By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On April 5, 2023

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked, tender gluten-free apple cider donuts with a luscious sweet glaze that will leave your taste buds craving for more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily whip up these treats in your own kitchen for Fall or any time of the year.

If you love gluten-free donuts, you'll want to make my Gluten-Free Vanilla Donuts or these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. More of a chocolate fan? Bake up a batch of my Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Donuts. Or, for Fall, makes these gluten-free pumpkin donuts.

For more ideas, check out my Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes section.

Invest in your cooking skills today and elevate your gluten-free cooking game to new heights! Enroll in Udemy's gluten-free courses now.

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I'm super excited to share my gluten-free apple cider donuts with you finally. This recipe was first included in my gluten-free donut ebook, and so many readers are loving it. I decided to share it with you here, so you can make them too.

A quick but funny story about when I first was working on developing this gluten-free apple cider donuts recipe. Instead of reducing apple cider, I accidentally reduced apple cider vinegar. Oh my gosh, my eyes were watering, and my house smelled like a vinegar distillery.

Lesson learned, make sure you know what ingredients you are reaching for, and NEVER use apple cider vinegar to make these gluten-free apple cider donuts.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Easy to make - Say goodbye to store-bought gluten-free doughnuts and impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that's perfect for a quick, satisfying bake.

Great for Fall - Made with real apple cider and a blend of warm spices, these tender apple cider doughnuts are easy and so tasty. And the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to these delectable donuts.

Simple ingredients - With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these mouthwatering apple cider doughnuts to impress everyone.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider - This is the star ingredient that gives these gluten-free apple cider donuts their delicious apple cider flavor. Make sure to use real apple cider, not apple juice, for the best results. Check my Guide on Gluten-Free Ciders.

All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour - All-purpose gluten-free flour serves as the base of the baked apple cider donuts batter and provides structure to the donuts.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda - These leavening agents help the baked apple cider donuts rise and become light and fluffy.

Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg - These warm spices add a cozy and aromatic flavor to the donuts, complementing the apple cider perfectly.

Salt - Salt enhances the flavors in the recipe and helps to balance out the sweetness.

Oil - The oil adds moisture and richness to the donut batter, contributing to a tender texture.

Egg - The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the donut batter together and providing structure.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar - These sweeteners add sweetness and depth of flavor to the donuts, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apple cider flavor. 

Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk) - This adds liquid to the batter and helps to create a smooth consistency. You can use regular milk or dairy-free milk of your choice, such as almond milk or coconut milk.

Pure Vanilla Extract - This adds a hint of vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the donuts.

Powdered Sugar - This is used to make the sugar coating glaze for the donuts. This sugar coating adds sweetness and creates a smooth, glossy finish. You can also use a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Additional Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk) - This is used to thin out the glaze to the desired consistency.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Mixing Bowls - You will need mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

Whisk or Electric Mixer - You will need a whisk or an electric mixer to mix the ingredients thoroughly and create a smooth batter.

Doughnut Pan - You will need a donut pan to shape the batter into donut shapes. Make sure to choose a donut pan that is specifically designed for baking donuts. You can also use a mini muffin pan or a standard muffin pan. Just adjust the baking time.

Spatula - You will need a spatula to scrape the batter from the bowl and transfer it to the donut pan.

Cooling Rack - You will need a cooling rack to cool the donuts after baking and before glazing.

Spoon or Pastry Brush - You will need a spoon or a pastry brush to spread the sugar coating glaze onto the donuts.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How To Make Gluten-free Apple Cider Donuts

1. Stirring occasionally, simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until it reduces to a ½ cup - approximately 20 minutes. Once simmered down, remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk oil, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla.
4. Add dry ingredients and reduced apple cider to the wet ingredients.
5. Mix until combine.
6. Optional: Spoon batter into a large zip lock bag and cut a half-inch off one corner.
7. Squeeze batter into each donut well, filling ⅔rds full. Don’t overfill.
8. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until set.

Note on substitutions - When making this gluten-free apple cider donuts recipe, please make sure to make it as-is first. If you substitute ingredients, you are doing so at your own risk. I have used dairy-free milk in this recipe but have not tried it with an egg replacer.

When I make egg-free versions of my recipes, I typically use flaxegg. If you use flaxegg in this donut recipe, please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. The next time I make these donuts, I'll try to remember to use flaxegg and update this post.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Use high-quality gluten-free flour blend - Choose a reputable brand of gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. This will help ensure the best texture and taste for your donuts.

Measure accurately - Gluten-free baking often requires precise measurements. See the note below to help.

Don't overmix - Overmixing can produce a tough texture in gluten-free baked goods. Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Adjust cider amount - If you prefer a stronger apple cider flavor, reduce the cider by simmering it down to concentrate the flavor before adding it to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Cider Gluten-Free?

Yes, apple cider is gluten-free. As always, please make sure to check labels, as recipes and manufacturing practices can change.

Can I Use Apple Juice Instead Of Apple Cider?

While apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider in some recipes, it may affect the flavor and texture of the donuts. Apple cider has a more concentrated apple flavor, which adds to the overall taste of the donuts. Using apple juice may result in a milder apple flavor.

Additionally, apple cider often has a slightly thicker consistency than apple juice, which can impact the moisture content of the donut batter. It's recommended to use apple cider for the best results in this recipe.

Can I Fry These Donuts?

Frying the donuts would likely have a different texture and taste than baking. However, if you prefer a fried donut, you could potentially adapt the recipe by shaping the donut batter into rounds and deep-frying them in oil until golden brown. Remember that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted for frying.

Does Krispy Kreme Sell Apple Cider Donuts?

Krispy Kreme offers a selection of Apple Cider Glazed Donuts, including the Apple Cider Glazed Donut, Apple Cider Glazed Original Filled Brown Sugar Kreme Donut, and Apple Cider Glazed Cake Donut. These donuts feature a delicious glaze infused with the flavors of apple cider, perfect for enjoying during the fall season. They are, however, not gluten-free presently.

Can I Make These Donuts Without A Donut Pan?

While a donut pan is typically used to achieve the classic donut shape, you can still make donuts without a donut pan. Instead, you can shape the donut batter into a muffin tin to create a similar shape. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the thickness of the batter may differ from using a donut pan.

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts?

Store gluten-free apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they may start to lose their freshness and flavor.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free apple cider donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the batter for gluten-free apple cider donuts ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the batter to come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts?

Milk - You can use any type of milk, including dairy-free options such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk, depending on your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Oil - You can use any type of cooking oil or melted butter as a substitute for the oil called for in the recipe, depending on your preference.

Sugar - Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or coconut sugar, but it may affect the flavor and moisture content of the donuts.

Dairy-Free - This gluten-free apple donut recipe calls for milk in the donuts and in the glaze. You can easily swap the milk with dairy-free milk. I like to use plain or vanilla almond milk when I bake.

Egg-Free - I have not tested this recipe with flaxegg yet. Let us know if you do. 

Cinnamon sugar - Instead of adding the glaze on top, you can add cinnamon sugar. It comes down to personal preference. I prefer cinnamon sugar, whereas my family prefers the glaze.

Working with gluten-free flours

I've tested this GF apple cider donut recipe with my gluten-free flour and with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour (not the gluten-free all-purpose flour, it doesn't work in this recipe). When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.

If you love donuts, you will swoon over these Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Donuts from What the Fork Food Blog. If you want more apple treats, you'll want to make these Healthy Applesauce Muffins.

Continue to Content

Yield: 8-10 donuts

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Print

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked, tender gluten-free apple cider donuts with a luscious sweet glaze that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 14 minutes

Total Time 39 minutes

Ingredients

For the donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons oil of choice
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free milk)

Instructions

1. Stirring occasionally, simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until it reduces to a ½ cup - approximately 20 minutes. Once simmered down remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 six-serving donut pans; set aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl whisk oil, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk and vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients and reduced apple cider to the wet ingredients and mix until combine.
6. Spoon batter into a large zip lock bag and cut a half-inch off one corner. Squeeze batter into each donut well, filling ⅔rds full. Don’t overfill.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until set.
8. For the glaze: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Heat covered in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir until all sugar lumps are dissolved.
9. One at a time, dip the tops of donuts into the glaze. Place donuts back on the rack and repeat until all donuts have been dipped.
10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    

Notes

• This gluten-free apple donut recipe calls for milk in the donuts and in the glaze. You can easily swap the milk with dairy-free milk. I like to use plain or vanilla almond milk when I bake.
• I've tested this recipe with my gluten-free flour and Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour (not the gluten-free all-purpose flour, but it doesn't work in this recipe).
• When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
  

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 fl oz
• 
  Clabber Girl Gluten Free Baking Powder 8.1 Ounce
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
• 
  Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, White
• 
  Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2-Count
• 
  ChefAide 4 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, Cooking Baking Mixing
• 
  Checkered Chef Cooling Rack - Set of 2 Stainless Steel, Oven Safe Grid Wire Racks for Cooking & Baking - 8” x 11 ¾"
• 
  OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
• 
  Pastry Brush Natural Bristle Wooden, MSART Basting/Food Brush, with Beech Wood Handle and Rope Hook, Great for Butter, Cookies, Oil, Bread, Frosting. Easy to Clean (1 inch)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 156Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 187mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 29gProtein: 1g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.