftover egg for an omelet or quiche.
1. Combine the dry ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease one cavity in a donut pan with butter.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk well.
Tip
For a stronger spiced flavor, add a dash of ground ginger, allspice, or cloves. You can also add extra nutmeg.
2. Reduce the apple cider
In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to 1 Tbsp. This should take about 7 minutes.
Let the reduced apple cider cool slightly.
Tip
Be sure to let the apple cider cool. If it's too hot, it might cook the egg during the next step.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In a bowl, combine the reduced apple cider, milk, lightly beaten egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Whisk until just combined.
Tip
You can use any milk you'd like, including non-dairy options. Just make sure it's unflavored and unsweetened.
3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Bake the donut
Transfer the batter to the greased donut pan.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick pierced in the donut comes out clean. Let it sit for a few minutes before removing it from the pan.
Tip
To help remove the donut from the pan, run a butter knife along the edge.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Things You'll Need
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp. white (granulated) sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon
While the donut is baking, add the sugar and cinnamon to a bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Brush the donut with butter
While the donut is still warm, coat both sides with melted butter. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the donut.
3. Coat the donut in cinnamon sugar
Dip the donut in cinnamon sugar, making sure to coat the edges. You can use a spoon to scoop cinnamon sugar on the donut.
Enjoy the donut right away. Happy fall!
