Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These vegan apple cider donuts are cakey, dense, and loaded with fall flavors. Baked, not fried, and they’re ready in under an hour.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely delicious when you’re making these apple cider donuts. My favorite thing about these baked donuts is how easy they are to make! Everyone will love them and they pair perfectly with a nice cup of tea or coffee.

I used to think making donuts at home would be a daunting recipe, but using a donut pan has changed my mind completely! They’re hard to mess up and your kids will love making them with you. I highly recommend getting one (or two) so you can make these delicious vegan donuts at home.

Apple Cider Donut Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon – Pumpkin pie spice would be tasty as well.
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2/3 cup of vegan butter, room temperature – I use the Earth Balance vegan butter, but use whichever brand you prefer.
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of apple cider – My favorite one in the world is Spiced Cider from Trader Joe’s. Use whichever apple cider you prefer that is full of flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/3 cup of vegan butter, melted – Normally I use the Earth Balance vegan butter.
• 1/2 cup of organic 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. 
• 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon

You will also need:

A couple of nonstick 6-cavity donut pans.

If you do not have donut pans, you could also bake these in a muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes, until they’re evenly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the thickest portion comes out clean. 

How to make:

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!

Storage:

Keep these donuts in an airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days.

More easy vegan desserts:

• Vegan Chocolate Protein Muffins – The best Vegan Chocolate Protein Muffins for meal prep! Each one is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and packed with 7 grams of protein
• 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.

These cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider donuts are the perfect fall dessert. Perfect to share a dozen with friends and family.

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