Cider mill donuts are just the thing to make when you want a fall treat! These are soft, delicious, and easily made in a donut pan. Enjoy one or two with a cup of hot cider.
The one thing that’s a bit of a bummer when you have food allergies or intolerances is feeling like you’re missing out on something – not just a food, but part of an experience. And that happens to us a little bit with cider mills in the fall.
I used to LOVE cider mill donuts so much – they are hot, and fried, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. What’s not to love about that? But of course they contain egg, and wheat, and sometimes dairy, so they’re off limits for us now. I’ve solved that problem for us by making our own donuts at home with my trusty donut pan.
These homemade donuts are light and fluffy and very similar to cider mill donuts. I cannot make these fast enough for my boys – they gobble them right up!
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Ingredient Notes
- Flour – I used spelt flour for this recipe. You could also use all-purpose flour. I haven’t tried these with gluten free flour. I have a separate recipe for gluten free and vegan spiced cider donuts. Try that recipe if you need to be gluten free.
- Sugar – I like using coconut sugar or brown sugar in this recipe, but you can also use organic cane sugar if you prefer.
- Vegan Buttery Spread – I used melted Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread for a nice buttery flavor. You could use a different brand of vegan butter, or even organic canola oil.
- Baking Powder – This is a key ingredient that helps the donuts become nice and fluffy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results.
Step by Step Instructions
- Place the melted vegan buttery spread in a bowl and stir in the applesauce.
- Add the coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- Add the rest of the dry ingredients, and the water, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Stir well.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well evenly.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow the donuts to cool for about 10-15 minutes before removing them from the pan. Dip each donut in cinnamon and sugar.
- Enjoy!
Special Equipment
A donut pan is a good thing to have if you’d like to bake donuts. You can find this type of pan in any kitchen store.
If you don’t have a donut pan you can make them as muffins, in a muffin pan, or try this method for baked donuts without a donut pan.
Tips for Success
- I recommend greasing the donut pan with vegan buttery spread and dust a little flour on just to be safe. Even though donut pans are non-stick, I don’t like to take chances!
- Allow the donuts to cool for about 10 minutes before trying to remove them from the pan.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Vegan Cider Mill Donuts.
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan buttery spread melted
- 4 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 cup white spelt flour
- 1 cup whole spelt flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the topping:
- â…“ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the donut pan with vegan buttery spread and dust with flour.
- In a small bowl, combine the â…“ cup sugar and the teaspoon of cinnamon, and set aside.
- Put the melted vegan buttery spread in a mixing bowl. Stir in the applesauce.
- Add the coconut sugar.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices to the bowl.
- Add the water, vinegar, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
- Spoon the batter into a donut pan, making sure that the batter is smooth and even with the top of each donut well.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes. Let cool somewhat before removing from the pan.
- To remove the donuts from the pan, just turn the donut pan over onto a cookie sheet or tray, and tap the bottom of the pan until the donuts release.
- Dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Enjoy!
D
These are so good! We make them all the time.
Arman @ thebigmansworld
Legit buying a donut pan…..stay tuned. This looks delicious.
Mindy
Our local cider mill just about doubles the store prices for their donuts. And the quality is not really that good. Now we can make our own!
Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite
Oh Kelly, your donuts look so airy and absolutely scrumptious! :)
olivia - Primavera Kitchen
Great recipe, Kelly! Light and healthy! Perfect for fall ;-)
Lisa
I really need to buy a donut pan to make my own donuts! I’ve been seeing so many yummy donut recipes, and this is definitely one of them!
Kara Lydon, RD
Cider mill donuts are my favorite fall treat. Love this healthier vegan version! Must try. Pinned!
Julia
Every year, my family goes to Apple Hill, which is full of apple orchards and cider mills. We always make a point to enjoy apple fitters and donuts first thing in the morning when we arrive. I’ve had it in my head to make apple donuts for the longest time, but still have never tried it – yours look so airy and fluffy PLUS so much healthier than the donuts I’ve been eating all my life, ha! This is definitely a must-try recipe and my mom would loooove to make these with me. Will definitely let you know when she and I whip them up together! xo
Allison
I used to love those cider donut treats in fall! They’re always SO rich and perfect and cinnamony. I really need a donut pan so I can make these. What a gorgeous recipe!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I’m the same, Kelly! I don’t want summer to end yet, but I’m excited for fall to get here. These donuts sound amazing! I love that they’re healthy and full of flavor!
Sarah@wholeandheavenlyovencom
I’m welcoming apple cider season with open arms for sure! I’ve never been to a cider mill before, but it sounds like a blast! These donuts look so so soft and fluffy and would go perfectly with a glass of cold apple cider!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
I’ve never been to a cider mill, but it sounds like fun! These homemade donuts look like the perfect way to welcome fall!