There’s just something about fall baking that feels like a warm hug especially when the kitchen smells like cinnamon, apples, and butter. These baked apple cider donuts are my go-to cozy treat this time of year. They’re a nourishing twist on a seasonal classic, made with simple, feel-good ingredients that still deliver that nostalgic donut shop flavor (without the fryer or the sugar crash).
The base starts with a mix of wholesome flour and Spiced Apple Cider Protein Powder for a nutrient-dense, lightly spiced dough that gives you a little extra energy boost. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, while real apple cider brings that deep, tangy, authentic flavor that instantly makes these taste like fall. Real cider adds natural complexity and richness that you just can’t get from substitutes, plus it gives the donuts that signature apple aroma that fills the whole kitchen as they bake.
Once they’re out of the oven, each donut takes a quick dip in melted butter and a roll through cinnamon sugar, creating that perfectly crisp, golden coating that melts slightly into the warm dough. They’re the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent — a treat that fits right in with your wellness goals while still feeling like a little celebration of the season.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a cozy cup of coffee or spiced tea, or save a few for an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a sweet reminder to slow down and savor the moment.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donut Base:
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Spiced Apple Cider Protein Powder (I use Just Ingredients or you can sub for any type of protein powder flavor)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider
- 1 cup Organic Cane Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup Organic Cane Sugar (more if needed)
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon (more if needed)
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan (I like using Avocado Spray Oil from Chosen Foods). Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In another bowl, combine the applesauce, apple cider, sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each donut hole about 1/2 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. Melt the butter in one shallow bowl and mix together the sugar and Cinnamon in another.
- Once the donuts are done and still warm, remove them from the pan and dip each donut into the melted butter then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it evenly.
- Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool and allow the cinnamon sugar coating to set.Makes 6-7 donuts.