Nothing says fall like biting into a warm apple cider donut, fresh from the fryer, dusted with cinnamon sugar. The outside crunches, the inside melts, and the apple flavor pops. In Ohio, family farms and cozy bakeries nail this autumn treat. My family hunts for these every September, and let me tell you, it’s worth the drive.
Best Apple Cider Donuts in Ohio
Why Apple Cider Donuts Are Fall’s MVP
Apple cider donuts scream autumn. They’re made with fresh cider and local apples, giving them that sweet-tangy kick. In Southwest Ohio, places near Cincinnati and Dayton buzz with crowds chasing these treats. Pair them with hayrides, pumpkin patches, or U-pick apples, and you’ve got a perfect fall day. My kids love the vibe—crisp air, colorful leaves, and a warm donut in hand.
The season kicks off mid-September when orchards start harvesting. Farms fry up classics coated in cinnamon sugar or get creative with glazed fritters. Grab a cup of hot cider, and it’s next-level cozy. Many spots also sell pies, caramel apples, or pumpkin coffee cake to keep things interesting.
Where to Find the Tastiest Donuts
Ohio’s got gems for donut lovers. Family farms and local bakeries use apples from nearby orchards, so the flavor’s always fresh. Call ahead or check hours—popular spots get busy fast. Here’s where we go for the good stuff.
McGlasson Farm in Hebron, KY
Just across the Ohio border at 5832 River Rd, Hebron, KY, McGlasson Farm feels like a Cincinnati secret. Come mid-September, you can pick pumpkins and grab apple or pumpkin donuts. Their farmstand’s packed with fresh apples, veggies, and flowers. The donuts, paired with their cider, are a must. We always stop here during fall festivals—it’s a whole mood.
Kleather’s Pumpkin Patch in Springboro, OH
At 90 W Central Ave, Springboro, OH, Kleather’s is a Dayton-area favorite. Their cinnamon sugar donuts are warm and fluffy, perfect with a cider slushie. They’ve got cake pops and soft pretzels too. It’s open daily in fall, so it’s easy to swing by with the family. My daughter insists on picking a pumpkin every time we visit.
Holtman’s Donuts in Cincinnati
Holtman’s has locations around Cincinnati, and their donuts are next-level. Their glazed apple fritters and pumpkin coffee cake are my weakness. They mix in fun flavors like s’mores, maple bacon, or buckeye with crushed pecans. Get there early—lines form fast. No farm vibes here, but the bakery’s city convenience makes up for it.
Neiderman Family Farm in Hamilton, OH
Tucked at 5110 LeSourdsville West Chester Rd, Hamilton, OH, Neiderman’s keeps their donut recipe hush-hush. Their apple cider donuts burst with flavor, thanks to local apples. It’s a family-run spot with seasonal treats. Open weekends from June to December, it’s a solid pick for a quick fall outing.
Iron’s Fruit Farm in Lebanon, OH
Head to 1640 Stubbs-Mill Rd, Lebanon, OH, for Iron’s cinnamon-cider donuts. Their world-famous apple fritters, loaded with apple chunks and drizzled with icing, steal the show. In fall, they roll out apple, pumpkin, and cherry pies too. The bakery’s a market staple, and the rural setting feels like a step back in time.
How to Make the Most of Your Donut Adventure
Plan your trip around fall fun. Start at a farm for U-pick apples or pumpkins. If you grab extra donuts, reheat them at home in the oven for that fresh-fried taste. Pair with hot cider—it’s a game-changer.
Check the weather before you go; rain can shut down outdoor farmstands early. Some spots only take cash, so have some on hand. If you want more fall ideas, check out our Apple Orchard and U-Pick Guide for other spots to explore.
These places make Ohio’s best apple cider donuts worth the trip. The process is simple: mix fresh cider into the batter, fry ‘em hot, and roll in cinnamon sugar. The result? A warm, flavorful bite that store-bought can’t touch.
Why Southwest Ohio Stands Out
Southwest Ohio’s got it all—farms, bakeries, and easy drives from Cincinnati or Dayton. Locals in Cincinnati head to Lebanon or Hamilton for a quick escape. Dayton folks love Springboro’s charm. Even Hebron, KY, feels like an Ohio extension for cross-border adventurers.
Donuts here aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some farms mix in pumpkin for fritters; others keep it classic. Toppings like icing or crushed pecans add extra crunch. Every spot uses fresh, local ingredients—never frozen.
Beyond donuts, you’ll find turnovers, cookies, and mini-pies. Farms double as markets with veggies and flowers. It’s easy to make a day of it without breaking the bank.
On September 22, 2025, these spots were crowd favorites. October’s peak season, so don’t wait too long. The freshest batches go fast.
Ohio’s apple cider donuts outshine chain-store versions. Small farms and bakeries pour love into every batch. You can taste it in every bite.
So, grab your keys and map out a route. Start at Iron’s for their fritters, then hit Kleather’s for pumpkins. These spots deliver Ohio’s best apple cider donuts, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
