Articles contain affiliate links. For more information on affiliate links, click here.

Skip to recipe

These Apple Cider Donuts are everything you love about fall – warm spices, cozy apple flavor, and a touch of Halloween fun. Made with reduced apple cider for that classic orchard taste, they’re baked (not fried!) and come out perfectly tender every time. Dress them up with a cinnamon-sugar coating or a drizzle of “bloody” raspberry glaze for an extra festive twist. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just celebrating the season at home, these are sure to disappear fast.

Apple Cider Skull Donuts

For the Donuts

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating (optional)

• 3 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease your skull donut pan.
2. Reduce the cider: Simmer 2 cups apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup (8–10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
3. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, applesauce, coconut sugar, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
5. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined – do not overmix.
6. Fill pan: Spoon or pipe batter into skull molds, filling each about 1/2 full.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.
9. Optional coating: Brush warm donuts with melted butter and toss or sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Click HERE for a Downloadable Recipe Card!

Set up a Spooky Cafe for your kids using this menu!

Check out some more fall recipes!!

Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!