These fresh baked gluten free spiced apple cider donuts are a perfect treat for fall! You won’t miss out on cider mill donuts with this homemade recipe.
There’s nothing like a trip to the cider mill in the autumn months. And Michigan has tons of cider mills, so we’re very fortunate that we get to visit a few different ones each year.
While we do love cider, the best part of the whole cider mill experience is the donuts (of course everyone knows that), but if you have food intolerances, the donuts are probably off limits. Since most cider mill donuts can contain dairy, tree nuts, egg, or other allergens, we have to make our spiced apple cider donuts at home.
I don’t mind making our own gluten free donuts at home – the fried donuts are a little too much for me – a little too expensive, and a little too greasy.
Baking my own allergy friendly donuts is a great way to let everyone enjoy a safe version of this classic fall dessert. If you love fall flavors, you may also want to try these baked pumpkin donuts.
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten Free Flour Blend – I like to use my own gluten free flour blend, which doesn’t contain any xanthan gum. It’s a lighter blend that works well in this recipe. Different blends may react differently. You may have to experiment to find a blend that works well for you.
- Apple Cider – Apple cider adds some flavor to this donut batter. But if you don’t have apple cider, you can go ahead and use non-dairy milk or even water instead.
- Coconut Sugar – If you don’t want to use coconut sugar, feel free to use brown sugar, date sugar, or regular sugar.
Special Equipment
To make baked donuts, you need is a donut pan, which you can find on Amazon or at any kitchen store. If you don’t have a donut pan, feel free to make this batter into muffins – they will still taste great!
Step by Step Instructions
- Mix up the batter, then spoon into a donut pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for about 12 minutes.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn the pan over to remove them.
- Dip the fresh donuts in sugar if desired.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan, Gluten Free).
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- â…› teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup apple cider or non-dairy milk
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegan buttery spread melted
For the Topping:
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a .
- Place the flour, coconut sugar, salt, baking powder, and spices in a bowl and whisk together.
- Add the apple cider, vinegar, vanilla extract, applesauce, and melted vegan buttery spread and stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into the donut pan, and smooth out with the back of the spoon.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then overturn the pan to remove donuts.
- Dip warm donuts into the sugar to coat.
Karen
I can’t wait to make these for my grandson. Can you tell me how long you would bake the muffins? Thanks.
Kelly Roenicke
I would try 15 minutes at first, and then check to see if they are done in the middle. It could take up to 20 minutes.
Virginia S.
Hello, you mention you use your own GF flour blend in this recipe. Would you please share with your readers how to make a homemade GF flour mix that is xanthan gum free? I haven’t been able to locate one in the stores. I searched your recipe file here on your blog, and couldn’t find it that way either. Thanks!
Kelly Roenicke
This is my recipe for gluten free flour blend: https://theprettybee.com/make-your-own-all-purpose-gluten-free-flour-mix/
Angel
I made these with a 1/3c sugar, one small fresh peeled and diced apple instead of the applesauce, and baked them a few minutes longer. My husband absolutely LOVED them and he doesn’t have a sweet tooth!
Bonnie
I loved these donuts! Been baking lots of treats that are gluten free, egg free and dairy free but have been craving for and wanting donuts for a long time. Finally tried making some with your recipe. The only thing different is I used coconut oil instead of vegan buttery spread and used almond milk because I didn’t have any apple cider in the house. Yummy, thanks. Now I want to find more flavours to try.
Kelly Roenicke
I’m so happy that you liked these! Thanks for letting me know!
Darryl
These are so great, and finally I can go to The Cider Mill and have donuts! A truly great thing for someone with a gluten intolerance.
Janet
The apple cider I have is spiced. Should I reduce the amount of spices added when I make the donuts? Thank you! These look delicious!
Eddi | Kitchen Things
These look delicious. I’m going to make them for my children (and of course I’ll be eating them too!) A recipe with apple cider and cinnamon is a winner in our household. Can’t wait to try them.
Kelly Roenicke
Thank you! I hope you love them!
bianca
We made these in our mini donut pan and they were a BIG hit with the toddler! Perfect for fall and of course in a mini version I ate way too many!
Kelly
Yay! So glad you liked them! :)
Amy @ Happy Healthy RD
I’ve been resisting buying a donut pan but I might have to give in to make this recipe!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen
I love apples especially from the farm, but I’ve never tried apple cider donuts. They look very delicious!
Sara- The Organic Dietitian
Probably my favorite type of donut ever!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven
How gorgeous are these donuts?? I’ll admit that I have a total obsession with the apple orchard’s apple cider donuts, but these look like a MUCH healthier and better version!
Kelly
Thanks, Sarah!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
I love apples in the farm. There’s this huge apple orchard in California, and I love going in November. They have the best apple cider and apple fritters. Love the sound of these apple cider donuts!
Kelly
I love apple fritters! Now you have me craving one!
whiskandshout
These look so delicious! Cider donuts are the best :)
Kelly
Thanks, Medha!
Strength and Sunshine
And homemade doughnuts give you so much more satisfaction anyway ;)
Kelly
For sure!