Description

These moist and flavorful Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a spiced, sweet donut. Baked to perfection with reduced apple cider and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these donuts offer a tender crumb without frying. They are naturally dairy-free with options to make them gluten-free and vegan, making them a versatile dessert or snack for many dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Cider Reduction

1 1/4 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/3 cup
1 cinnamon stick

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (262g) all purpose flour or gluten free flour*
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (105g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup (55g) melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk or regular milk
3 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce

Topping

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (use vegan butter for dairy free)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 1/4 cups of apple cider along with the cinnamon stick. Simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/3 cup, concentrating its flavor. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the reduction cool.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This mixture forms the spiced base of the donuts.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the large egg with vanilla extract. Stir in the melted coconut (or vegetable) oil, almond (or regular) milk, unsweetened apple sauce, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine into a smooth, thick batter. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender donuts.
Prepare the Donut Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with oil or non-stick spray.
Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While donuts bake, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Coat the Donuts: When donuts are done, allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes before removing from the pan. Brush each warm donut with melted butter then dip or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet and spiced coating.
Serve: Serve the apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Notes

These apple cider donuts are baked, not fried, resulting in a healthier version with less oil.
The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting with gluten free flour of choice.
Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk to make this recipe completely dairy-free and vegan.
Reducing the apple cider intensifies the apple flavor and prevents the batter from becoming too wet.
Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 210
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg