Vegan Apple Cider Donuts (Easy Homemade Recipe)

These Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar — basically everything you want in a cozy fall treat. They’re baked, not fried, made with simple ingredients, and are completely plant-based.

These delicious donuts taste exactly like the ones you’d get at a fall market or apple orchard, but made with better-for-you ingredients and zero deep frying required. The combination of apple cider vinegar, warm spices, and that crisp cinnamon sugar coating gives major cozy-season energy. I love making a batch on slow weekend mornings — they make the whole kitchen smell amazing and feel like a mini fall ritual. Pair them with a coffee or chai latte for the perfect cozy combo.

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Why You’ll Love Them

• Ready in under 30 minutes. A quick and cozy fall baking recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen — just mix, bake, and coat.
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free. This recipe is completely plant-based and made gluten free using oat flour!
• Baked, not fried. You get all the classic apple cider donut flavor without the mess (or oil).
• Perfect for fall gatherings! These homemade donuts are always such crowd pleaser for fall parties -- everyone is always begging me for the recipe!

What You’ll Need

• Oat flour - sub all-purpose or gluten-free flour
• Baking powder - helps donuts rise
• Baking soda - allows donuts to bake up nice and fluffy
• Salt - brings out all the delicious flavours in this donut recipe
• Coconut sugar - adds the perfect sweetness and is a healthier alternative to regular cane sugar
• Almond milk - sub oat milk or any non dairy milk
• Apple cider vinegar - not regular apple juice! Apple cider vinegar adds a lovely apple flavor while also helping donuts rise
• Melted coconut oil - you can also use avocado oil or olive oil if preferred
• Applesauce - I use unsweetened, natural applesauce. It works great as an egg replacer to keep this recipe plant-based.
• Vanilla extract - adds a subtle vanilla flavour

For the coating:

• Sugar - organic cane sugar or coconut sugar both work here!
• Cinnamon - adds those lovely fall spices
• Cooking spray - helps the coating stick to donuts

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 6-donut pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients.
4. Pour wet into dry and mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
5. Use a spoon or piping bag to transfer the batter into donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake for about 12 minutes, until tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly, then spray lightly with cooking spray and toss in cinnamon sugar to coat. Enjoy warm!

How To Store Donuts

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They're best enjoyed warm, so be sure to reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to enjoy!

Top 3 Tips for the Best Vegan Donuts

1. Don’t overmix. Over-stirring the apple cider donut batter can make the donuts dense — mix until just combined for the fluffiest texture.
2. Coat while warm. The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still slightly warm (but not hot).
3. Fill donut cavities ¾ of the way full - this leaves enough room for your donuts to rise and become nice and fluffy when baking.

FAQs

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