Spiced Apple Cider Donuts (vegan)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, nothing says autumn quite like a warm, spiced apple cider donut. These vegan delights are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nod to the traditional New England fall fairs where apple cider donuts first gained popularity. Made without dairy or eggs, they are light, fluffy, and bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, apple cider.
The beauty of these donuts lies in their simplicity and the use of fresh apple cider, which adds a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match. Plus, they are baked rather than fried, making them a slightly healthier option for those who want to indulge without the guilt. And if you’re wondering how to make these delightful treats, fear not! With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a batch of donuts that will make your kitchen smell like a fall festival.
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a combination of all-purpose flour and a bit of whole wheat flour gives these donuts a lovely structure while keeping them light. The addition of apple cider not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the donuts moist. And let’s not forget the spiced sugar coating that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to each bite.
So, grab your mixing bowls and preheat your oven, because these spiced apple cider donuts are about to become your new favorite fall treat. Just be warned: they might disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte”!

Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cups brown sugar
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cups coconut oil
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the donuts evenly, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Grease a standard donut pan with non-stick spray or a light coating of coconut oil. This will help the donuts release easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 0.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. This dry mixture will provide the structure and flavor for your donuts.
- In another bowl, combine 0.75 cups of brown sugar, 0.5 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 0.5 cups of apple cider, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 0.25 cups of melted coconut oil. Mix until well combined, ensuring the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up slightly.
- Carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the spiced sugar coating by mixing 0.5 cups of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once the donuts are cool, gently roll each one in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a delightful sweetness and crunch.
- Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. Just mix until smooth and drizzle over the cooled donuts.
- Enjoy your homemade spiced apple cider donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are the perfect companion for a cozy fall afternoon.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Carbs g: 25
- Protein g: 2
- Fat g: 5
- Sugar g: 8



