There’s something truly magical about fall, isn’t there? The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the irresistible urge to bake all things warm and spiced. For me, it always brings back memories of my uncle’s bustling Texas restaurant, where the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the air. He taught me that food is about connection and joy. This year, I wanted to capture that feeling in a treat that screams autumn. That’s how these Caramel Apple Cider Donuts – Baked Fall Favorite came to be. Forget the frying; we’re baking these beauties, making them a wonderfully tender and guilt-free indulgence. They’re a perfect way to bring a little Forkful Heaven into your home this season.

Gather Your Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cider Donuts
Let’s get our kitchen ready for some fall magic! Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful Caramel Apple Cider Donuts. Having everything measured out makes the process so much smoother. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance. We want to capture that cozy autumn essence in every bite.
For the Donut Batter
We’ll need 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Also, 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon baking powder. Plus, warm spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice. A pinch of salt balances it all. We also need 1/2 cup softened butter and 2 large eggs. And of course, 1/2 cup apple cider and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
For the Delicious Topping
For that irresistible coating, we’ll use 1/2 cup melted butter. Then, 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Finally, a generous drizzle of 1/2 cup caramel sauce finishes them off beautifully.
Crafting Your Perfect Caramel Apple Cider Donuts – Baked Fall Favorite
Now for the fun part! Let’s bring these delicious Caramel Apple Cider Donuts to life. It’s a straightforward process, but a little care goes a long way. I’ve made these so many times, and each batch feels like a little victory. Baking them means you get that wonderful texture without all the fuss of frying. It’s a truly rewarding baking project.

Preparing the Donut Batter
First, let’s get our dry ingredients together. In a big bowl, whisk your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly distributed. It’s like building the foundation for our donuts. In another bowl, cream together your softened butter and eggs until they’re light and fluffy. This makes them airy. Then, beat in the apple cider and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Mix them gently until they’re just combined. Please don’t overmix! Overmixing makes donuts tough. We want tender bites of autumn bliss.
Baking Your Fall Favorite Donuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your donut pan is greased and floured well. This is super important so they don’t stick. You can also use parchment paper liners. Spoon or pipe your batter into each donut cavity. Fill them about two-thirds full. They’ll puff up a bit. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. That’s your sign they’re done! Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for perfect donuts.

Assembling the Caramel Apple Cider Donuts
While the donuts cool, let’s make that yummy topping. Melt your butter in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix your 1 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Dip each cooled donut into the melted butter first. Get both sides coated nicely. Then, press them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure they’re well-covered. This coating is pure fall flavor. Finally, it’s time for the grand finale. Drizzle generously with your caramel sauce. Watch it cascade down the sides. It looks so inviting! These finished donuts are a true fall delight.
Tips for Baked Donut Success
Want to make these Caramel Apple Cider Donuts even better? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned. If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can totally bake these as mini muffins. Just adjust the baking time a little. Make sure your apple cider is at room temperature. Cold cider can make the batter a bit clunky. It blends much better when warm. For an even richer apple taste, try reducing the cider by a tablespoon. Add a tablespoon of apple cider concentrate instead. This really boosts that apple flavor. Storing them is easy too. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best within two days. Enjoy every bite of your baked fall favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Cider Donuts
Got questions about our delightful Caramel Apple Cider Donuts? I’ve got answers! Baking should be fun and stress-free. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can bake with confidence. These little gems are a real treat, and I want you to enjoy every step of making them.
Can I Make These Without a Donut Pan?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, no problem at all. You can bake these as mini muffins. Just use a standard muffin tin. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them until a toothpick comes out clean.
How Should I Store My Caramel Apple Cider Donuts?
Storing these baked fall favorites is simple. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack.
What Makes These Donuts a “Baked Fall Favorite”?
These donuts are a true fall favorite because they capture the season’s essence. We use warm spices and apple cider in the batter. Plus, the baked method makes them wonderfully tender and a bit lighter. The cinnamon-sugar and caramel topping seals the deal!
Understanding the Nutrition of Your Caramel Apple Cider Donuts
These delicious Caramel Apple Cider Donuts are a wonderful fall treat! Here’s an estimated look at the nutrition per serving (1 donut). Expect around 350 calories. They contain about 18g of fat, with 11g being saturated fat. You’ll also find roughly 45g of carbohydrates, including 35g of sugar. This gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
Share Your Caramel Apple Cider Donuts – Baked Fall Favorite Experience!
I absolutely love seeing your creations! Did you bake these Caramel Apple Cider Donuts – Baked Fall Favorite? I’d be so thrilled if you left a comment below with your thoughts or a star rating. And please, share your photos on social media! Tag me so I can see your delicious work. Your feedback truly makes my day!
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1 amazing Caramel Apple Cider Donuts Fall Favorite
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked caramel apple cider donuts are a delightful fall treat, perfect for your autumn baking adventures. They capture the essence of the season with warm spices and sweet caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the apple cider and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the donuts are cooling, prepare the topping. In a shallow dish, combine the melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Dip each cooled donut first into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Notes
- For a richer apple flavor, you can reduce the apple cider by 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider concentrate.
- Ensure your apple cider is at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these as mini muffins in a muffin tin. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

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