Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts dusted with cardamom cinnamon sugar are the perfect breakfast to wake up to on an autumn morning. Topped with apple bacon compote, these delightfully sweet donuts have a bit of savory crunch in every bite.

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Did someone say donuts?

My will power literally goes out the window when it comes to donuts. I AM ADDICTED - there, I said it. Donuts are hands down one of my favorite foods and I'm not afraid to admit that I have a problem. Whether they're baked or fried, stuffed or frosted I'll eat them any which way. I have experimented with various recipes to create my own version of what I believe is the perfect baked donut. These delicious apple treats are a quintessential fall breakfast that you must try.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

When developing this recipe, I wanted to ensure that the donuts weren't too sweet. I wanted the apple cider flavor to shine and not be overpowered by a sugary coating. The bacon really helps cut the overall sweetness of the donuts and complements the warmth of the maple syrup. I love drizzling peanut butter over the donuts because it reminds me of a snack I grew up eating - apple slices dipped in peanut butter.

• apple cider - I love using seasonal, local apple cider for this recipe.
• neutral oil
• large eggs
• light brown sugar
• granulated sugar
• maple syrup
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• baking powder
• fine sea salt
• all-purpose flour
• unsalted butter
• cardamom
• all natural sugar-free peanut butter - optional garnish.
• honey - optional garnish.

Apple Bacon Compote (optional)

• bacon
• apples - honeycrisp, gala or fuji.
• cinnamon
• brandy - optional. If you don't have brandy on hand or don't want to use alcohol, you can substitute with apple cider.
• brown sugar 
• black trap molasses

Here's what else you'll need:

• 1 large mixing bowl
• whisk
• 2 donut pans
• small spoon
• small mixing bowl
• pastry brush
• cooling rack
• medium skillet
• stirring spoon
• measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

And now for my favorite part - assembling the donuts! While the donuts are still warm, brush with butter then dip into cinnamon sugar. Top with a dollop of apple bacon compote and drizzle with peanut butter or honey (or BOTH!) if desired. It's as simple as that, and the best part is your kitchen will smell like apples and bacon - YUM! These donuts are a guaranteed fall favorite and I can't get enough of them.

1. Reduce the apple cider. Let cool.
2. Whisk together reduced apple cider, oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Next, sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt into the bowl and whisk to combine. Add the flour and whisk until you no longer see white spots.
3. Fill donut pans with batter almost to the top of each well.
4. Bake donuts. Mix sugar, cinnamon and cardamom in a bowl then set aside. Remove donuts from oven, let cool slightly then transfer to a cooling rack.
5. Brush donuts with melted butter then toss in cardamom cinnamon sugar mixture.

Apple Bacon Compote (optional)

1. Cook bacon then transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.
2. Cook apples in bacon fat then season with cinnamon. Pour brandy into the skillet and allow the alcohol to cook out and reduce.
3. Next, add brown sugar and molasses and reduce heat. Add cooked bacon back to the skillet and let the compote simmer until thickened.
4. Spoon the compote into the wells of the baked donuts. Drizzle with peanut butter or honey.

More Fall Recipes

• Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Bacon and Sage
• Italian Beans and Greens Soup with Sausage
• Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

View all fall recipes here

Please let me know how your Baked Apple Cider Donuts turn out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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