Baked, Not Fried Apple Cider Donuts

A healthier twist on a fried fall classic.

Picture this: it is a crisp autumn day & you are at the apple orchard. You get a whiff of cinnamon deliciousness. It is your fall favorite. The ever-so-beautiful apple cider donut. You immediately get in line & order a fresh-off-the-fryer donut. Life is good.

But Mallory, what if I didn't make it to the apple orchard this year?!

BESTIES!! Fret not, I GOT YOU! These apple cider donuts will fill you with all of those amazing nostalgic memories of the apple orchard. Your kitchen will be bursting with those amazing smells in no time.

Why baked & not fried?

There are a few reasons that I chose to bake these donuts instead of frying g them. The biggest reason is it saves a lot of time and a HUGE MESS! I absolutely hate frying anything. The oil alwaayyyssss splatters everywhere & I leave with a battle wound. The second reason, it is healthier! This is pretty obvious, but baking over frying saves you from a lot of excess grease. So it is a win-win!

Where do I get a donut tray?

I bought my donut tray yeaaarrrrrs ago at Joann Fabrics (lol). The brand is Wilton. I am personally a big fan of Amazon so I would recommend ordering it there.

A donut tray seems excessive, is there an alternative?

ABSOLUTELY! You can pipe the batter on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of the donut. They won't be as pretty, but they will be just as delicious.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donut

• 1/4 cup Sugar

• 1 Egg

• 1/3 cup Apple cider

• 3 tbsp Butter, melted

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice*

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 3 tbsp Butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon