Embrace the Apple Season with Delightful Treats!

For many, the arrival of autumn signifies more than just cooler weather; it heralds the glorious apple season! If you’re an apple enthusiast, you know there’s nothing quite like the abundance of fresh, crisp apples available during this magical time of year. From apple picking excursions to cozy evenings spent by the fire, apples are at the heart of fall traditions, filling our kitchens with sweet and comforting aromas.

Our passion for apples inspires us to create a wide array of apple-infused recipes. We enjoy crafting wholesome basics like rich homemade apple cider, velvety apple butter, and comforting applesauce. Beyond the fundamentals, we love exploring baked goods such as a moist gluten-free apple cake and fluffy apple muffins. When it comes to desserts, we often whip up a delicious apple crisp, a warm apple crumble, or crispy apple fritters. Each recipe celebrates the unique versatility and irresistible charm of this beloved fruit.

The Irresistible Charm of Delicious Apple Cider Donuts

Amidst all the wonderful apple creations, what truly embodies the spirit of fall more than a freshly baked apple cider donut? These aren’t just any donuts; they are a celebration of autumn flavors, carefully crafted to deliver pure comfort in every bite. With their very subtle yet distinctive tangy flavor, a direct gift from the fresh apple cider, these donuts offer a unique taste profile that stands out from typical fried varieties.

The texture is a dream – a wonderfully tender, moist, and cake-like crumb that melts in your mouth. Each donut is generously coated with a sweet and warming cinnamon-sugar mixture, providing the perfect balance to the cider’s tartness and adding an inviting sparkle. I can confidently say that a batch of these **gluten-free apple cider donuts** makes the absolutely perfect fall treat. They’re ideal for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet finish to any autumn meal. Their aroma alone will transport you to a cozy fall orchard!

Why This Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Apple Cider Donut Recipe Works:

We believe baking should be enjoyable and accessible for everyone, regardless of dietary needs. This recipe for baked gluten-free and dairy-free apple cider donuts is designed with simplicity and deliciousness in mind. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for obscure items. The main ingredients for these gluten-free apple cider donuts are readily available at your local grocery store. We’ve focused on using common pantry staples, ensuring that anyone can whip up a batch without any fancy or hard-to-find components. This simplicity makes the recipe less intimidating and more approachable for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated techniques or lengthy rising times. Preparing the apple cider donut batter is a breeze – simply a matter of combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. The process is straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and effort. Once the batter is ready, you bake the donuts to perfection before coating them in an easy-to-make, aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s a rewarding process that yields delicious results without the stress.
• 100% Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Goodness: Perhaps the most fantastic aspect of this recipe is its complete adherence to dietary restrictions. It is entirely gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or lactose intolerance can enjoy these scrumptious donuts without any worries or discomfort. We’ve carefully selected ingredients that mimic the texture and richness of traditional donuts, ensuring that dietary needs don’t compromise on taste or quality. You get all the flavor and tenderness you crave, without the common allergens.

Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts:

Crafting these delectable apple cider donuts starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Remember, precision is key in baking, so for exact measurements, please refer to the detailed **printable recipe card** located at the bottom of this post.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect cake-like texture and autumnal flavor profile. From the gluten-free flour blend to the essential apple cider, every component works in harmony to create a truly special treat.

Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions: Achieving Perfect Gluten-Free Donuts

Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing when and how to make substitutions is vital for successful gluten-free and dairy-free baking. Here are our detailed notes and recommended alternatives to ensure your apple cider donuts turn out perfectly every time:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The type of gluten-free flour blend you use significantly impacts the final texture. For a light and fluffy donut with a tender crumb, I strongly recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend composed primarily of lighter flours and starches. Look for blends containing rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. Avoid blends that rely heavily on denser flours, such as garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour, as these can result in a heavier, more crumbly, or overly dense donut.
• Xanthan Gum: This ingredient is a powerhouse in gluten-free baking, acting as a crucial binder that replaces the elasticity and structure typically provided by gluten. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend does not explicitly list xanthan gum in its ingredients, it is essential to add it separately as specified in the recipe. It helps prevent your donuts from being too crumbly and ensures a cohesive batter.
• Baking Powder: As the sole leavening agent in this recipe, baking powder is responsible for giving our donuts their desirable rise and airy texture. It’s what makes them wonderfully cake-like. If you are Celiac or highly gluten-intolerant, always double-check to ensure you are using gluten-free certified baking powder, as some brands may contain wheat starch.
• Spices: To infuse these apple cider donuts with classic fall warmth, I’ve used a blend of aromatic ground cinnamon and a hint of ground nutmeg. These spices complement the apple cider beautifully, enhancing its natural sweetness and creating a truly comforting flavor. For a convenient alternative, you can substitute the individual spices in the batter with 1 1/4 teaspoons of apple pie spice for a similar festive blend.
• Sugar: While I typically use white granulated sugar for its neutral sweetness, you have several options here. Cane sugar, light brown sugar, or even dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. If you are managing diabetes or insulin resistance, I highly recommend opting for granulated monk fruit sweetener. It’s a fantastic 1:1 sugar substitute that has a zero glycemic index and won’t impact your blood sugar levels.
• Butter: To maintain the dairy-free integrity of this recipe, I use unsalted dairy-free butter (also known as vegan butter). This ensures the donuts are rich and moist without any lactose. Coconut oil is another excellent dairy-free alternative that can be used if preferred, providing a slightly different, subtle flavor. If you don’t have lactose intolerance and are not adhering to a dairy-free diet, feel free to use regular unsalted butter.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial for both binding the ingredients together and contributing to the donut batter’s rise, creating that ideal cake-like structure. It’s important to include them. For those with egg allergies, viable alternatives include acquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a commercial egg replacer, prepared according to package directions.
• Apple Cider: As the name suggests, apple cider is a cornerstone ingredient for these donuts, infusing them with their signature tangy, apple-forward taste. You have the choice of using high-quality store-bought apple cider or, for an extra special touch, making your own homemade apple cider. If fresh apple cider isn’t available, or if you prefer, apple juice can be used as a substitute, offering a similar sweet and tart apple flavor profile.

