These Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall. They’re moist, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon and apple cider spice, making them completely irresistible. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!
What Makes These Donuts Special?
These aren’t your average vegan donuts. We’ve taken the time to perfect a recipe that results in donuts that are light, airy, and full of flavor. Many vegan donut recipes end up dense or dry, but these are the opposite – they’re incredibly tender and moist thanks to the combination of apple cider and non-dairy milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some key ingredients that bring out the fall flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
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Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (you can also substitute with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
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Wet Ingredients:
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Vegan butter, melted
- Apple cider
- Non-dairy milk (we recommend soy or almond)
- Vanilla extract
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For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
Vegan apple cider donuts ingredients laid out on a countertop
Making the Vegan Apple Cider Donut Dough
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and set it aside.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Whisking together ingredients for vegan donut dough in a bowl
Baking the Donuts
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Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freshly baked vegan apple cider donuts cooling on a rack
The Finishing Touch: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are still warm, dip them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step adds the perfect amount of sweetness and warmth.
Chef’s Tip: For an extra special touch, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture!
Coating warm vegan donuts in a bowl of cinnamon sugar
Enjoying Your Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are best enjoyed warm, but they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them on their own!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them up slightly before serving.
Can I make these donuts without the cinnamon sugar coating?
Absolutely! The donuts are delicious on their own. You can also try dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling them with a simple glaze.
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Use regular apple cider, not hard cider. Look for cider that is unfiltered and unsweetened for the best flavor.
Can I use oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of melted coconut oil or canola oil in place of the vegan butter.
These vegan apple cider donuts are the perfect fall treat! They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress everyone who tries them. Enjoy!
