Nothing says fall like freshly baked apple cider donuts! Warm, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Grab one (or a few) and enjoy with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee!🍩
These vegan apple cider donuts fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and are perfect for a cozy treat. Coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture and made with simple ingredients like applesauce, apple cider, and vegan butter, they offer a delicious twist on the classic, with a soft, tender crumb and a hint of spiced apple goodness. Ideal for fall or any time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy donut recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and let’s bake some irresistible donuts!
I used to think making donuts at home would be daunting, but it’s actually so easy to bake them in a pan! They turn out soft and cakey, and your kids will love making them with you. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have fresh, homemade donuts that are perfect for any autumn occasion.
Apple Cider Donut Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cinnamon – Pumpkin Pie Spice would be delicious as well.
- Baking Powder
- Fine Salt
- Softened Vegan Butter – Earth Balance vegan butter is my favorite (not sponsored), but use whichever brand you prefer.
- Brown Sugar
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- Vanilla Extract
- Apple Cider – My favorite one is the Spiced Cider from Trader Joe’s. Use whichever apple cider you prefer that is full of flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- Melted Vegan Butter
- Granulated Sugar – If you’re vegan, make sure to always buy organic sugar. Non-organic ones are not vegan-certified. If the sugar is labeled “organic” or “unrefined,” it’s an animal-free option.
- Cinnamon
You will also need:
2 Non-Stick Donut Pans (6-Cavity)
Alternative Baking Options:
If you don’t have donut pans, you can easily bake these vegan apple cider donuts in a muffin pan instead. Simply spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This method results in equally delicious, soft, and cakey treats that are just as delightful!
How to make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 C). Lightly grease 2 (6-cavity) donut pans. In a medium bowl, sift in 1 ¾ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream 2/3 cup of room temperature vegan butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scraping the bowl as necessary.
Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until it’s all incorporated. While the mixer is running, add the apple cider in a slow until it’s combined.
Pour the batter into prepared donut pans with a spoon or a resealable plastic bag with a small opening cut from one corner.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re evenly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the thickest portion comes out clean.
While the donuts bake, whisk together 1/2 cup of organic granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoon of cinnamon together in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, melt 1/3 cup of vegan butter in the microwave.
Let the donuts cool for 15 minutes after baking, then unmold them from the pans. Dip one side of the donut into the melted butter bowl then immediately dip it into the cinnamon sugar bowl. Fully coating that side. Serve immediately, or let cool to room temperature.
These are delicious with a cup of tea or a pumpkin cream cold brew. Your friends and family will love them, so make sure to save a couple before they’re gone!
How to Store Baked Donuts:
Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (refrigeration may cause the donuts to lose some of their softness). To prevent them from sticking together, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers.
More Fall Baking Ideas:
- Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting – Who needs a scented candle when you can have the aroma of fresh-baked soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting in your kitchen?
- Caramel Apple Bark – This vegan Caramel Apple Bark recipe is a twist on the classic caramel apple dessert! It’s sweet, salty, and fruity. Enjoy some this fall!
- Vegan S’mores Cookies – No campfire is required when you have these vegan smores cookies! They’re loaded with toasted marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs.
- Healthier Peanut Butter Cups – These Vegan Peanut Butter Cups are super easy to make, with 5 ingredients, and no baking required! They’re more delicious and nutritious than any Reese’s Cups. They will curb your sweet tooth and make a great midnight snack.
Celebrate the season with these warm, cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider donuts. They’re ideal for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying as a sweet fall treat.
Print
Apple Cider Donuts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Nothing says fall like freshly baked apple cider donuts! Warm, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Grab one (or a few) and enjoy with a hot cup of apple cider!🍩
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup vegan butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Utensils:
- 2 Non-Stick Donut Pans (6-Cavity)
- Piping Bag (optional but makes it easier)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift 1 ¾ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to remove any clumps. Whisk to combine, then set aside.
- In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 2/3 cup of room-temperature butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of apple cider, and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Use a piping bag, a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off, or a spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared donut pans.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the donuts are evenly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. While they cool down, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of organic granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. In a separate small bowl, melt 1/3 cup of vegan butter in the microwave.
- Carefully unmold the baked donuts and dip one side of each donut into the melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, fully coating that side.
- Enjoy the donuts while they’re still warm or let them cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (refrigeration may cause the donuts to lose some of their softness). To prevent them from sticking together, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
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