Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe (Easy And Delicious)

They’re sweet, tempting, and delicious, and hard to resist. You'll love this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts recipe if you like apples, cinnamon, and flour. And best of all, this egg-free, dairy-free recipe is so easy to make!
A stack of vegan apple cider donuts on a plate.

About this recipe

Vegan apple cider donuts encompass the essence of autumn in each bite. Their flavor is between sweet and tangy with a hint of warm spices, reminiscent of cozy apple baked goods and Autumn flavors. The delightful combination of fresh apple cider, gently folded into a fluffy, vegan dough, yields a moist and tender treat.

Each bite offers a gives of apple-y goodness, complemented by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of caramel. These vegan doughnuts are a guilt-free indulgence, embodying the season’s flavors while embracing a compassionate lifestyle.

A plate with ingredients for a vegan pumpkin pie.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • All-Purpose Flour: This is the primary flour used in baking and provides structure to the donuts. Use gluten-free flour if needed; I wouldn’t recommend whole wheat flour in this recipe, as it could change the donut’s texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the donuts and helps with browning during baking.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise, become fluffy, and give a perfect bite.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the donuts by balancing the sweetness and other flavors.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the donuts with warm, spicy notes, complementing the apple cider flavor.
  • Apple pie spice mix: In a pinch, you could use pumpkin pie spice mix, which would be equally delicious.

Wet Ingredients:

  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides moisture and apple flavor to the donuts while acting as an egg substitute in vegan baking. This is why we can have egg-free apple cider donuts.
  • Apple Cider: Introduces a rich, apple-infused taste, contributing to the signature flavor of an apple cider donut. To enhance the cider’s flavor, simmer in a small saucepan until reduced by half.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture in the donuts.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet and aromatic vanilla essence.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Combines with baking powder to create leavening and imparts a subtle tangy flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • Granulated Sugar: Used for coating the warm donuts, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
  • Ground Cinnamon mixes with sugar to create the classic cinnamon sugar coating, which adds a delightful spiced sweetness to the donuts.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and apple pie mix. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients. Mix unsweetened applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar in another bowl. This wet mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and flavor to apple cider.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan. Carefully spoon the donut batter into the greased pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise during baking.

Step 6: Bake. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar-coating. In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Step 8: Coat the Donuts. Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet and spiced exterior.

Tips for making the best vegan apple cider donuts

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts. It’s okay to have a few lumps in the batter.

Applesauce as an Egg Substitute: Unsweetened applesauce is a great egg substitute in vegan baking. It adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Use homemade or store-bought.

Temperature Control: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly to the specified temperature in the recipe. This helps with baking and rising.

Donut Pan: Invest in a good quality donut pan with a non-stick surface. This makes it easier to remove the donuts and maintain their shape.

Greasing the Pan: Even if your donut pan is non-stick, it’s a good idea to grease it to prevent sticking lightly. I use vegetable oil and spread it out with a pastry brush.

Melted butter. If your donuts are not holding the sugar and cinnamon coating, brush them with melted butter to help them stick.

apple cider doughnuts Frequently asked questions

How are baked apple cider donuts different from regular donuts? Apple cider donuts are distinct from regular donuts due to their pronounced apple flavor, often derived from apple cider or juice, and the inclusion of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Regular donuts, on the other hand, have a more neutral flavor profile and can come in various flavors and styles, available year-round.

Cake donuts versus yeast donuts? In the battle of cake donuts vs yeast donuts, it all boils down to texture and flavor. While cake donuts are dense and crumbly, providing a satisfying bite, yeast donuts boast a light and airy quality that melts in your mouth. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and what you seek in a delightful, delectable treat.

How to store vegan apple cider donuts? Store vegan apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. For long-term storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months, thawing before enjoying.

A stack of vegan apple cider donuts on a plate.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Alejandra Graf
They’re sweet, tempting, and delicious, and hard to resist. You'll love this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts recipe if you like apples, cinnamon, and flour. And best of all, this egg-free, dairy-free recipe is so easy to make!
5 de 2 votos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course baaked goods
Cuisine American
Servings 8 donuts
Calories 89 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Donut pan
  • 2 Medium Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  • Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and apple pie mix in a mixing bowl. Whisk until they are fully combined.
  • Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients. Mix unsweetened applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar in another bowl. This wet mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and flavor to apple cider.
  • Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
  • Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan. Carefully spoon the donut batter into the greased pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise during baking.
  • Step 6: Bake. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
  • Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
  • Step 8: Coat the Donuts. Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet and spiced exterior.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.004gSodium: 74mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword donuts, vegan doughnuts

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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