These Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect fall treat! Baked, apple cider-infused and coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also entirely plant-based. Let's learn how to make them!
There is nothing better than a little dessert for breakfast. These donuts are perfect for a celebratory holiday morning or just a regular Monday.
They can be made using only a single bowl and very simple techniques. Light, soft and very fluffy. Just like our frosted and sprinkled Baked Vegan Donuts!
Concentrated apple cider flavor and warming spices really take this recipe over the top. If you're looking for more treats that fit this bill be sure to check out our Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes, Apple Cider Daiquiri and our Apple Cider Cookies.
Apple cider donut ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these awesome donuts:
For the donuts:
- apple cider: Adds rich apple flavor and moisture to the donuts, enhancing the cider's signature tangy sweetness.
- all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the donuts, creating a fluffy and light texture.
- sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown during baking.
- light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple cider flavor.
- baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the donuts rise and become airy.
- salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with the apple cider.
- ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and gives the donuts their signature "donut-y" flavor.
- unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural egg substitute, adding moisture and binding the ingredients.
- nondairy milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- canola oil: Contributes to the donuts’ tenderness and richness.
- vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
For the topping:
- vegan butter + reduced apple cider: Provides a sticky surface for the cinnamon-sugar mixture to adhere to and adds richness and flavor.
- sugar: Creates a sweet and slightly crunchy outer layer that contrasts with the soft donut interior.
- ground cinnamon: Adds a bold, spicy-sweet flavor to the coating, complementing the apple cider and enhancing the fall-inspired taste.
Steps to make vegan apple cider donuts (with pictures):
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.
Begin by reducing the apple cider. Pour it into a small saucepan and simmer until only ½ cup + 2 tablespoons remain. Set aside to cool completely.
Whisk together all of the dry ingredients in one bowl and all of the wet ingredients in another. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix.
Transfer batter to a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner cut off. Pipe batter into the molds of a lightly greased donut pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 15-17 minutes.
Mix together the melted vegan butter and leftover reduced apple cider in one bowl. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in another.
Brush butter mixture on each of the cooled donuts and immediately toss in the cinnamon-sugar. Serve immediately.
What is so special about apple cider donuts?
Apple cider donuts hold a special place in many people's hearts because they are a quintessential fall treat with unique characteristics that set them apart from other donuts:
- Seasonal appeal: Apple cider donuts are closely tied to autumn. They evoke nostalgia and celebrate the flavors of the season.
- Distinct flavor: The inclusion of apple cider gives the donuts a subtle tangy sweetness and a rich apple flavor, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Texture: Apple cider donuts often have a slightly denser, cakier texture compared to yeast-raised donuts. This makes them hearty and satisfying, especially when enjoyed warm.
- Warming spices and coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating not only enhances the flavor but also adds an awesome crunch, making each bite extra cozy.
Tips for making vegan apple cider donuts:
The following tips will help you make the perfect apple cider donuts every time!
- Get ahead: If you'd like to get ahead I'd recommend reducing your apple cider ahead of time. You'll reduce it as instructed in the recipe below, allow it to cool completely then place it in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to make your donuts.
- Choose high-quality apple cider: Start with a good quality apple cider that's rich in flavor. Organic, unfiltered cider can provide a more intense apple flavor for your donuts.
- Don't over-mix the batter: Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid gluten development, which can make the donuts dense.
- Use a sealable plastic or piping bag: To shape the donuts, consider using a zip-lock or a piping bag with a wide tip to portion the dough evenly. This helps create uniform donuts.
- Coat while slightly warm: Brush donuts with vegan butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating while they're still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere better to the surface.
- Enjoy fresh: Vegan apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.
Frequently asked questions:
It's best to use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the most authentic flavor. Also avoid using apple juice or apple-flavored beverages.
Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavor, making it more robust and prominent in the donuts. Without reducing it, the apple flavor may be too subtle and get overshadowed by other ingredients.
Dense donuts may result from over-mixing the batter (which overdevelops the gluten), not using enough leavening (ensure your baking powder is fresh), and using too much flour.
While the coating adds sweetness and flavor, you can skip it or use an alternative like a glaze made from powdered sugar and reduced apple cider. You can also just dust the donuts with powdered sugar.
It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing to ensure they rise properly. If you need to prepare ahead, you can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
How to properly mix donut batter:
Mixing baked donut batter properly is essential for achieving light, fluffy donuts. Here's how to do it:
- Measure all ingredients accurately:
Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and ensure wet ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Combine dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices, sugar, etc.). This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
- Mix wet ingredients separately:
This helps the wet ingredients combine smoothly before they are added to the dry ingredients.
- Incorporate wet into dry:
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold and mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing! This can overdevelop gluten in the flour, leading to dense donuts.
- Check consistency:
The batter should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a small amount of nondairy milk or apple cider. If too thin, add a touch of flour.
Storage:
Properly storing vegan apple cider donuts will help maintain their freshness and flavor. Place leftover donuts in an airtight container and store at room temperature. Donuts will keep like this for 2-3 days.
Donuts can also be stored in the freezer like this for up to 1 month.
If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
PrintVegan Apple Cider Donuts
Baked vegan donuts infused with apple cider flavor, brushed in dairy-free butter and tossed in cinnamon-sugar. Truly the greatest Fall flavors all rolled into a single treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 Donuts 1x
- Category: Donuts, Dessert for Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Donuts
1 ½ cups apple cider*
2 ⅔ cups all purpose flour
⅓ cup sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup nondairy milk
¼ cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
⅓ cup vegan butter, melted
2 tablespoons reduced apple cider
¾ cup sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and heat over medium on the stove. Bring cider to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until liquid in the pan has reduced by over half. You should have about ½ cup + 2 tablespoons reduced cider remaining. This step is important for flavor concentration. Remove pan from heat and allow cider to cool completely. You can place it in the fridge to speed up the process if desired.
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and lightly grease a donut pan with cooking oil. Set aside.
- Make the Dough: Add all purpose flour, sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to a large bowl. Whisk together. In a separate bowl combine unsweetened applesauce, nondairy milk, canola oil, vanilla extract and ½ cup of the cooled, reduced apple cider. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Do not over-mix.
- Pipe Dough into Pan: Grab a piping bag or a large zip-lock bag and fill with the donut dough. Cut the tip (or the corner) off of the bag and gently squeeze to pipe the dough into the prepared pan. This method will allow you to layer an even ring of dough into each donut mold.
- Bake: Place pan on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of donut comes out clean with only a few crumbs clinging to it. Allow donuts to cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Coat: Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a flat bowl. As soon as donuts are cool enough to handle (they should still be warm), begin the process of coating them. Taking one donut at a time, brush with melted butter using a pastry crush. Once coated in butter, immediately transfer donut to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss donut around until completely coated. Return donut to cooling rack to set for at least 10 minutes. Continue process until all donuts have been coated. Serve immediately for tastiest results.
Notes
*Donuts will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days but taste infinitely better on the day they are made. Donuts can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
*Most donut pans only have 6 molds. If you have two pans, you can bake all 12 donuts at once as the pans will fit side by side on the same oven rack. If you only have 1 bake the donuts in 2 batches. Try to work quickly so the prepared donut dough isn’t sitting out for too long.
*Reducing apple cider on the stove increases the potency of the flavor by a ton! Do not skip this step.
Leave a Reply