Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying): A Taste of Fall
Oh, fall! It’s our favorite season. The crisp air, the colorful leaves… and of course, the flavors! We’re so excited to share these baked apple cider donut holes with you. They’re a healthier way to enjoy that classic fall taste. No frying needed! We love making treats that are easy for everyone to make at home. This recipe is one of our go-to’s for a comforting, delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love Our Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
- A healthier treat, baked not fried.
- So easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Packed with cozy fall apple cider flavor.
- Perfectly bite-sized, they’re a hit with everyone.
- Kid-friendly and great for sharing.
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Our Story with Fall Flavors
There’s something magical about fall baking, isn’t there? For us, it always brings back memories of cozy afternoons. We remember one autumn day, the air was getting chilly, and we wanted something comforting. Amina’s grandmother used to make these amazing apple treats. We decided to create our own version, keeping that warm, spiced feeling. These baked apple cider donut holes are a result of that memory. They’re simple, packed with flavor, and bring that feeling of home right to your kitchen. We believe everyone should be able to make delicious treats without a fuss. That’s our passion! Learn more about our mission on our About Us page.
Gather Your Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Let’s get ready to bake! You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Now for the fun part! Making these baked apple cider donut holes is super straightforward. We’ll walk you through it, step by step, so you get perfect results every time. Get your apron ready!

Preparing the Donut Batter
First, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This makes sure everything is evenly distributed. Now, in a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat it until it’s nice and fluffy. This is key for a tender donut. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Finally, gently add the apple cider to the wet ingredients. Stir in the dry mixture in two parts. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A little mixing is good. Too much makes tough donuts.
Baking Your Delicious Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to grease your mini donut pan or muffin tin well. Spoon the batter into each cavity. Fill them about two-thirds full. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should look puffed up and golden. Let them cool in the pan for just a few minutes. This helps them hold their shape.

The Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
While those little gems are baking, let’s make the coating. In a small bowl, mix the packed light brown sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate small bowl. Once the donut holes are slightly cooled, brush them all over with the melted butter. Then, lovingly roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mix. Make sure they’re coated evenly. This coating gives them that classic donut shop taste and sparkle. It’s pure fall magic!
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Want your baked apple cider donut holes to be extra special? Start with room-temperature butter and eggs. This helps them mix smoothly. Don’t overmix the batter; just combine until you don’t see dry flour. For the best coating, dip the warm donut holes into the melted butter. Then, roll them generously in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This gives you that perfect, sweet crunch. Enjoy the process! For more baking tips, you might find resources on baking techniques helpful.
Variations for Your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Want to switch things up? You can add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a warm, complex spice note. Try rolling your warm donut holes in turbinado sugar for a delightful crunch. Or, for an extra apple punch, mix in a tablespoon of finely diced apple into the batter. These little twists make our baked apple cider donut holes uniquely yours!
Serving and Storing Your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
These baked apple cider donut holes are truly best when they’re fresh and warm. They’re perfect with a steaming mug of coffee or a comforting cup of tea. Enjoy them right after they cool a bit! If you happen to have any left (which is rare in our house!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for up to two days. Just give them a quick reheat in the oven or microwave if you want that fresh-baked feel again. For information on how we handle your data, please see our Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Got questions about our baked apple cider donut holes? We’ve got answers!
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple cider is best for that deep apple flavor. Juice might work, but the taste won’t be as rich. Cider gives our donut holes that signature fall taste. For more on apple varieties, you can check out resources from the University of Vermont Extension.
How do I prevent the donut holes from sticking?
Grease your mini donut pan or muffin tin really well. You can also use a baking spray with flour. This helps them pop right out after baking.
What’s the best way to store them?
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about two days. They are truly best eaten the same day, though!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. You can find more information on baking substitutions on our site.
Nutritional Estimate for Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes (No Frying)
Here’s a little peek at what’s inside each serving of our baked apple cider donut holes. Remember, these are estimates! They can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use. Each serving (about 2 donut holes) has roughly 120 calories. You’ll also find about 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 16g of carbohydrates, with 12g of that being sugar. Enjoy this fall favorite!
PrintAmazing Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes: 1 Bite
Enjoy these delightful baked apple cider donut holes, a healthier take on a fall favorite. They’re simple to make and perfect for a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini donut pan or muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the apple cider to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the donut holes are baking, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the donut holes are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Brush the warm donut holes with the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For an extra burst of apple flavor, you can add a tablespoon of finely diced apple to the batter.
- If you don’t have a mini donut pan, you can use a standard muffin tin and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 donut holes
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg























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