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking these delightful gluten-free apple cider donuts is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect batch every time. Remember, the key to great baked goods lies in thoughtful preparation!

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Donut Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, generously spray two standard 6-cavity donut pans with a non-stick baking spray. Proper greasing prevents sticking and makes for easy donut removal.

2. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it), baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and there are no visible lumps. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the batter.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat together the room-temperature dairy-free butter, beaten eggs, and apple cider. Mix them well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Using room-temperature ingredients helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients to Form Donut Batter

Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into this well. Mix everything together thoroughly until you form a smooth and homogeneous donut batter. Don’t be alarmed if the batter appears quite thick, wet, and sticky – this is perfectly normal for a cake-like donut batter and ensures a moist final product.

5. Transfer Batter to Piping Bag

For easier and neater distribution, transfer the thick donut batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off or a squeeze bottle will work just as well. This method makes piping the batter into the donut pans significantly simpler and less messy.

6. Pipe Batter into Pans

Carefully pipe the donut batter evenly into the 12 donut cavities of your two previously greased pans. Aim to fill each cavity approximately three-quarters full, as the donuts will rise during baking. Once piped, use wet fingertips to gently spread out the batter until it forms an even layer in each cavity. If piping isn’t an option, you can carefully spoon the batter into the pans, though this might be a bit more challenging to keep neat.

7. Bake Until Golden

Place the donut pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. For even cooking, remember to rotate the pans halfway through the baking time. The donuts are done when they are beautifully golden brown on the bottom and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pans for a few minutes before attempting to remove them.

8. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While your freshly baked donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly to create a fragrant and uniform mixture. This coating is what gives these apple cider donuts their classic, sweet finish.

9. Coat Warm Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle but are still warm, gently remove them from the pans. Immediately roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is completely coated. The warmth of the donuts helps the sugar mixture adhere beautifully. Place the coated donuts on a cooling rack, parchment-lined plate, or baking sheet to finish cooling. If you find the cinnamon-sugar isn’t sticking well, a quick trick is to lightly brush the warm donuts with a bit of melted dairy-free butter before coating them.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Your delectable gluten-free apple cider donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature. For the ultimate fall experience, pair them with a steaming mug of warm apple cider or your favorite hot beverage. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, bringing all the cozy flavors of autumn to your table.

Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for Perfect Donuts:

Maximize your baking success and enjoyment with these additional tips for your gluten-free apple cider donuts:

• Choosing Your Apple Cider: The quality of your apple cider makes a difference. You can use either high-quality store-bought apple cider for convenience or, for an extra personal touch, make your own homemade apple cider. For a slightly different but equally delicious tart apple taste, apple juice can also be used as a substitute, especially if cider is hard to find.
• The Importance of a Donut Pan: Since this recipe uses a relatively wet and sticky donut batter (unlike traditional yeast donut dough that can be shaped by hand), a donut pan is essential. Using a donut pan ensures you get that classic donut shape with a hole in the middle. Keep in mind that these baked gluten-free apple cider donuts will naturally have a tender, cake-like texture rather than the chewy, airy texture of a fried donut.
• No Donut Pan? No Problem! Don’t have a donut pan? No worries! You can easily adapt this recipe to make delicious apple cider donut muffins. Simply use a mini muffin pan and adjust the baking time slightly (they’ll likely bake faster than full-sized donuts). You’ll still get all the amazing flavors, just in a different form.
• Storage Instructions: To keep your gluten-free apple cider donuts fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For best taste and texture, allow refrigerated donuts to come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.

More Gluten-Free Apple Desserts to Savor This Fall:

If you’re loving the apple flavors of these donuts, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic gluten-free and often dairy-free apple recipes:

• Crispy Apple Fritters (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Easy Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Moist Apple Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Delicious Apple Galette (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

More Gluten-Free Desserts to Indulge In:

Looking for more delightful gluten-free treats that cater to various dietary needs? Here are some other sweet indulgences that are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts (Dairy-Free)

These gluten-free apple cider donuts are tender on the inside and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. The perfect sweet snack for the fall! Totally dairy-free too. Go bake a batch today!