Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Recipe: Baked Donuts

Looking for the perfect Fall treat? Look no further than this gluten free apple cider donut recipe. Coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, they are the perfect gluten free treat and is full of fall flavors.

Fall is the best time of year. You can head to the apple orchard and go apple picking, get fresh apple cider, and make gluten-free apple cider doughnuts (even better homemade apple cider donuts). They have all the flavor of fried doughnuts except they are baked! The delicious apple cider flavor comes from the fresh cider that goes into this recipe, and the ground cinnamon and cinnamon-sugar mixture on top just transports you to a happy place.

Tip: Baking is way easier than making fried apple cider donuts

Typically when we think of donuts, we think of the fried donut that has that shiny glaze on top. These are not those type of donuts. The beauty of the apple cider donut is that by baking it, you are not missing out on anything, I think the opposite. You are allowing the donut to be more cake like, a bit dense, and just packed full of flavor (without all of the mess).

What about using an air fryer?

Again, just bake them. It is less mess, less fuss, and the results are super delicious.

What is the origin of apple cider donuts?

Apple Cider Donuts enter the mainstream donut world in the 1950s. They were first introduced by the Doughnut Corporation of America. The DCA was founded by a Russian immigrant named Adolph Levitt in the 1920s. Apple Cider Donuts were considered a seasonal treat initially (as the cider would be readily available in the Fall) however now with our grocery stores and cider being easily accessible all year long, they no longer have to remain a Fall treat! You can enjoy them all year round.

Can you use apple juice instead of apple cider for donuts?

Traditionally, you would want to use apple cider for these donuts but if you cannot get your hands on any, then yes, you can supplement apple juice. You will just need to boil it down to help amp up the apple flavor (I will discuss this below).

Equipment to make gluten-free apple cider donuts

Wire Rack
Small saucepan or pot
Doughnut pan
Large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer- really any large bowl is fine)
Cooling rack
Measuring cup

What do you need to make baked apple cider donuts?

1. 2 cups of gluten free flour *
2. ½ cup white sugar
3. ½ cup dark brown sugar
4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
6. 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (it doesn't need to be room temperature as it is melted)
7. ½ cup milk (I use 2% regular milk)
8. 1 ½ cup apple cider (you will boil this down to ½ cup)
9. 1 egg
10. 1.5 tablespoon cinnamon
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla 

*Remember that not all gluten-free flour is created equal. For best results, use King Arthur Measure for Measure flour with xanthan gum. Using something like almond flour will not work for this recipe, you need to use a gluten free all purpose flour. Some people only have access to Bob's Red Mill and while it is okay to use that, I cannot guarantee the quality of your gluten free donuts as I do not use that flour. 

*Please note that I have not tried to make this vegan (i.e. using vegan butter, flax eggs, chia eggs, almond milk etc). The best way to ensure that you get the best results is to follow the recipe card as closely as possible. If you do wish to try to make it vegan, leave me a comment down below to tell me how it turns out. 

How do you make this gluten-free apple cider donut recipe?

In a heavy bottom pot: place the apple cider and boil it down until ½ cup remains. By boiling it down, you are amping up the flavor so much! It is a step that you shouldn't miss. If you simply don't have time, then fine, but I suggest you do not. In the meantime, set your oven to 350°F.
In a bowl: mix the dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugars. Whisk until they all come together. 
Mix wet ingredients: Add the vanilla, egg, melted butter, milk, and apple cider and whisk together. The batter should now be good to go!
Spray a donut tin: with a non-stick spray. Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag and then pip the batter into the donut pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Make cinnamon sugar coating: In a bowl add cinnamon and sugar (the amount is up to you
Remove from the oven: and take the donuts out of the donut pan. )Dip them in the cinnamon-sugar coating. Set them on the side while you dip them all and enjoy!

How can I store these gluten-free apple cider donuts?

These apple cider donuts are best eaten day of (and or the next day). If you want you can freeze them, but, I still suggest consuming within the first 48 hours of baking them.  If you do freeze them, I suggest a ziplock bag that is made to withstand the freezer or if you are keeping them on your counter then an airtight container.

Why should I make this gluten-free apple cider donut recipe?

The first time you make your own gluten free apple cider donuts at home can be a bit tricky (as all things are with baking) but you get the hang of it in no time. The real apple cider flavor is the best because it is essentially unfiltered apple juice (but better) gives such a great flavor. Using the real thing makes these the best apple cider donuts. You don't have to go to New England this fall to have an ideal fall experience. By using the donut tin you get the perfect shape for your donut and most people won't even know that this is a gluten free version of the classic apple cider donut.

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