Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe because it captures all the cozy flavors of fall without needing to deep fry anything. These donuts come out tender and full of warm spices, with a perfectly sweet apple cider twist that’s just dreamy. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a fun treat to share with friends, this recipe hits that comforting spot every time.

When I first tried making these donuts, I was amazed at how simple the process was and how well they baked up in the oven, keeping that satisfying donut shape and texture without any oil splatter or mess. You’ll find that the combination of reduced apple cider and warming spice notes gives these vegan donuts a depth of flavor that’s truly special, making this a baked treat worth trying again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe works harmoniously to create a tender crumb with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. When shopping, look for fresh apple cider and good-quality vegan butter to elevate the final flavor.

• Apple cider: Fresh apple cider is best; reducing it intensifies its flavor for the donuts.
• Granulated sugar: Helps balance the tartness and moisture in the batter smoothly.
• Brown sugar: Adds a delicious, caramel-like depth and keeps the donuts moist.
• Non-dairy milk: Choose your favorite—almond, oat, or soy all work well here.
• Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and tenderness; essential in both batter and coating.
• Unsweetened applesauce: A great egg substitute that adds extra moisture and a subtle fruity note.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the apple and spice perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: Using the spoon-and-level method—or a kitchen scale for accuracy—gives you the best texture.
• Baking powder: Provides lift to keep these donuts light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: The classic trio of warm spices that make these donuts ultra cozy.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a nicely risen donut.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors in the batter.
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture: For that irresistible coating that gives each bite a crisp, sweet finish.

Variations

I love to tweak this Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe depending on the season or my mood, and I encourage you to do the same! These donuts are a great base for experimenting with your favorite add-ins or toppings.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom brings an extra layer of warmth that my family adores in the cooler months.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with success — just be mindful of slightly different baking times.
• Maple Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try brushing with a maple syrup glaze for a sticky-sweet version that’s a hit at breakfast.
• Fruit Mix-Ins: Toss in finely chopped dried apples or walnuts for texture and extra pops of flavor.

How to Make Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce Your Apple Cider

Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it reduces down to about ½ cup. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes and is key to concentrating that sweet, tangy cider flavor. If you’re a bit shy of that half-cup mark when it’s done, just top it off with some fresh cider to hit the right volume.

Step 2: Prep Your Donut Pan and Oven

While the cider reduces, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your donut pan a good spray with non-stick spray or lightly grease it with vegetable oil. I’ve found that prepping the pan well keeps the donuts from sticking and helps you get them out cleanly, which is always a win.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your reduced apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. This mix will bring moisture and flavor together, so don’t rush—make sure those sugars dissolve nicely for a silky batter.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront means your spices and leavening agents get evenly distributed for the best textured donuts.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy—that’s exactly what you want. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so less is more here.

Step 6: Pipe Batter into Donut Pan

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold, filling about ¾ full. This recipe should make about 10-12 donuts. Once filled, give the pan a gentle tap on the counter a few times to settle the batter and pop any air bubbles that might be hiding.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts for 13-16 minutes, checking by inserting a toothpick into one of the donuts – it should come out with just a few crumbs attached, not wet batter. After baking, let the donuts sit in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool another 10 minutes. This step is important to ensure the donuts hold their shape and develop that perfect texture we all want.

Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cool, melt the remaining vegan butter and mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each donut liberally with melted butter on both sides, then toss or dip them into the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Allow them to sit for at least 10 minutes to let the coating set — this little trick helps that sweet layer stick so you get a crisp, flavorful bite every time.

How to Serve Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a little shredded coconut on top after brushing the donuts with butter. I love how the crunch and extra flavor contrast with the soft, tender donut — it makes every bite interesting and inviting.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced coffee for a breakfast treat. When serving at brunch, I like to add fresh fruit like sliced pears or a small bowl of dairy-free yogurt alongside for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive fall gathering, I’ve arranged these Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by fresh autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. You can also thread them on a wooden skewer for a donut “kabob” presentation—great for kids’ parties or a fun grab-and-go snack! Adding a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce is another way I’ve jazzed these up for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! To keep that cinnamon sugar coating from getting soggy, I place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary.

Freezing

When I freeze these donuts, I flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to prevent sticking. This way, they maintain their shape and texture. Frozen donuts reheat wonderfully, making them an easy grab-and-go option.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until just heated through. This quick method keeps the donuts soft while refreshing that cinnamon sugar coating’s flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends simplicity with a gorgeous flavor profile that feels like a warm hug on a crisp day. If you’re looking for a treat that’s comforting, fuss-free, and sure to impress anyone you share it with, I wholeheartedly recommend giving these a try. Once you taste that spicy-sweet apple cider goodness coated in cinnamon sugar, I promise you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe season after season.

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