Description
These baked Apple Cider Doughnuts bring all the cozy, spiced flavors of fall into your kitchen—without the deep fryer. Light, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect homemade alternative to bakery treats, with easy swaps for dairy-free and gluten-free options.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup (300ml) apple cider, reduced to 1/3 cup (80ml)
1 cinnamon stick
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) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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 (45g) unsweetened apple sauce
6 tbsp (85g) melted unsalted butter or vegan butter (for coating)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for coating)
2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider with a cinnamon stick over medium heat until reduced to 1/3 cup. Let cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard doughnut pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, melted oil, and reduced cider. Add almond milk and applesauce, whisk until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
Pipe batter into doughnut pans, filling each cavity 3/4 full.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dip warm doughnuts in melted butter, then coat generously in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
For dairy-free, use coconut oil, almond milk, and vegan butter.
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Measure the reduced cider precisely for the right batter consistency.
A ziplock bag works well if you don’t have a piping bag.
The cinnamon sugar coating adheres best while doughnuts are still slightly warm
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American