Name: Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup); 2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter or neutral oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cinnamon sugar mixture (for coating)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Gluten free apple cider donuts are a cozy fall treat that bring all the flavors of the orchard right into my kitchen. They’re baked, not fried, which makes them lighter yet still full of that classic apple-cinnamon sweetness. I like how the cider enhances the flavor and the cinnamon-sugar coating gives each donut the perfect finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it finally lets me enjoy the nostalgic flavor of apple cider donuts without gluten. I only need a small amount of cider for the batter, yet it makes the donuts taste rich and spiced. I also like that they’re baked, so I don’t need to deal with frying, and they come out tender and fluffy every time. When I toss them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm, they remind me of the donuts I always smelled at orchards but couldn’t buy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor)
Gluten free all-purpose flour blend
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Unsalted butter or neutral oil
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon sugar mixture for coating

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
I simmer the apple cider until it reduces by about half, intensifying the flavor.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
In another bowl, I whisk sugar, butter (or oil), eggs, vanilla, and the reduced cider until well combined.
I stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
I spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about 2/3 full.
I bake for about 15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
While they’re still warm, I toss the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts. Prep takes 15 minutes, baking takes 15 minutes, so I can have them ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I dip the warm donuts in melted butter before tossing them in cinnamon sugar for extra richness. I’ve also brushed them with apple glaze made from powdered sugar and cider for a sweeter finish. When I want them spicier, I add ground cloves or allspice. For a dairy-free version, I use oil instead of butter and dairy-free milk in place of any added dairy.

Storage/Reheating

I store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. They also freeze well—I wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and refresh in the oven.

FAQs

Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?

Yes, I find a donut pan works best, but I’ve also baked the batter in a muffin tin when I didn’t have one.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, I can, but cider gives a deeper, spiced flavor that makes the donuts taste more authentic.

How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick?

I coat the donuts while they’re still hot from the oven. If they cool too much, I brush them lightly with melted butter before tossing in sugar.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, I replace butter with oil or dairy-free margarine, and use non-dairy milk if needed.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, I freeze them after baking and coating. When ready to enjoy, I reheat them in the oven for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

Gluten free apple cider donuts are my go-to fall bake when I want something warm, cozy, and nostalgic. I like how easy they are to make at home, and they always remind me of orchard visits. With their tender crumb and cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are the perfect seasonal treat I can enjoy any time.