Enjoy the cozy goodness of gluten-free apple cider donuts that are quick and easy to make! These irresistible treats will fill your kitchen with all the inviting scents of fall.
These tender fluffy apple cider cake donuts are infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Finished with butter and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, they’re simply heavenly!
Fall is my favorite season, and it’s hard not to miss the stunning autumn colors from my New York days. I often find myself reminiscing about those crisp fall days spent apple picking. At the local orchard, there were hay rides, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch.
At the end of the day we’d stop in the Orchard’s Farm Store that sold 100% fresh-pressed apple cider (with no added sugar) and fresh baked apple-cider donuts. The fresh cider tasted like biting into an apple, and those warm apple cider donuts were simply irresistible!
But after discovering John and three of our kids have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, our beloved donuts were off the table—until now!
Today, my son Michael suggested we whip up some apple cider gluten free donuts to celebrate the season!
Honestly, I could enjoy these donuts any time of year—apples are my absolute favorite food!
Love fall flavors?
For a delightful breakfast, you won’t want to miss my fluffy Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, sweet Apple-Filled Gluten Free Pumpkin Crepes, or homemade Applesauce.
For dessert, indulge in my easy Irresistible Gluten Free Apple Pie, decadent Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, and scrumptious Gluten Free Pumpkin Crisp.
Each recipe captures the essence of the season and is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Donut vs. Doughnut
While making this recipe, I found myself in a bit of a spelling pickle. I typed “doughnut” into my computer, and autocorrect said, “Nope, it’s ‘donut’!” It made me laugh! I thought, “Is it a doughnut or a donut? Is there a difference?” I decided that it doesn’t matter because both versions lead to the same delicious result!
So whether you’re team “doughnut” or team “donut,” let’s just agree that nothing beats the joy of sinking your teeth into a warm, sugary treat!
I’m excited to add these delicious gluten-free apple cider donuts to my collection of gluten free dessert recipes—and I can’t wait for you to taste them!
So, here’s this fun, easy donut recipe that brings back those cozy fall vibes!
Ingredients
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These donuts come together easily with less than ten ingredients!
It all starts with pressed apple cider, which adds that delicious fall flavor. For the gluten free flour, I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 flour since it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. If your gluten free flour doesn’t have xanthan gum, you might need to add some separately.
Your butter should be nearly at room temperature—just soft enough that it leaves an indent when you squeeze it, but still slightly resistant.
You’ll also need an egg, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of salt and baking powder for fluffiness. I’m using Rumford baking powder because it’s gluten-free, aluminum-free, and non-GMO.
And for the cinnamon sugar coating: melted butter, and a cinnamon and sugar mix.
Instructions with step by step pictures
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Begin by setting your oven rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 350°F. And lightly spray or brush your donut pans with oil to ensure those delicious treats pop right out!
Reduce the Apple Cider: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups of apple cider to a gentle boil, reducing it down to 3/4 cup. This step intensifies the flavor, concentrating the sweetness and adding that irresistible apple essence to your donuts. It should take about 12-13 minutes—once done, set it aside to cool.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to whip them well until it lightens in color and increases in volume; this crucial step adds that delightful lift and airy texture to your donuts!
Incorporate the Egg: Next, add the egg to your creamy sugar mixture and mix until it’s thoroughly blended.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate between adding the flour mixture and the cooled apple cider into the sugar mixture. Mix until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. Alternate because adding the liquid all at once might overwhelm the creamed sugar mixture, causing the batter to separate.
Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully portion the donut batter into each prepared pan, filling each mold about 3/4 of the way full as they will rise in the oven. The batter is quite thick, so use your spoon to gently nudge it and spread it around in the donut pan.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the donuts are a lovely golden brown. Mine were done in 15 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Cinnamon sugar coating
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, gently remove them from the pan. Brush each donut with melted butter and dip them on both sides in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serving suggestions
These donuts are delicious on their own. But the best way to savor them is with a cup of Slow-Cooker Hot Mulled Apple Cider, coffee, or tea for a cozy fall treat.
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or warm them up in the microwave for that just-baked taste!
Pro tips and recipe notes
What other kinds of coatings do you recommend for these donuts? Great question! The farm store, offered three delicious options: classic cinnamon sugar, sweet powdered sugar, or you could enjoy them plain if you prefer the pure taste of the donut. Each one adds its own tasty twist, so feel free to try them all!
How can I make these donuts even more flavorful? You can add a pinch of cloves, allspice, or even pumpkin spice for extra warmth. Also, tossing in some finely chopped apples or nuts can add a delightful texture!
How do I store leftover donuts? To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them!
With these gluten-free apple cider donuts, you’re all set for a tasty autumn treat! They’re easy to make and oh-so-delicious. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy every bite—fall has never tasted so good.
Happy baking!
More gluten free baked goods
Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Donuts – These donuts are light, chocolaty, and topped with the most amazing glaze. A treat everyone will love!
Gluten Free Corn Muffin – These muffins are easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a side to many meals.
Blueberry Muffins With Coconut Flour – Get your ingredients together, and you’ll be taking these gluten-free blueberry muffins out of the oven in just 25 minutes.
Flourless Cocolate Cake – With the creamy chocolate filling complemented by a thin layer of cool silky ganache on top, this flourless chocolate cake is every chocolate lover’s dream.
Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Macaroons – Crispy shredded coconut, moist and chewy on the inside, golden on the outside, sweetened with honey, and drizzled with decadent dark chocolate. Yum.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – These buttery soft homemade cookies are intensely rich with flavor, sweetened with honey, and loaded with chocolate chips.
Gluten Free April Cider Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of apple cider fresh pressed, no added sugar (Not apple cider vinegar)
- 6 tablespoons of butter softened
- 3/4 cups of sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups of Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour I have Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- dash of salt
Cinnamon sugar coating
- 2 tablespoons of butter melted
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Instructions
- Set your oven rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 350°F.Lightly spray or brush your donut pans with oil.
- In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups of apple cider to a gentle boil, reducing it down to 3/4 cup. It should take about 12-13 minutes—once done, set it aside to cool.1 1/2 cups of apple cider
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to beat them well until it lightens in color and increases in volume; this crucial step adds airy texture to your donuts!6 tablespoons of butter, 3/4 cups of sugar
- Add the egg to your creamy sugar mixture and mix until it’s thoroughly blended.1 large egg
- In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.1 1/2 cups of Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, dash of salt
- Alternate between adding the flour mixture and the cooled apple cider into the sugar mixture, mixing until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. (I use a wooden spoon.) Alternate because adding the liquid all at once might overwhelm the creamed sugar mixture, causing the batter to separate.
- Carefully portion the donut batter into each prepared pan, filling each mold about 3/4 of the way full as they will rise in the oven.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the donuts are a lovely golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Cinnamon sugar coating
- In a large shallow bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Gently remove the donuts from the pan. Brush each donut with melted butter and dip them on both sides in the cinnamon sugar mixture.1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of butter
Notes
Nutrition
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Barbara Bianchi says
I had a blast creating these gluten-free apple cider donuts, and I hope you love them just as much as I do! If you give them a try, I’d be so happy to hear what you think. Drop a comment below and let me know, and if you enjoyed the recipe, a star rating would be greatly appreciated!
Krispy kreme vegan options says
That’s a wonderful recipe. Gluten free donuts are something everyone can enjoy as it is best for people who are gluten intolerant. Thanks. It would be nice if you share more recipes like these.
Barbara Bianchi says
Thank you.