Pumpkin Apple Cider Donuts with Caramel Drizzle | Fall Treat

🍂 Pumpkin Apple Cider Donuts with Caramel Drizzle

Nothing says autumn comfort quite like the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Apple Cider Donuts. These soft, spiced donuts are the perfect blend of pumpkin purée, warm cinnamon, and tangy apple cider — topped with a luscious homemade caramel drizzle. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, craving a cosy afternoon treat, or simply love pumpkin desserts, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.

🍁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: No deep frying needed — they’re baked to golden perfection.

• Full of flavour: Apple cider enhances the pumpkin spice, creating that signature fall taste.

• Perfect texture: Soft, moist, and slightly chewy with a crisp sugary coating.

• Topped with caramel: Because everything’s better with a silky caramel drizzle!

 Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup reduced apple cider (see note below)

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

🍳 Instructions

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ⅓ cup. This intensifies the flavour, giving your donuts that rich, tangy apple note. Let it cool before using.

2. Make the Donut Batter

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 6-cavity donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, sugars, reduced apple cider, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix — the batter should be thick and smooth.

3. Bake the Donuts

Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then toss gently in a bowl of cinnamon sugar. This adds a delightful crunch and a hint of extra sweetness.

5. Make the Caramel Drizzle

In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into an amber-coloured liquid.
Add butter and whisk until combined, then slowly pour in the cream. (Be careful — it will bubble!)
Stir until smooth, remove from heat, and add a pinch of salt if desired. Cool slightly before drizzling over the donuts.

🍮 Serving Ideas

Serve these Pumpkin Apple Cider Donuts with Caramel Drizzle warm with a mug of hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a treat after an autumn walk.

🧊 Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

• You can also freeze the donuts (without caramel) for up to 2 months.

These baked pumpkin apple cider donuts are the essence of fall in every bite — soft, spiced, and topped with a dreamy caramel drizzle that makes them irresistible. They’re easy to prepare, full of seasonal flavours, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn magic.

Make them once, and you’ll find yourself baking these golden rings of joy all season long!