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+ servings

Warm Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Spiced Sugar

These tender baked apple cider donuts are vegan, gluten-free, and full of cozy fall spice. An easy breakfast or dessert made without frying!
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Breakfast, Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 194

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, such as King Arthur Measure for Measure
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar packed if using brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons apple pie spice for the batter
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cups real apple cider
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup white sugar for the coating
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice for the coating

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease two donut pans (6 wells each) with nonstick cooking spray, or lightly grease a muffin pan.
  2. 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.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the apple cider, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 270mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19g

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.

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