Name: Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup); 1 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Warm, Cozy, and Full of Fall Flavor — These Donuts Are Pure Magic
If you’re dreaming of crisp fall mornings, cozy sweaters, and the smell of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen… Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts are calling your name. These beauties are soft, fluffy, and infused with reduced apple cider for that deep, orchard-fresh flavor, making them the ultimate Fall Comfort Dessert. Rolled in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up with a mug of tea and savor every single bite. And here’s the best part: you don’t need any gluten to make them fabulous. These donuts are proof that gluten-free baking can be just as warm, tender, and crave-worthy as the original — maybe even more. Trust me, they’re worth the (very easy) effort!

Why You’ll Love Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

These Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts shine as a Fall Comfort Dessert:

Autumnal Bliss: Intense apple cider flavor with cozy spices.
Gluten-Free Perfection: Fluffy and tender without any gluten.
Easy Baking: No frying, just bake in a donut pan.
Customizable: Add glazes or toppings for your twist.
I baked these for a fall brunch, and everyone thought they came from a bakery!

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Here’s what you’ll need for Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts (makes 12 donuts):

For the Donuts:

1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
1½ cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (with xanthan gum)
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp kosher salt
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Equipment:

Donut pan (6 or 12 wells)
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Piping bag or spoon
Wire cooling rack

Ingredient Tips:

Apple Cider: Use fresh, unfiltered cider for best flavor; avoid apple juice if possible.
Gluten-Free Flour: A 1:1 blend like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur ensures proper texture.
Spices: Freshly ground for bold flavor; adjust cloves for milder taste.
Milk: Non-dairy (almond, oat) works for dairy-free diets; ensure it’s unsweetened.
Butter: Melted for moisture; oil is a neutral alternative for dairy-free.

Directions for Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Let’s bake these delightful Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts!

Reduce the Apple Cider

In a medium saucepan, I simmer 1½ cups apple cider over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to ½ cup. I let it cool slightly.

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk 1½ cups gluten-free flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp cloves, and ½ tsp salt until combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, I whisk ½ cup sugar, 2 eggs, ½ cup reduced apple cider, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Batter

I add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable; I avoid overmixing for fluffy donuts.

Fill the Donut Pan

I spoon or pipe the batter into the donut wells, filling each about ¾ full to allow for rising.

Bake the Donuts

I bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are puffed, lightly golden, and a toothpick comes out clean. I let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

I mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donuts are warm, I brush each with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sparkly coating.

Serve Warm

I serve the Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts warm for maximum coziness, or let cool slightly for easier handling.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including cider reduction)
Yield: 12 donuts
Calories: ~180 kcal per donut
Macros per Donut: 25g carbs, 2g protein, 8g fat, 0.5g fiber

Variations for Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Try these twists on Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts:

Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a glaze of ½ cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp maple syrup for a sweet Fall Comfort Dessert.
Caramel Dip: Serve with warm caramel sauce for a decadent Fall Comfort Dessert.
Apple Chunks: Fold in ¼ cup finely diced apples for extra texture.
Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a fall twist.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs, non-dairy milk, and vegan butter.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles for a festive breakfast spread.
Serve with hot apple cider or chai tea to enhance the Fall Comfort Dessert vibes.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.

Storage

I store Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, I freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. I thaw at room temperature and coat with fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best texture.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Cider is more flavorful, but apple juice can work in a pinch — just reduce it the same way.

What gluten-free flour works best?
A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum is key for texture and rise.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter or oil.

Can I fry these instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baking, but you could adapt it for frying with some testing.

How do I store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days or freeze for up to a month.

Can I make these vegan?
You can try using flax eggs and non-dairy milk, though texture may vary slightly.

Can I add chunks of apple?
Yes! Dice them small and fold into the batter for even more apple goodness.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?
Use a muffin pan instead — baking time may need slight adjustment.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
You can, but it really makes the donut! A glaze is a good alternative.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Freeze uncoated and coat after reheating for best texture.

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Conclusion

Warm, sweet, and packed with real apple flavor, these Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts are like a bite of fall in every delicious ring. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, these donuts will win you over with their fluffy texture, cozy spices, and irresistible cinnamon sugar finish. Bake a batch, pour a warm drink, and enjoy the comfort of autumn anytime you want — no apple orchard required.