Easy Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Fluffy & Moist)

Is there anything that says ‘fall’ quite like the warm, spicy aroma of apple cider donuts? That first bite of a soft, cakey donut coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar is a core autumn memory, much like a slice of a perfectly spiced vegan pumpkin roll.

But what if you could skip the long lines at the apple orchard and create that magic at home, with a simple, baked, and entirely vegan recipe? That’s exactly what we’re doing today.

These aren’t just any donuts. They are incredibly moist, wonderfully fluffy, and baked (not fried!), making them an easy treat you can whip up any day of the week.

We’re going beyond the basic instructions to explore the secrets that make this recipe foolproof, from choosing the right ingredients to storing them for maximum freshness. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn dream?

Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Winner

This recipe is designed for success, and it all comes down to a little kitchen science. By understanding how the key ingredients work together, you can ensure a perfect batch every time.

• Apple Cider Acidity: The secret to a tender, cake-like donut is a soft crumb. The natural acidity in apple cider works to tenderize the flour’s gluten strands. This prevents the donuts from becoming tough and results in that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. For an even more intense flavor, you can simmer your apple cider on the stove and reduce it by half to create a flavor concentrate, a technique endorsed by baking experts at King Arthur Baking.
• Applesauce for Moisture & Binding: In vegan baking, applesauce is a powerhouse. It steps in for eggs, providing exceptional moisture that keeps the donuts from drying out. More importantly, the natural pectin in applesauce helps bind the ingredients together, creating a stable, uniform structure without the need for eggs.
• Baking Powder Power: As our primary leavening agent, baking powder creates the light, airy texture we’re looking for. When it gets combined with the wet, acidic ingredients, it releases carbon dioxide bubbles that make the batter rise beautifully in the oven, giving us those fluffy results.

Your Toolkit for Perfect Fall Flavors

You don’t need much to whip up these delicious donuts, but having the right tools and ingredients ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Equipment

• Donut Pan: This is the one key piece of specialty equipment. A standard 6-cavity non-stick donut pan is perfect. If you plan on making these often, having two pans will speed things up!
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for the dry ingredients and a smaller one for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk & Spatula: A whisk for combining the dry ingredients and a spatula for gently folding in the wet ingredients.
• Piping Bag (Optional): While you can spoon the batter into the pan, using a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) is a mess-free way to fill the cavities evenly.

Core Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour gives a wonderfully soft texture. You can also use all-purpose flour with great results. For a gluten-free version, we’ve had the best success with King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour.
• Apple Cider: The star of the show! Use a quality, unfiltered organic apple cider for the most robust flavor. Avoid sparkling cider.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is best to control the sugar level. In a pinch, apple butter can be used, but it will result in a denser, spicier donut.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk all work perfectly. Ensure it’s at room temperature to prevent the melted butter from solidifying in the batter.
• Vegan Butter: Melted vegan butter adds richness. You can substitute this with melted and cooled coconut oil.
• Spices: Cinnamon is essential, but feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.

Your Simple Step-by-Step Baking Guide

This is a straightforward “stir-and-bake” recipe, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for donut perfection.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a little melted vegan butter. This ensures the donuts will pop right out after baking.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the leavening and spices, which is key for a uniform rise and flavor.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the apple cider, room-temperature non-dairy milk, applesauce, and melted vegan butter.
4. Gently Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about ¾ of the way full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes. The donuts are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should spring back when you lightly press on them. Let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Troubleshooting Common Donut Dilemmas

Even the most straightforward recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter.

• “Why are my donuts dense or tough?” This is almost always due to overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them only until you no longer see streaks of dry flour. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops gluten, which makes baked goods rubbery, a common pitfall highlighted by America’s Test Kitchen.
• “My cinnamon-sugar topping is soggy and wet.” This happens when moisture gets trapped. First, make sure your donuts are completely cool before storing them. Second, avoid airtight containers for storage. A paper bag or a bakery box is ideal because it allows air to circulate. If using a plastic container, leave the lid slightly cracked.
• “The cinnamon-sugar won’t stick to my donuts!” The key is to apply the topping while the donuts are still slightly warm. The warmth helps the melted vegan butter absorb just enough to act as a glue. Dip, don’t just sprinkle! Brushing on a thin layer of melted butter and then dipping the donut into the sugar mixture ensures an even, generous coating that stays put.
• “My gluten-free donuts fell apart.” This can happen if the gluten-free flour blend lacks sufficient binders. That’s why we recommend a tested blend like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure, which contains xanthan gum. Also, be sure to let gluten-free baked goods cool completely in the pan before attempting to move them, as they are more delicate when warm.

Recipe Variations and Frequently Asked Questions

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of fun variations. If you’re looking for another simple one-bowl treat, these vegan chocolate chip cookie bars are a must-try.

Can I make these in a muffin pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, this batter makes excellent apple cider muffins. Simply grease a standard muffin tin, fill each cup ¾ full, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You can still dip the muffin tops in the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Can this recipe be made oil-free?

Yes. For an oil-free version, replace the 2 tablespoons of melted vegan butter in the batter with an additional 3 tablespoons of applesauce. To apply the topping without oil, skip the melted butter and dip the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still quite warm from the oven. The residual heat and moisture will help the sugar stick.

Fun Flavor Variations to Try

• Maple Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon sugar, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup and a splash of non-dairy milk to create a simple glaze.
• Apple Pie Spice: Swap the cinnamon in the batter and the topping with an equal amount of apple pie spice for a more complex, nuanced flavor.
• Cardamom Sugar: For a sophisticated twist, replace the cinnamon in the topping with ground cardamom. It pairs beautifully with the apple flavor.

How to Store Your Donuts for Lasting Freshness

Proper storage is essential to keep your donuts tasting fresh and prevent the topping from getting soggy.

• For Serving Same Day (Best Option): These donuts are truly at their peak the day they are made. If you plan to eat them within a few hours, you can leave them uncovered on a wire rack at room temperature. This maintains the crispness of the sugar coating.
• For Storing Up to 2 Days: The enemy of a crisp sugar coating is moisture. Avoid sealing the donuts in an airtight container, as this will trap steam and turn the sugar soft. Instead, place them in a single layer in a cardboard bakery box or a food-safe paper bag. You can also use a plastic container, but be sure to leave the lid slightly ajar to allow for airflow.
• How to Freeze Donuts: If you want to save them for later, it’s best to freeze the donuts plain, without the cinnamon-sugar topping. Let the baked donuts cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. According to baking authority Sally’s Baking Addiction, this method works well for preserving texture, and they will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, then brush with melted butter and dip in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to create the most wonderfully moist, fluffy, and flavor-packed vegan apple cider donuts right in your own kitchen. This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a gateway to creating cozy fall memories, alongside other seasonal favorites like our creamy vegan butternut squash lasagna.

By understanding the ‘why’ behind each step, you’re empowered to bake with confidence, troubleshoot any issues, and even put your own creative spin on it. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma of autumn.

Happy baking!