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    Home » Fall

    Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts

    Published: Sep 5, 2022 by Taleen Benson · This post may contain affiliate links · Any nutrition info provided is estimated and will vary based on the brands used or with any substitutions · 26 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These gluten free apple cider donuts just taste like fall! The cinnamon sugar topping is not to be missed. It's the perfect warm and cozy treat for the colder months.

    Stack of gluten free apple cider donuts topped with cinnamon sugar.
    Love that warm cinnamon sugar on top!

    If you are a fan of these donuts, you have to try my apple cider bundt cake, apple sour cream cake and air fryer apple fritters!

    Okay, I think this might be one of my favorite recipes that I've shared with you here so far. I know that's a bold statement, because everything here is delicious... I make sure of it before I share with all of you!

    BUT you know now that I love this time of year. And one of my favorite things to have in the fall is apple cider. It always makes me think of one of my favorite Fall activities: an evening with Poe. A local theater company performs various Poe pieces. It all happens after dark, of course, so the performances are lit by candlelight and best enjoyed with hot apple cider.

    There's just something so cozy about these baked apple cider donuts, and I can't wait for you to try them and tell me how you liked them!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Watch How To Make These Donuts
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related Recipes You Might Like
    A hand picking up an apple cider donut.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • The fall flavors are just perfect. You really do taste the apple cider, but then the cinnamon sugar topping comes in and elevates these donuts to the next level.
    • They're baked, so not only are they easier (in my opinion) than fried donuts, you'll also feel better about eating them!
    • No mixer needed! We'll stir everything up by hand, and it really only takes a few minutes overall.

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    • Gluten free flour: My favorite gluten free flour blend is Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1. This is the flour I use in every recipe unless otherwise noted! If you are using a different blend, just make sure it contains xanthan gum.
    • Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt is our egg substitute here. It helps bind everything together and adds nice richness and moisture. I like to bake with either 0% or 2% Greek yogurt.
    • Apple cider: Apple cider should be easy to find this time of year, but if you are having trouble finding some, you can always make your own or just use pure apple juice.
    • Applesauce: Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce. Similar to the cider, you can use homemade applesauce.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    STEP ONE: Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

    STEP TWO: Then, in a larger bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients (sugar, melted butter, yogurt, apple cider, and applesauce) together.

    Dry ingredients and whisk in a bowl.
    Melted butter and sugar in a bowl.
    Wet ingredients in a bowl.

    STEP THREE: Next, just add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until it all comes together and you have a nice, light batter.

    STEP FOUR: Transfer the batter into a couple of greased donut pans. Bake on 350ºF for 12 minutes, or until the donuts feel springy when you lightly push your finger down on them. Let the apple cider donuts cool in the pans completely before adding your topping.

    Donut batter in a bowl.
    Donut batter in a donut pan.
    Donut being dipped into bowl of melted butter.

    STEP FIVE: When the donuts are ready, melt some butter in a small bowl and, in a separate small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Dip each donut in the butter first, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

    Expert Tips

    • As always, one of my top tips is to use a scale to weigh your flour, if possible. This is the best way to ensure accuracy! Too much flour will yield an entirely different texture in the end. We'll want 222 grams of flour for this recipe.
    • When it comes to filling your donut pans, you can use a piping bag to pipe the batter in, or you can just use two spoons. Whatever is easiest for you!
    • Make sure the donuts have cooled completely before dipping in the melted butter and cinnamon sugar topping.
    Apple cider donut with a bite taken out of it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these donuts dairy free?

    Yes, you should be able to substitute your favorite non-dairy butter and yogurt. Just make sure the yogurt is similar in texture to Greek yogurt.

    Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

    I have not tried it, but you may be able to use a muffin tin and some foil to create a makeshift donut pan. I do recommend buying a set of donut pans if you bake regularly, though. I've got tons of baked donut recipes!

    How should I store baked donuts?

    You can store the baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made.

    Close-up of an apple cider donut.
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    Did you try my gluten free apple cider donuts? Leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram @justastastyblog and #justastastyblog! And don't forget to subscribe to get new recipes directly in your inbox.

