These Baked Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of warm fall spices. Made with real apple cider, they’re bursting with cozy autumn flavor in every bite. Easy to bake at home, they’re the perfect treat for crisp mornings, fall gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a sweet seasonal bite.
Fall is here, and with it comes all the cravings for apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, and plenty of cozy soups!
I’ve fully embraced the season and have been busy in the kitchen making a few batches of these Apple Cider Donuts, along with comfort foods like my Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup and Classic Pot Roast. These recipes are pure comfort in every bite and perfect for cool, crisp evenings.
When I revisited this donut recipe recently, I decided it was time for a little update. The truth is, entering my 40s and following some important doctor’s orders has nudged me toward healthier baking swaps. Instead of stressing over it, I actually find it fun! With so many alternative flours and better-for-you ingredients available, it’s easier than ever to enjoy our favorite fall treats without the guilt (or the aches).
If that sounds like you too, then don’t miss my Healthy Banana Oat Muffins, another wholesome bake that proves “healthy” can still taste like a treat.
what makes these apple cider donuts healthy?
Let’s be honest, donuts aren’t health food. But these apple donuts are a healthier treat thanks to no refined sugar, they are baked (not fried), and allergy-friendly ingredients. Perfect for enjoying a cozy fall bite without the guilt
what you need to make apple cider donuts
- a couple donut pans!
- gluten-free flour – I like to use this flour because it works are 1-to-1 substitute in most recipes.
- baking powder and baking soda
- cinnamon and nutmeg OR ground cloves as our spices (loving cloves lately!)
- unsalted butter or ghee for a lactose-free option
- one egg, be sure to use organic and pasture raised eggs
- sugar or honey (I have tested the recipe with both!)
- apple cider, and finally
- apple sauce
Fall Baking Treats
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 – 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves or nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or ghee* melted at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened apple sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl add in first 6 ingredients (dry ingredients), flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg or ground cloves. Whisk to combine.
- In a second bowl add remaining ingredients (wet ingredients) butter or ghee, egg, sugar, apple cider and apple sauce. Whisk well to combine.
- Pour dry ingredients into the liquids and fold gently to combine without over mixing it.
- Pour batter into a large zip lock bag and make a small cut in one of the corners.
- Spray donut pan with cooking spray. When you are ready to pour the batter simply put pressure on zip lock bag from top down, twisting as you release the batter on to donut pan.
- Bake at 375F for 10 minutes. Insert a toothpick to make sure it is cooked through. Transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool off before removing from donut pan.
- Meanwhile pour some cinnamon on to a shallow plate. Gently dip donuts on to cinnamon to coat. Alternatively you can brush a little butter or ghee so the cinnamon will stick better.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh my gosh, these donuts look amazing!!!!! I love that fall baking had started! 🙂
Isn’t Fall baking the BEST time of year?!! Thanks so much Shinee 🙂
These seriously look SO GOOD! I am loving your blog! What’s your favorite (easy) recipe?
Hi Suzanne! it’s so hard to pick one, but the Banana Bread is one I make the most. It’s super easy, healthy and delicious.
Could the egg be omitted by adding more applesauce?
I haven’t tried without the egg so I am not 100% the consistency will work but I believe it is worth a try. Let me know!