Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If you’re dreaming of that perfect, cozy fall treat, I can’t recommend this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe enough! These donuts are soft, lightly spiced, and infused with real apple cider — something I just don’t get tired of. Whether you’re an experienced vegan baker or just want a super tasty, plant-based donut, this recipe is straightforward and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Stick with me here, because I’m about to share tips that’ll help you make these disappear from your kitchen faster than you can say “apple pie.”

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that combining whole wheat pastry flour with apple cider brings both structure and subtle sweetness, while ingredients like applesauce and vegan butter keep the donuts tender and moist. Here’s what you need:

• Whole wheat pastry flour: It gives these donuts a nice, tender crumb — you can also use all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the texture just right; coconut sugar can be swapped in for a deeper flavor.
• Baking powder: Your secret weapon for that perfect rise, making donuts fluffy and light.
• Salt: Enhances all the warm spices and sweet notes in the donut.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings in the classic apple pie vibe that I adore.
• Apple cider: The star ingredient; adds moisture and that unmistakable apple flavor.
• Soy milk (or non-dairy milk): Keeps the batter smooth and ties all the dry ingredients together.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and adds extra moisture without oil.
• Melted vegan butter or coconut oil: Ensures a tender texture and rich flavor—plus perfect for that cinnamon sugar coating!
• For the topping (sugar, cinnamon, vegan butter/coconut oil): These come together to give that irresistible sweet-spicy crunch on the outside.

Variations

I love when recipes leave room for your own spin—that’s how we make them special and fit your lifestyle or pantry. Here are some ways I’ve played around with the Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe:

• Gluten-free version: I tried a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it worked surprisingly well, though the texture was a tiny bit denser—still delicious!
• Oil-free version: I swapped out the vegan butter in the batter for extra applesauce and skipped the cinnamon butter coating—still moist and flavorful!
• Spiced up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves makes these donuts feel even more autumnal, perfect for holiday breakfasts.
• Sweetener swaps: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar, offering a lovely caramel-like undertone.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and mix dry ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and give that donut pan a good spray with non-stick spray—don’t skip this unless you want a donut rescue operation later! In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything’s evenly mixed. This step makes sure those spices and leavening agents are well-distributed, so your donuts rise evenly and taste perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients and mix gently

Now pour in the apple cider, soy milk, applesauce, and melted vegan butter or coconut oil. I like to add the liquids all at once and then use a large spoon to gently mix until just combined. The key here? Don’t overmix! The batter should look slightly lumpy—that’s how you keep the donuts tender and not tough.

Step 3: Fill donut pan and bake

Spoon or pipe the batter into your donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Using a piping bag really helps with even sizes and less mess, but spoons work just fine too. Pop them into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn lightly golden and the donuts spring back with a gentle press.

Step 4: Cool and coat with cinnamon sugar

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 2 minutes so they hold their shape, then flip them onto a wire rack to cool further before coating. While that’s happening, mix your topping: stir granulated sugar with cinnamon in one bowl and melt your vegan butter or coconut oil separately. Brush the donuts all over with butter, then dip or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is where the magic happens — the buttery coating sticks just right and creates that classic cinnamon sugar donut finish.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with that classic cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I’ll dust extra powdered sugar for a pretty finish or drizzle a little maple glaze for a touch of sweetness. If you’re serving these at a brunch or party, fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top add great texture and an autumnal flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. For a breakfast spread, I love serving them alongside vegan scrambled tofu or fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these donuts on a tiered cake stand lined with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks—it’s an instant conversation starter! You can also thread a few donuts on pretty twine and hang them as edible decorations for a festive touch at a fall party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which maybe won’t happen), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I’ve noticed they are best fresh, but this short storage keeps them soft and tasty without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts a few times by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze really well and can be kept for up to 3 months—perfect for quick treats anytime you need them!

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, I pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them up in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the texture and flavor nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe makes a cozy snack feel so approachable, with real ingredients and minimal fuss. When I first tried baking vegan donuts, I struggled with dry or dense results, but this recipe changed everything—it’s one of those comforting, reliable treats that I know I can turn to any time. You’ll find your family or friends going crazy for these, just like mine do. So grab your donut pan, pour that apple cider, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious, warm donuts fresh out of your oven. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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