Nothing says fall quite like the cozy scent of apple cider and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen.
Picture this: a cool autumn breeze, a warm drink in hand, and a soft, cakey donut that tastes just like fall—with just the right hint of spice and sweetness.
Sound dreamy? It gets better.
These apple cider donuts are baked, not fried, and made with no added sugar—so you can indulge without the guilt.
Say goodbye to the deep-fried, sugar-loaded versions from the bakery.
These homemade treats lean into the natural sweetness of apples, giving you all the cozy, nostalgic flavor without sacrificing your wellness goals.
Whether you’re baking a batch for yourself, your family, or a festive fall gathering, this recipe delivers all the autumn feels—without the sugar crash.
So, how do we make donuts that are this comforting and healthy?
It all comes down to a few clever swaps and easy steps you can do right in your kitchen.
The Magic of Apple Cider (Naturally Sweetened!)
The secret to these donuts? Reduced apple cider.
By simmering fresh cider down, you intensify its natural sugars and create a bold, apple-rich liquid that becomes the flavorful heart of the batter.
It’s what gives these donuts their signature fall taste—without having to rely on refined sugar.
Baking, Not Frying: The Healthier Alternative
Let’s be honest—most donuts are delicious because they’re fried.
But that also means added fat and heaviness.
By baking them instead, you get that same soft, cakey texture, but in a lighter, healthier way that still feels totally satisfying.
Guilt-Free Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe:
This better-for-you recipe uses whole wheat flour for a fiber boost and skips refined sugar in favor of natural sweeteners like applesauce and concentrated apple cider.
The result?
A batch of soft, spiced donuts that’ll fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of fall—without the guilt.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Baked Apple Cider Donuts
A batch of soft, spiced donuts that’ll fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of fall—without the guilt.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or regular whole wheat flour)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup reduced apple cider (instructions below)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze (Naturally Sweetened):
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or other powdered sugar substitute)
- 1–2 tbsp unsweetened apple juice or reduced apple cider
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces by half (about ½ cup). Let it cool slightly.
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or oil.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, reduced cider, almond milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should be thick.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about ⅔ full.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Optional Glaze (if using): Whisk together the powdered erythritol and apple juice (or cider) until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon if you like.
- Glaze and Enjoy: Once cooled, drizzle the donuts with glaze and let it set. Then dig in!
Notes
- Spice It Up: Add ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of almond flour.
- Add Apples: Fold in ¼ cup finely diced apple for extra texture.
- Cinnamon "Sugar" Coating: Toss warm donuts in a mix of erythritol and cinnamon instead of glazing.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 118mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 6g
Baking Tips:
- Spice It Up: Add ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of almond flour.
- Add Apples: Fold in ¼ cup finely diced apple for extra texture.
- Cinnamon “Sugar” Coating: Toss warm donuts in a mix of erythritol and cinnamon instead of glazing.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
These Healthy Homemade Apple Cider Donuts are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or unhealthy.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or tons of sugar to enjoy fall’s cozy flavors.
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a treat that feels indulgent, but actually isn’t.
They’re soft, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweet—the kind of donut you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether it’s for a slow Sunday morning or your next fall get-together, this is a recipe that brings joy with every bite.
