Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease two donut pans (6 wells each) with nonstick cooking spray, or lightly grease a muffin pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 2 1/4 teaspoons apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the apple cider, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well and gently fold everything together with a spatula until a thick batter forms.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut wells, filling each about 3/4 full. You should have enough for 12 donuts.
- Bake on the center rack for 9 to 11 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the donuts bake, mix the white sugar and remaining 2 teaspoons apple pie spice in a shallow bowl. Melt a few tablespoons of extra coconut oil or vegan butter if you plan to dip the donuts before coating.
- Let the baked donuts cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Run a small knife around each donut to loosen it, then turn the donuts out onto a wire rack.
- For a light coating, toss each warm donut in the spiced sugar and set on the rack to dry. For a richer finish, dip each donut into the melted butter or oil first, then roll in the spiced sugar and return to the rack.
Nutrition
Notes
To make your own apple pie spice: stir together 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; use 2 1/4 teaspoons for the batter and 2 teaspoons for the coating.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum; other flours will change the texture.
If you don't have a donut pan, bake in a standard 12-cup muffin tin and increase the bake time to 14-16 minutes.
Don't overmix the batter; stir just until no flour streaks remain so the donuts stay tender.
You can simmer the apple cider on low until it reduces to about 1 cup for a stronger apple flavor, then cool before using.
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
