Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe with you because it captures all the cozy, crisp flavors of fall in a healthier, plant-based way. These donuts are the perfect treat when you want something indulgent without the deep frying or heavy oils — plus, you get that soft, cake-like texture with the lovely zing of apple cider and warm spices. Whenever I end up with extra apple cider, this recipe is my go-to; it transforms that sweet-tart liquid into something magical and totally snack-worthy.

You’ll find that these baked donuts are not only delicious but easy enough for a weekday morning or a weekend brunch with friends. What’s really special here is how the cinnamon-sugar coating clings perfectly after brushing with vegan butter — it’s like a crispy, flavorful hug with every bite. From my own kitchen to yours, this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe has become a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in balancing moistness, spice, and sweetness so that your baked vegan apple cider donuts turn out soft yet flavorful. Using reduced apple cider concentrates that flavor beautifully, and the combination of brown and white sugar adds that perfect depth.

• Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the natural sweetness and flavor, so don’t skip this step.
• Granulated sugar: Helps with sweetness and creating a light crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of molasses for warmth.
• Non-dairy milk: I usually go for almond or oat milk for a neutral flavor that keeps it vegan.
• Vegan butter: Melted, it adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donuts.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural binder while keeping the donuts moist.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the spice notes.
• All-purpose flour: Using weight measurements here really helps with consistency.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners give your donuts that lovely rise and soft texture.
• Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: Classic apple cider spices that infuse every bite with warmth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Additional cinnamon and granulated sugar: For that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to swap out spices or coating ingredients to put your own spin on it — that’s what makes baking so fun!

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a spicier, more aromatic flavor profile, which my family really enjoys.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be sure to check the leavening agents for compatibility to get that right rise.
• Sugar-free twist: Use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar and adjust your sugar coating with a little monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar treat.
• Apple cider glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of that leftover apple cider—so delicious!

How to Make Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan and bringing it up to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it gently bubble away, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn. You want to reduce it down by half—that usually takes 10-15 minutes—and this concentrates the flavor to beautifully infuse your donuts. I always set a timer and keep an eye on it; it’s easy to get distracted and let it reduce too much!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once your cider is ready, bring it over to a large mixing bowl and add both sugars, non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk them all together until they’re nicely combined—there should be no big sugar lumps here. This juicy, flavorful base is what will keep your donuts tender and moist.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well so they’re evenly mixed before you bring everything together, which helps prevent clumps and uneven flavor pockets in the batter.

Step 4: Combine Batter Gently

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry, and then whisk gently just until the batter comes together. Trust me—overmixing is a common mistake that makes the donuts tough. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy; that’s what you want for a soft crumb.

Step 5: Pipe the Batter into Donut Pans

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. This trick makes filling the donut molds neat and quick—no messy scooping or spills. Fill each mold about three-quarters full. Before popping the pan in the oven, tap it lightly on your counter a few times; I discovered this helps avoid air bubbles and keeps the donuts smooth.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 13-16 minutes. Start checking around the 13-minute mark — you want a toothpick inserted in the donut to come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake or you’ll risk drying them out. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack for another 10. This cooling time firms them up just enough for the next step.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While your donuts cool, melt the remaining vegan butter in a small bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Brush each donut with melted butter on both sides, then dunk or roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar so they’re evenly coated. Repeat these steps for all the donuts. Letting them sit for about 10 more minutes after coating helps that cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.

How to Serve Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a cinnamon-sugar coating, but sometimes I like a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce when we’re feeling fancy. They also look cute with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a tiny pinch of sea salt if you want that sweet-salty combo.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with hot drinks like chai latte or a rich dark coffee, in my opinion. For a brunch spread, I serve them alongside fresh fruit or a vegan yogurt parfait—that contrast in freshness and indulgence delights every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try stacking the donuts into a cinnamon sugar “tower” for a fall party centerpiece. Or arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers and apples sliced thinly for a gorgeous fall-themed display that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and they stay soft and tasty without any fuss. If the cinnamon sugar coating softens a bit, a quick toast briefly reminds them of their fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

These donuts freeze really well, which is great for batch baking. I wrap them individually in parchment then store them in a sealed freezer bag. When I’m ready, I let them thaw at room temp for about 30 minutes, and they come back almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

For a quick warm-up, I pop a donut in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place it in a toaster oven on low heat — just enough to soften it without melting the sugar coating excessively. It tastes delightfully fresh and comforting with this method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve got to say, this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is one of those kitchen winners that feels like a cozy hug in donut form. From the reduced apple cider that gives it that authentic fall taste to the soft crumb and sweet cinnamon-sugar crunch, it’s a recipe my kitchen keeps coming back to year-round. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the process as much as the delicious results. Don’t be surprised if your family goes wild for them — mine does every single time!

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