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.
0 Heat the oven to 425°F. Generously spray two standard 6-cavity donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 Cool the donuts in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
5 While the donuts are still warm, whisk together the sugar, apple cider drink mix, cinnamon, and, if using, the tiny pinch of chipotle powder.
6 Roll the warm donuts directly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
7 Enjoy warm or at room temperature. The crumb settles and becomes slightly more dense as the donuts cool.
