Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze are the perfect fall treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider with the tart sweetness of pomegranate. These light, fluffy baked donuts are infused with apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then topped with a vibrant pomegranate glaze that adds a beautiful burst of color and flavor. The glaze is sweet and tangy, perfectly complementing the spices in the donuts.

The first time I made these, I was craving something seasonal and a little different, and they quickly became a new favorite! The apple cider brings a deep, autumnal flavor to the donuts, while the pomegranate glaze gives them a refreshing twist. What I love most about these donuts is how easy they are to make—no frying required—and how the pomegranate glaze adds an unexpected touch of elegance. Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze are the perfect way to celebrate fall, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a festive treat for a gathering!

Perfect for:

Fall gatherings
Breakfast or brunch
Holiday mornings
Pomegranate lovers
Cozy afternoons with coffee

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze will become your go-to fall treat:

Seasonal Flavor: The combination of apple cider and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is perfect for the autumn season.
Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are lighter and healthier compared to traditional fried versions.
Pomegranate Glaze: The tangy-sweet glaze brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
Tender and Moist: Thanks to the apple cider and a touch of yogurt, the donuts are soft and moist.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make these a fun baking project.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the donut experience without the frying mess.
Impressive Presentation: The glossy pomegranate glaze makes these donuts stand out as an impressive treat.
Versatile Flavor: Add a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of sugar for a custom twist.
Perfect Pairing: Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or cider for a cozy morning treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake these donuts in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup apple cider
2 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup plain yogurt
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pomegranate Glaze:

½ cup pomegranate juice
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

Apple Cider: Adds a natural sweetness and flavor to the donuts, complementing the spices.
Pomegranate Juice: Provides a bright, tangy glaze that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness to the donuts without overpowering the flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic spices that bring warmth and comfort to the donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Donut Batter:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly dust with flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider, eggs, oil, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Pomegranate Glaze:

Simmer Pomegranate Juice: In a small saucepan, simmer the pomegranate juice over medium heat until it reduces by half.
Make the Glaze: Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and glossy.

Glaze the Donuts:

Dip the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the pomegranate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
Set and Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside hot coffee, tea, or apple cider for a cozy morning treat.
As a Snack: Enjoy as a quick afternoon snack with a cup of your favorite beverage.
With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
As a Gift: Package them in a festive box to give to friends and family.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a simpler version.
On a Dessert Table: Serve these donuts as part of a fall dessert spread for a fun, seasonal option.
For Thanksgiving or Holiday Gatherings: Serve them as a pre-dinner snack or dessert.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair them with sliced apples or pears for a complementary flavor.
As a Treat for Kids: Perfect for little ones who love both donuts and fruit flavors.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider instead of concentrate. This adds a more natural, fruity taste to your donuts.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the donut batter until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense and heavy.
Grease the Donut Pan Well: Be sure to thoroughly grease your donut pan to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper liners if you prefer.
Chill the Batter: Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before filling the donut pan. This helps the donuts rise more evenly.
Add Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: For a warm, cozy flavor, mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the donut batter.
Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them!
Glaze While Warm: Dip the donuts in the pomegranate glaze while they are still warm for better glaze absorption.
Pomegranate Seed Garnish: For added texture and a pop of color, top the glazed donuts with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Store in an Airtight Container: These donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.
Customize the Glaze: You can add a little orange juice or zest to the pomegranate glaze for an extra citrusy twist, enhancing the overall flavor of the donuts.

Recipe Variations

Maple Glazed Donuts: Swap the pomegranate glaze for a maple glaze for a sweet, autumn twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing, roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar for a crispy, sugary exterior.
Apple Cider Glaze: Use apple cider reduced into a syrup for a matching glaze that enhances the apple flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the glazed donuts for an extra indulgence.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the donut batter for a deeper autumn flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based version.

Special Equipment

Donut Pan: Essential for creating perfect donut shapes.
Small Saucepan: For reducing the pomegranate juice to make the glaze.
Whisk: For smooth and consistent glaze mixing.
Wire Rack: To cool the donuts before glazing.
Piping Bag (Optional): For drizzling the glaze over the donuts in a more controlled manner.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen apple cider?
Yes, thawed frozen apple cider works just as well as fresh cider.
How do I store these donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, freeze the donuts before glazing. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and warm it up slightly before using.
Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute pomegranate juice with cranberry or blueberry juice for a different flavor.
Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes, use a muffin pan for donut holes or a similar shape.
Can I make these without the glaze?
Yes, the donuts are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar to the glaze until you reach the desired thickness.
What’s the best way to reheat these donuts?
Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm donut.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works well for this recipe.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze are a perfect fusion of fall flavors and festive sweetness. These moist, flavorful donuts are infused with the rich taste of apple cider, bringing a warm, spiced flavor that’s comforting and cozy. The pomegranate glaze adds a tangy and sweet contrast, with a vibrant color that makes each donut pop with a burst of fruity freshness.

These baked donuts are lighter than traditional fried versions, yet they still have that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The pomegranate glaze gives a refreshing twist, while a dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a few pomegranate seeds as a garnish adds extra flavor and flair.

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!