Name: Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tbsp butter (room temperature); 1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups gluten free 1 to 1 flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; pinch nutmeg; ⅔ cup apple cider; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 67 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy a nostalgic fall treat without any gluten worries, this Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These donuts are tender, full of warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and soaked with cozy apple cider flavor that shines through every bite. Perfectly soft yet with a little crispiness on the outside, they are just the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up with a hot drink and savor the season. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients, so you can impress friends and family with a gluten-free dessert that’s bursting with homemade charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a large metal mixing bowl, there is a thick, wet mixture with a chunky texture. The mixture is light brown with small clumps and some shiny, wet spots, indicating it is sticky and moist. The bowl shows some residue and marks from mixing around the sides and bottom. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients are the heart of this Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s tenderizing the dough, adding sweetness, or bringing that classic apple cider warmth to life. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

10 tbsp butter (room temperature): Soft butter ensures a smooth dough and rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed): Provides deep caramel notes and moisture for a soft donut texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the crumb’s structure.
2 eggs: Help bind ingredients and create a tender crumb.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to complement the apple cider and spices.
1 ¾ cups gluten free 1 to 1 flour: Your gluten-free base, ensuring these donuts are safe for those with sensitivities without sacrificing texture.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy without any heaviness.
1 tsp cinnamon: Provides that essential spicy note that pairs perfectly with apple cider.
Pinch of nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the spice mix.
⅔ cup apple cider: This is the star liquid, infusing the dough with bright, fruity flavor and a hint of tartness.
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating): For the sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar finish.
1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Mixes with sugar to give that perfect spiced crust.
2 tbsp butter (for coating): Melted and brushed on warm donuts to help the sugar mixture stick and add an extra buttery touch.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect baking environment. Don’t forget to spray your donut pan with a nonstick spray — this little step ensures your donuts pop right out after baking without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. You want it smooth and creamy, with no lumps of butter left, because this will build the foundation for a tender, evenly sweetened donut.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Give everything a good mix until it’s all fully combined. This step adds richness and enhances the donut’s flavor complexity.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now sift together the gluten free 1 to 1 flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg before gradually mixing them into your wet ingredients. Stir until the dough thickens — this combination gives structure while letting the warm spices shine through.

Step 5: Incorporate the Apple Cider Slowly

Slowly add the apple cider bit by bit while stirring continuously. The cider not only adds flavor but contributes to the moisture and softness of the final donuts. Aim for a thick but pipeable dough.

Step 6: Pipe the Batter into the Donut Pan

Transfer the dough into a Ziplock bag, cut off one corner, and pipe the batter neatly into your prepared donut pan cavities. Fill each about halfway to a little over halfway for perfect sizing that allows for rise without overflow.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your donuts at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing a light, fluffy interior.

Step 8: Cool Before Coating

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes; this helps them set up so they don’t break when you flip them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for the signature sweet-spicy coating. This mix will add a delightful crunch and extra flavor punch.

Step 10: Brush with Butter and Coat

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and brush each donut generously on all sides. Then, dip or roll them through your cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure every nook is covered. Repeat this for all your donuts to finish them off beautifully.

How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Two soft, round donuts stacked on top of each other inside a silver metal muffin pan, each donut covered in a sparkling layer of sugar grains giving a rough texture; the top donut has a bite taken out, showing a light brown, fluffy inside with small crumb holes. In the background, there is a tall, blurry white bottle standing upright on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The cinnamon sugar coating already makes these donuts irresistible, but for a special touch, consider topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt can add exciting texture and contrast.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with hot drinks like spiced chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte. For a brunch setting, offer alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of apple butter to highlight their apple cider aroma even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Think about stacking these donuts on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy fall table setting, or use a donut stand to showcase them beautifully at parties. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming gifts or grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and delicious for up to 2 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts for longer storage by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to that freshly made perfection, warm them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at low heat for a few minutes. This revives the buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating and soft texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Absolutely! If gluten is not a concern, you can substitute with all-purpose flour using the same measurement. The donuts will have a slightly different texture but remain delicious.

What type of apple cider works best for this recipe?

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider is ideal for the most authentic flavor, but store-bought apple cider without preservatives also works perfectly fine. Avoid apple juice as it’s too sweet and lacks that spicy depth.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, using muffin tins will work as a substitute, though the shape won’t be the same. You can also pipe the batter onto a baking sheet in small rounds for a fritter-style donut experience.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

You can try substituting the eggs with flax or chia eggs and using a vegan butter alternative. However, be aware that the texture will change somewhat, and you might need to experiment with baking times.

How important is the cinnamon sugar coating?

The cinnamon sugar coating is what truly elevates these donuts to the next level. It adds a slight crunch and enhances the warm flavors, so I highly recommend not skipping this step for that authentic Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe experience.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is one of those rare gems that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts will quickly become a beloved treat in your recipe collection. They bring the taste of fall into your home with every bite and the warm memories that come along with it. Trust me, once you try making them yourself, you’ll be eager to share this delightful recipe with everyone you know!