    Watch How To Make These Donuts

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    A post shared by Taleen | Just As Tasty (@justastastyblog)

    📖 Recipe

    Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts

    Print Recipe
    These baked donuts, covered in cinnamon sugar, will give you all the cozy vibes!
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword apple, apple cider, cinnamon, eggless, fall, gluten free
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Servings 12 donuts
    Calories 197
    Author Taleen Benson

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups (222g) gluten free flour blend
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • ½ cup (112g) Greek yogurt room temperature
    • ½ cup (120ml) apple cider room temperature
    • ¼ cup (64g) unsweetened applesauce room temperature

    Cinnamon sugar topping:

    • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
    • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pans.
    • In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to combine. Set aside.
      1 ½ cups (222g) gluten free flour blend, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • In a separate bowl, combine the sugar with the melted butter, then add the yogurt, apple cider, and applesauce. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
      ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup (112g) Greek yogurt, ½ cup (120ml) apple cider, ¼ cup (64g) unsweetened applesauce
    • Spoon or pipe the batter into prepared donut pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow donuts to cool in the pan before removing and adding cinnamon sugar topping.

    Cinnamon sugar topping:

    • Melt the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Dip each donut in the melted butter, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
      4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcal

    Related Recipes You Might Like

    • Gluten Free Apple Cobbler
    • Easy Apple Blondies
    • Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
    • Apple Cinnamon Scones - Gluten Free, Eggless
    « Easy Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie
    Easy Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah James says

      September 07, 2020 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      What a tasty treat, I love the sound of the cinnamon sugar with the apple cider.

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 07, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Emily Flint says

      September 07, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      Everyone in my family loved these, thanks so much for the recipe! We will definitely be making these again!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 07, 2020 at 3:22 pm

        I'm so glad, thanks Emily!

        Reply
    3. Alexandra says

      September 07, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      These were so delicious - we made them for a special breakfast and they were a hit with the family!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 07, 2020 at 4:37 pm

        I'm so glad! Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Ashley says

      September 07, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! My kids loved them and shhhh I did too! They are amazing!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 07, 2020 at 4:35 pm

        Yay! Thanks Ashley!

        Reply
    5. Amy says

      September 07, 2020 at 8:20 pm

      5 stars
      Simply couldn't say no to homemade donuts. This was delicious!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 07, 2020 at 8:26 pm

        Thanks, Amy!

        Reply
    6. Angela says

      September 08, 2020 at 1:46 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for a recipe for donut, and I found you, thanks my family adores them

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 08, 2020 at 9:36 am

        Yay! Thanks, Angela!

        Reply
    7. Amanda Marie Boyle says

      September 08, 2020 at 2:28 am

      5 stars
      Amazing. I love these donuts, such a great fall treat!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 08, 2020 at 9:36 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Andréa Janssen says

      September 08, 2020 at 5:33 am

      5 stars
      This was a great recipe and I loved the addition of cinnamon sugar. Yummie!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 08, 2020 at 9:36 am

        Thanks, Andrea!

        Reply
    9. Debra says

      September 08, 2020 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Yay...another great recipe that lets me use my donut pans.

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 08, 2020 at 9:37 am

        Yay, I'm so glad!

        Reply
    10. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      September 08, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      These donuts look incredibly delicious. I wish this were in front of me.

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 08, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    11. Jennifer says

      September 09, 2020 at 5:02 am

      I love baked do ugh ya! I bet this apple cider flavor really puts them over the top!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 09, 2020 at 8:09 am

        It just might be my favorite donut flavor!

        Reply
    12. Kerri says

      September 09, 2020 at 5:16 am

      It’s finally Apple season! That means these will be on repeat in my house all fall long

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 09, 2020 at 8:09 am

        Yay! Thanks Kerri!

        Reply
    13. Janis says

      September 30, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      Can I use an egg instead of the yogurt? If so, how many?

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        September 30, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        I haven't tested it, so I'm not 100% sure how it would turn out, but I would try 1 egg. Please let me know how it goes!

        Reply

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    Hi there! I'm Taleen... a Los Angeles based advertising professional by day, baker by night. Bringing you gluten-free recipes and general tips + tricks for navigating allergies.

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