Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked) Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn but need to steer clear of gluten, these Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked) will soon become your cherished go-to treat. Light, fluffy, and packed with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts embrace the essence of apple cider in every bite. Baking instead of frying makes them wonderfully approachable, lighter on the palate, and easier to whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether it’s a chilly morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts bring that perfect mix of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia without any gluten guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making these donuts shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and even that golden hue we all love. From the gluten free flour base to the warmly spiced touches and the rich apple cider reduction, everything harmonizes beautifully.

• Gluten free 1-to-1 flour (1.5 cups, 186g): A direct swap for regular flour that ensures the donuts stay tender and cakey.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds the quintessential warmth and depth to that classic donut spice profile.
• Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): A subtle nutty hint that rounds out the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Enhances sweetness and balances all the spices perfectly.
• Baking powder (1.5 tsp): Gives the donuts their lift and airy texture.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Works alongside the acid from the apple cider for extra fluffiness.
• Fresh apple cider (1.5 cups, reduced to ¾ cup): The star ingredient, packed with bright apple flavor and natural sweetness.
• Large egg (1, at room temp): Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Coconut sugar (⅔ cup, 110g): Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness while keeping things wholesome.
• Unsweetened applesauce (⅓ cup, at room temp): Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness without heaviness.
• Avocado oil (¼ cup, or melted coconut oil 55ml): Keeps the donuts soft by adding healthy fats with a neutral taste.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic softness that blends all flavors smoothly.
• Monkfruit sweetener or cane sugar (½ cup, 100g): For that classic cinnamon sugar coating that makes these donuts irresistible.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp for coating): To perfectly complement the sweet, crisp outer layer of the donuts.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked)

Step 1: Reduce Your Apple Cider

Before you even think about mixing ingredients, you need to concentrate the flavor of your apple cider. Pour it into a pan over medium heat and simmer it until it’s reduced to three-quarters of a cup. This intensified cider brings that rich, fruity backbone to your donuts and ensures they aren’t watery or bland. Cooling it down properly is essential so that it doesn’t cook the eggs in your batter later on.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing your donut pans thoroughly guarantees your loved donuts will pop out easily and keep their shape. Don’t skip this step—it’ll save you a lot of frustration later when you’re ready to enjoy your creations.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This blend is the foundation of your donut’s texture and flavor. Whisking well at this stage ensures everything gets evenly distributed, so no clumps of baking soda or cinnamon sneak in.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut sugar, applesauce, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Slowly add the cooled, reduced apple cider into this mixture while continuing to whisk gently. This method ensures the wet ingredients are perfectly blended, giving the batter a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet and fold them together using a spatula. Don’t worry if your batter has a few tiny lumps; that’s actually ideal and prevents overmixing, keeping the donuts tender. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape once spooned into the pans.

Step 6: Fill Your Donut Pans

Use a spoon, piping bag, or even a ziplock bag with a tiny cut corner to fill your greased donut cavities about three-quarters full. Filling the molds just right helps them bake evenly and develop a gorgeous dome.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Pop your pans into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. These donuts bake quickly, turning golden and springy to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can dry them out.

Step 8: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts bake, combine your monkfruit sweetener or cane sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This irresistible topping is the final touch that creates the signature sweet-spicy crust of the Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked).

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for just a few minutes before using a butter knife to gently pop them out onto a wire rack. While they’re still warm, carefully dunk each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly without needing any added butter or oil.

Step 10: Enjoy or Store

These donuts are ethereal fresh from the oven—light, fluffy, and delicate. As they cool fully, they firm up just enough for easier handling but stay lovely and moist inside. The cinnamon sugar topping will become a little absorbed, making every bite sweet and cozy.

How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked)

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate these donuts to next-level indulgence. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts add texture and complement the apple cider notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these baked donuts with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. They also go wonderfully alongside a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream to add creaminess to the mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few donuts on a rustic wooden board adorned with cinnamon sticks and apple wedges for a charming fall centerpiece. Alternatively, serve each donut in decorative paper liners with a cinnamon-sugar dusted rim to delight guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay fresh and moist, but the cinnamon sugar coating may seep into the donut a bit, adding even more flavor depth.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and are perfect for when a craving suddenly strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen baked donuts, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently revives their soft texture and brings back the cinnamon sugar’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, you can substitute with all-purpose flour using the same measurements. The texture will be similarly tender with a slightly different crumb.

What if I don’t have fresh apple cider?

You can use store-bought apple juice, but fresh cider gives the best flavor. If using juice, consider reducing it a bit longer to concentrate the taste.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes. Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg and use a plant-based yogurt or applesauce alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Why bake instead of fry?

Baking yields a lighter, less greasy donut that’s easier to prepare and clean up. It also lets the warm spices and apple cider shine without overpowering heaviness.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your donut pan carefully and possibly dusting lightly with gluten free flour will ensure your donuts release easily without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating the flavors of fall or simply crave a sweet, comforting snack, these Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts (Baked) are pure joy in every bite. The blend of apple cider, warm spices, and fluffy texture creates an unforgettable experience that’s healthier but never compromising on flavor. I truly hope you try this recipe soon and share it with your favorite people—because good donuts were made to be enjoyed together.

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