Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Introduction

Apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that combine the warm flavors of fall with a soft, moist texture. These baked donuts are an easy, dairy-free alternative to traditional fried versions, offering a tender crumb coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for cozy mornings or dessert, they capture the essence of apple cider in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• For the coating:
  • 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • ½ cup raw sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Reduce the cider by pouring it into a small saucepan and simmering over medium heat until reduced to about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a non-stick donut pan.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the sugars, applesauce, oil, egg, vanilla extract, almond milk, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Mix well until smooth.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
6. Step 6: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Prepare the cinnamon sugar by mixing the raw sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
9. Step 9: Once the donuts are cool, dip each one into the melted vegan butter, letting excess butter drip off, then toss to coat evenly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately or store as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor; if unavailable, store-bought cider works well too.
• Measure flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling off with a flat edge to avoid dry, dense donuts.
• Mix dry ingredients into wet just until combined to prevent tough donuts.
• Try piping the batter into the pan for even and clean donut shapes.
• For a non-dairy butter alternative, use vegan baking butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
• To make these donuts gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients comply.

Storage

Store apple cider donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness. These donuts maintain moisture well due to the oil-based recipe.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do these apple cider donuts have to be made dairy free?

No, you can use regular milk instead of almond milk and butter instead of vegan butter if you prefer. The final result will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have a cinnamon stick to add to the cider?

Cinnamon sticks are optional for flavoring the cider. If you don’t have them, the donuts will still turn out tasty without it.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 65 reviews

These baked Apple Cider Donuts are soft, moist, and tender with a perfectly spiced cinnamon sugar coating. Made with apple cider, oil instead of butter for moistness, and applesauce for extra moisture, these donuts are dairy-free and easily adaptable to gluten-free flour. They deliver all the flavor and comfort of classic apple cider donuts without the hassle of frying, making them a simple and delicious fall treat.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Donut Batter

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup raw sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup vegan baking butter (melted), or regular melted butter if not dairy free

Instructions

1. Reduce Apple Cider: In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces and thickens slightly, intensifying the flavor. Let cool before mixing into the batter.
2. Prepare Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir gently just until fully incorporated to avoid overmixing.
3. Fill Donut Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a non-stick donut pan. Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off, then pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.
4. Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan until just warm enough to handle to prevent breakage.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While donuts are cooling, mix the raw sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the vegan butter (or regular butter if preferred) and set aside.
6. Coat Donuts: Dip each cooled donut briefly in the melted butter, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated donuts on a wire rack to set.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for best flavor, preferably fresh-pressed from an orchard.
• Measure flour carefully with a scale or spoon and level to avoid dry, dense donuts.
• Gently mix the batter to avoid tough donuts from overdeveloped gluten.
• Use a piping bag to evenly fill the donut pan cavities for uniform donuts.
• Allow donuts to cool slightly in the pan before removing to prevent breakage.
• Cinnamon sugar coating adds delightful crunch and warmth; ensure donuts are cool enough before coating to prevent sogginess.
• Store baked donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator; best consumed within a week.
• To make vegan, experiment with egg replacers like flax egg or aquafaba, though results may vary.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, dairy free donuts, gluten free donuts, fall desserts, easy donut recipe