Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake Mix Recipe)
These easy baked apple cider donuts are easy to make with spice cake mix, applesauce, and a packet of dry spiced apple cider mix. They're soft, tender, and packed with cozy fall flavor. Best of all, they're done in less than 30 minutes.
Servings 12
Calories 219kcal
Ingredients
Donuts
- 15.5 ounces spice cake mix
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 21 grams instant apple cider drink mix 1 packet
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple cider cinnamon sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 20 g instant apple cider drink mix 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- pinch of chipotle powder optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Generously spray two standard 6-cavity donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, applesauce, apple cider drink mix, and vanilla until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off one corner and pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each cavity almost full.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and the donuts are set. Interior will be 200℉-205℉ on an instant read thermometer.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
- While the donuts are still warm, whisk together the sugar, apple cider drink mix, cinnamon, and, if using, the tiny pinch of chipotle powder.
- Roll the warm donuts directly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature. The crumb settles and becomes slightly more dense as the donuts cool.
Notes
Storage:
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- You can use a yellow or white cake mix if you'd like. It will be more apple and less spice unless you add your own.
- If you're making these ahead, freeze the plain baked donuts and roll them in cinnamon sugar after reheating for the freshest flavor.
- No donut pan? Make them into muffins and bake at 375℉ for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 243mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
