Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe is perfect for cozy mornings and sweet cravings. These muffins taste like classic fall donuts. They are soft, moist and full of apple flavor.
If you love bakery-style treats, this Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe is for you. Today, I will show you How to make Apple Cider Donut Muffins at home. The Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins are simple and easy to find. Let’s bake something warm and delicious together.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret of this Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe is reduced apple cider. We simmer apple cider until it becomes strong and rich. This step gives deep apple flavor in every bite.
Another secret is using both butter and oil. Butter adds flavor. Oil keeps muffins soft and moist. We also roll the warm muffins in cinnamon sugar. This makes them taste like real donuts.
Do not skip the cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices bring warm fall flavor. Always use fresh baking powder for fluffy muffins. Small details make a big difference.

Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 33 mins
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners or non-stick spray
- Small saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
Ingredients You Need for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
These Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins create soft and flavorful muffins. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. Let it reduce and cool completely.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg until fully combined.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Yogurt
Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each. Stir in yogurt, vanilla, and cooled cider.
6. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
7. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide batter evenly into muffin cups. Fill each about three-quarters full for perfect rise and shape.
8. Bake the Muffins
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick in center. It should come out clean.
9. Cool Slightly
Let muffins cool for five minutes in pan. Then transfer to a cooling rack.
10. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt butter in another bowl for coating.
11. Coat the Muffins
Brush warm muffins with melted butter. Roll them in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
12. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm for best taste. Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe with tea or coffee.
Now you know exactly How to make Apple Cider Donut Muffins step by step.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Always reduce apple cider for strong flavor.
- Do not overmix batter. It makes muffins dense.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Add small apple chunks for extra texture.
- Replace yogurt with sour cream if needed.
- Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
- Make mini muffins and reduce baking time.
- Store cinnamon sugar separately if making ahead.
These tips will improve your Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe every time.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Values are approximate. They may change based on ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins warm for best flavor. Pair them with hot coffee or chai tea. They are perfect for breakfast or evening snacks. You can also serve them at fall parties. Kids love them in lunch boxes.
Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Dust extra cinnamon sugar before serving. This Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe tastes amazing fresh from the oven.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for two days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to five days.
To reheat, microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This makes them soft again. You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F for five minutes.
If freezing, wrap each muffin tightly. Freeze up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- These Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins create soft and flavorful muffins. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Instructions
Reduce the Apple Cider
- Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. Let it reduce and cool completely.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg until fully combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add Eggs and Yogurt
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each. Stir in yogurt, vanilla, and cooled cider.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Fill Muffin Cups
- Divide batter evenly into muffin cups. Fill each about three-quarters full for perfect rise and shape.
Bake the Muffins
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick in center. It should come out clean.
Cool Slightly
- Let muffins cool for five minutes in pan. Then transfer to a cooling rack.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt butter in another bowl for coating.
Coat the Muffins
- Brush warm muffins with melted butter. Roll them in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm for best taste. Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe with tea or coffee.
- Now you know exactly How to make Apple Cider Donut Muffins step by step.
Notes
-
- Always reduce apple cider for strong flavor.
- Do not overmix batter. It makes muffins dense.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Add small apple chunks for extra texture.
- Replace yogurt with sour cream if needed.
- Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
- Make mini muffins and reduce baking time.
- Store cinnamon sugar separately if making ahead.
FAQs about Apple Cider Donut Muffins
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but flavor will be lighter. Apple cider has stronger taste. For best results, use real apple cider.
2. How do I know muffins are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into center. If it comes out clean, muffins are done. Do not overbake.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with plant-based butter. Use dairy-free yogurt. Results will still be soft and tasty.
4. Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing batter makes muffins heavy. Mix gently until just combined. Also check freshness of baking powder.
5. Can I make this into a loaf cake?
Yes, pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check with toothpick.
These answers help you master How to make Apple Cider Donut Muffins easily.
Conclusion
This Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe is simple, cozy and full of flavor. The reduced cider gives deep apple taste. The cinnamon sugar coating makes them taste like bakery donuts. Now you know the exact Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins and the full step-by-step method.
If you were searching for How to make Apple Cider Donut Muffins at home, this recipe is perfect for you. Bake a batch today and enjoy warm, sweet happiness with your family. Happy baking!

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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