Name: Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or white flour); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup soy milk (or other non-dairy milk); 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce; 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 27 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy fall treat that’s both indulgent and guilt-free, you’ve got to try this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. Trust me, these donuts are a fan-freaking-tastic way to enjoy autumn’s best flavors without any eggs or dairy. They’re perfectly spiced, baked to tender perfection, and coated in cinnamon sugar that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through every step to nail these donuts without any stress.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus that magical apple cider for authentic fall flavor.
Baked, Not Fried: Healthier than traditional donuts but still so tender and soft.
Vegan and Flexible: Perfect for plant-based diets with easy swap options.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for spontaneous cravings.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, fall vegan donut recipes, baked apple cider donuts, easy vegan fall treats, gluten-free vegan donuts - The image shows several round donuts with a hole in the middle, each covered with a layer of fine sugar and cinnamon on the outside. The donuts have a golden-brown color and a soft texture. They are placed on a gold wire cooling rack, sitting on a white marbled surface. The focus is on one donut in the front, with other donuts slightly blurred in the background, giving a warm and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The balance of whole wheat pastry flour and apple cider gives these donuts a comforting, slightly fruity base, while the combination of applesauce and vegan butter keeps them moist and tender without any eggs. Each ingredient plays its part to create the texture and flavor we love in apple cider donuts.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, fall vegan donut recipes, baked apple cider donuts, easy vegan fall treats, gluten-free vegan donuts - Flat lay of fresh red apples with smooth, shiny skin, a small bowl of golden apple cider, a jar of light brown ground cinnamon powder with a soft texture, a mound of whole wheat pastry flour in fine, powdery heaps, creamy off-white soy milk in a glass bottle, a scoop of golden yellow vegan butter with a slightly glossy surface, and a bowl of smooth, pale applesauce with a soft, thick texture, beautifully arranged with a few cinnamon sticks and a sprig of fresh green mint for color contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Whole wheat pastry flour: Gives a slightly nuttier flavor and lighter texture than regular whole wheat flour—if you prefer, you can swap for white flour for an even softer bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, creating a perfect base for the cinnamon sugar topping.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise nicely and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that quintessential warm, spicy hint that pairs perfectly with apples.
Apple cider: The star ingredient that infuses each donut with fall’s charm—just make sure to use real apple cider, not apple juice.
Soy milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the batter moist and lends a creamy texture.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a vegan binder and adds moisture without fat.
Melted vegan butter or coconut oil: Contributes richness and helps the donuts brown beautifully.
For the topping – sugar and cinnamon: The classic combo that lets each bite have a delightful sweet spice coating.
Melted vegan butter or coconut oil (for coating): Ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks and adds an irresistible buttery finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep this recipe simple, but I also enjoy experimenting with flavor and texture. You should definitely play around with it to make it your own—that’s part of the fun in the kitchen!

Variation: I once swapped the cinnamon in the batter for pumpkin pie spice and added a touch of nutmeg—perfect for a pumpkin patch picnic.
Dietary Tweaks: You can easily make these gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The donuts may be a tad more delicate but just as tasty.
Oil-Free Option: Replace the vegan butter with extra applesauce and skip the butter coating, just sprinkle cinnamon sugar directly; they’ll still be moist and flavorful.
Flavor Boost: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra comforting aroma I absolutely love.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and prep the pan

First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your donut pan a thorough spray with non-stick spray. If you have two pans like I do, this speeds things up, but one works just fine. Having everything measured and ready before mixing also helps you breeze through the process without scrambling.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Getting these well combined ensures even flavor and lift in each bite.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients without overmixing

Pour in the apple cider, soy milk, applesauce, and melted vegan butter or coconut oil. Stir gently with a large spoon until everything is just combined—overmixing can make your donuts tough. Think soft and tender, not dense. The batter should be smooth but a bit thick.

Step 4: Fill the donut pan

Scoop the batter into the donut cavities until about ¾ full. I like to use a piping bag with a large tip for cleaner edges—plus, less mess! If you don’t have one, spooning works just as well. Try to distribute evenly to ensure all donuts bake uniformly.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Bake your donuts for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to turn golden and they spring back with a light press of your finger. Leave them in the pan for 2 minutes to firm up before carefully flipping onto a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 6: Make the cinnamon sugar coating

While the donuts bake, stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. In another bowl, melt your vegan butter or coconut oil. Once your donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush them all over with melted butter and immediately dip or roll them in cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the coating stick beautifully.

Tips from My Kitchen

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Use Room Temperature Wet Ingredients: This helps your batter mix evenly and prevents clumps.
Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling about ¾ full keeps the donuts from overflowing and makes for a nice domed top.
Cool Slightly Before Coating: If the donuts are too hot, the cinnamon sugar can melt into a syrup; too cool and it won’t stick.
Watch Your Bake Time: Baking too long dries out the donuts, so start checking at 8 minutes.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, fall vegan donut recipes, baked apple cider donuts, easy vegan fall treats, gluten-free vegan donuts - The image shows three cinnamon sugar donuts with a light golden brown color and a textured coating of sugar and cinnamon. One donut is in the front with a bite taken out, revealing a soft, fluffy inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The other two donuts are whole and placed closely behind it on a light-colored surface. The background has a white marbled texture, and there is a glass of orange juice visible on the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep the cinnamon sugar coating simple, but I love adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. For a festive touch, sometimes I drizzle a little maple glaze over the top—just mix powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and a touch of non-dairy milk.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or chai tea. I especially enjoy them alongside a hearty oatmeal or my favorite pumpkin spice latte for a complete autumn brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I like arranging these donuts on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small pumpkins and fresh apple slices—it makes for an inviting spread that doubles as decoration. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment paper tied with cinnamon sticks also makes a charming edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you notice they’re starting to dry out, a quick warm-up helps bring back that soft texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, these donuts freeze wonderfully. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, place them in a sealed freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds—just enough to warm it without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick 3-minute-toast in a toaster oven works great for a slightly crisp exterior while keeping things soft inside.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin to bake these donuts, but keep in mind they might have a different shape. Another option is to bake the batter in a round cake pan and cut out donut shapes with a cookie cutter after baking.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?

While traditional apple cider donuts are often fried, this recipe is designed specifically for baking to keep it healthier and easier. If you do want to fry, you’d need to adjust the batter slightly and be prepared for more cleanup.
What can I substitute for soy milk in this recipe?

You can use any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or cashew milk. I recommend choosing an unsweetened variety to avoid adding extra sweetness that might alter the balance of flavors.
How do I keep these donuts from being too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter—once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Also, be mindful of your baking time; under- or over-baking can impact texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I haven’t personally tested it, but using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking should work well. You might want to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it for better texture.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe has quickly become one of my seasonal favorites—not just because it’s plant-based and wholesome, but because it taps into that cozy, nostalgic feeling of fall. Baking these in my kitchen always feels like a warm hug, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of pulling these cinnamon-sugared beauties fresh from the oven. So grab your apple cider, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen!