Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

Is there anything that screams Fall more than Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)? These delightful treats are perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the day. With their warm spices and rich apple cider flavor, they embody the essence of autumn in every bite. Plus, they are easy to make, ensuring you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and apple cider, these donuts are not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free – Perfect for everyone! These donuts cater to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
• Deliciously Spiced – The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth and comfort, making them ideal for fall festivities.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family brunch or a cozy night in, these donuts fit right in!
• Easy to Customize – Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free), gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Blender
• Mixing bowls
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan – Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly; it gives them that classic look and texture.
• Blender – Helps create a smooth batter by grinding oats into flour and mixing ingredients efficiently.
• Cooling rack – Allows air to circulate around the donuts, preventing sogginess after baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free), you will need the following ingredients:

For the Donuts

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 flax eggs, see Notes
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup creamy almond or peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, optional but makes for fluffier donuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons dairy-free butter, melted

How to Make Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease your donut pan with some dairy-free butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Oat Flour

In a blender, combine:
* Rolled oats
* Baking soda
* Baking powder
* Cinnamon
* Nutmeg
* Salt

Blend until the oats turn into a fine flour.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the following to your blended oat flour:
* Flax eggs
* Apple cider
* Almond butter
* Coconut sugar
* Apple cider vinegar
* Vanilla extract

Blend again until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 4: Fill Donut Molds

Carefully fill each donut mold with the batter using a cookie scoop for neatness. Do not overfill; leave some space for rising.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from molds onto cooling racks. Let them cool completely before moving on.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine:
* Coconut sugar
* Cinnamon

Prepare an assembly line with coated donuts, melted butter, and cinnamon sugar. Gently dip each donut in melted butter before coating it with cinnamon sugar. Place on a cooling rack while finishing up the rest.

Step 7: Store Your Treats

Once all donuts are coated, store them in a sealed container. They can be kept at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy your delightful Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)!

How to Serve Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Apple Cider: Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of apple cider for a cozy fall experience.
• Herbal Tea: Enjoy with chamomile or cinnamon tea to complement the spices in the donuts.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Plate: Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.
• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon-flavored dairy-free ice cream adds creaminess.

For Breakfast

• Smoothie Bowl: Crumble donuts over a smoothie bowl topped with fruits and seeds for added texture.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer pieces of donut with dairy-free yogurt and granola for a hearty breakfast.

How to Perfect Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

To ensure your baked vegan apple cider donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly use fresh ingredients: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor significantly. Opt for high-quality, freshly pressed cider.
• Boldly measure accurately: Use precise measurements when combining ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
• Boldly blend well: Ensure that the batter is blended until smooth to avoid lumps that could affect baking.
• Boldly cool completely: Allow donuts to cool on a rack before coating them; this prevents the cinnamon sugar from melting off.
• Boldly experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference, adding more nutmeg or even ginger for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts can be paired with various side dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bold Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup warms your palate and complements the spiced flavors of the donuts.
2. Bold Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with tangy vinaigrette provides crispness and freshness against sweet donuts.
3. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like squash and carrots bring earthiness to your table.
4. Bold Chia Pudding: A chia pudding made with almond milk offers a healthy, satisfying side that pairs well with sweets.
5. Bold Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide an additional crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft donuts.
6. Bold Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from apples and spices can serve as a delicious topping or side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free) can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little of key ingredients can ruin the texture. Always measure accurately with proper measuring cups.
• Not Blending Oats Properly: Failing to grind oats into flour can result in a gritty texture. Ensure oats are finely blended for a smooth batter.
• Skipping Flax Eggs: Omitting flax eggs can lead to donuts that don’t hold together. Always include them for binding and moisture.
• Overbaking: Leaving donuts in the oven for too long makes them dry. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark; they should be lightly golden.
• Neglecting Cooling Time: Not allowing donuts to cool completely before coating can cause the cinnamon sugar to slide off. Be patient for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure donuts are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

• Freeze individually wrapped donuts in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• These donuts can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the donuts for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual donuts on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a donut in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free).

Can I use other nut butters instead of almond butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any other nut or seed butter you prefer.

How do I make these donuts sweeter?

For sweeter donuts, increase the amount of coconut sugar or add maple syrup to the batter.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

You can use apple juice as a substitute, though it may change the flavor slightly.

Can I make these Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free) ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well and are great for meal prep during the fall season.

Is there an alternative to flax eggs?

You can use chia seeds mixed with water as an alternative binding agent.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten-Free) are not only delicious but versatile. You can customize them with different spices or toppings. Try this recipe and enjoy a comforting taste of fall!