Irresistible Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts: Your New Fall Favorite

Name: Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups apple cider, divided; 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon allspice (or pinch of clove); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 4 tablespoons for coating); 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

June 18, 2025

Fati

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There’s nothing quite like the crisp air of autumn, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the comforting aroma of apple and cinnamon drifting from the kitchen. And if you thought going gluten-free meant saying goodbye to those beloved fall treats, think again! These Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts are here to prove that you can have all the cozy, spiced goodness without compromising on taste or texture.

Imagine a tender, moist donut, bursting with the deep, concentrated flavor of real apple cider, and finished with a shimmering coat of cinnamon sugar. Sounds like a dream, right? This recipe makes that dream a delicious reality. Perfect for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, these baked donuts are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to become a seasonal staple.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Fall in Love with These Baked Donuts

Our Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts aren't just a recipe; they're an invitation to embrace the joys of autumn baking. Here's what makes them truly special:

Authentic Apple Flavor: We reduce apple cider to intensify its natural sweetness and tang, embedding that pure orchard taste into every bite.
Perfectly Tender Texture: Thanks to a carefully selected gluten-free flour blend, these donuts are wonderfully soft and moist, rivalling any traditional recipe.
Effortless Baking: Forget deep-frying! These donuts are baked, making cleanup a breeze and resulting in a lighter, less greasy treat.
Irresistible Coating: A generous roll in cinnamon sugar creates a delightful crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the soft interior.
Allergy-Friendly: A fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a classic fall indulgence.

Key Ingredients for Your Autumn Bake

Crafting these delectable donuts requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry:

Apple Cider: The star of the show! Reducing it concentrates the flavor significantly.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: Opt for a blend that contains xanthan gum for optimal structure and texture in gluten-free baking.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that give the donuts their light and fluffy rise.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination adds depth of sweetness and moisture to the batter.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work beautifully to create a smooth batter.
Melted Butter or Oil: For that irresistible moistness.
Warm Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of allspice or clove elevate the fall flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its aromatic sweetness.

(The full, detailed list of ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Baking Your Way to Fall Bliss: Step-by-Step

Getting these delightful donuts from your kitchen to your table is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Prepping for Perfection

The secret to deep apple flavor lies in reducing the cider. Pour about 1.5 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it gently bubble until it has reduced by about half, leaving you with approximately ¾ cup of concentrated apple goodness. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. While the cider is reducing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a standard 6-cavity donut pan.

Mixing the Magic

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. In a separate, larger bowl, combine the cooled reduced apple cider, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. For another delicious baked good, you might enjoy these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise, which also features warm spices!

Bringing It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Filling and Baking

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities. A piping bag with a wide tip or a ziploc bag with the corner snipped off can also make this process neater. Fill each cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. While the donuts are baking, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl.

The Irresistible Coating

Once baked, immediately transfer the warm donuts from the pan to a wire rack. While they are still warm (this is key!), brush each donut generously with melted butter, then roll them thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them cool slightly on the wire rack before serving. They are truly best enjoyed warm! If you're looking for another delightful apple recipe, try this Fresh & Creamy Apple Salad for a lighter, crisp side.

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Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Don't Rush the Reduction: Allowing the apple cider to reduce properly is crucial for a concentrated apple flavor.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or the 'spoon and level' method to avoid dense donuts.
Don't Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and airy.
Coat While Warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still warm from the oven.
Use a Nonstick Donut Pan: This prevents sticking and helps maintain the perfect shape. If you're in the market for new baking tools, consider investing in a quality nonstick donut pan to ensure consistent results.

Get ready to fill your home with the intoxicating scent of autumn and delight your taste buds with these incredible Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts. They're a testament to the fact that delicious, wholesome baking is always within reach!

FAQs

What kind of apple cider is best for these donuts?

For the best flavor, use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider. Reducing the cider is crucial as it concentrates the apple essence, giving the donuts their signature taste. Do not use apple juice, as it lacks the depth of flavor found in cider.

Can I make these donuts dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, to make them dairy-free, simply substitute regular milk with your preferred plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work well) and use a dairy-free butter alternative or oil. For a vegan version, you would also need to replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute like flax eggs, though the texture might vary slightly.

How should I store leftover Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, uncoated donuts can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw, warm slightly, and then coat with melted butter and cinnamon sugar before serving for the best experience.

Do I need a special donut pan for this recipe?

Yes, a standard nonstick baked donut pan is recommended to achieve the classic donut shape. If you don't have one, you can use a muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. The baking time might need slight adjustment, and they will resemble muffins rather than traditional donuts.