Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love the smell of fall in the air? 🍂 These Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a fantastic way to embrace that cozy autumn vibe without packing on the pounds. Packed with flavors of apple and a hint of spice, they’re ridiculously delicious yet surprisingly healthy. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy a sweet treat guilt-free!

Imagine enjoying a fresh donut with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack—yum! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up. Seriously, why wouldn’t you want to make these?

How to Make Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Making these donuts is as easy as pie (or should I say, as easy as donuts?). Here’s the scoop on how to create these delightful treats:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan—don’t skip this step unless you want to play a fun game of “how to unstick a donut.”
Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl: apple cider, applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla.
In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually until just combined. Don’t overmix; we’re making donuts, not hockey pucks!
Pour the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Pro tip: use a piping bag for less mess if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your patience will be rewarded!
Enjoy your delicious, healthy baked apple cider donuts! Seriously, you’re going to love them. 😍

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or other oil)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Serve Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Serve these donuts warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of your favorite glaze, or even some chocolate sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Dip them in coffee for that ultimate cozy experience. ☕ Want to take it to the next level? Have a seasonal fruit salad on the side or pair with some whipped cream for a treat that’s straight out of a café.

How to Store Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Store these beautiful donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds, and voilà!

Tips to Make Healthy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Don’t skip the spices! They’re the magic that will elevate your donuts.
If you don’t have coconut oil, any mild oil will do. Olive oil isn’t recommended though—save the fancy stuff for salad.
For extra flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts or raisins into the batter.
Experiment with different sweeteners! If maple syrup is too sweet, feel free to use a bit less.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with these donuts! Try substituting the apple cider with pumpkin puree for a fall twist, or add some cocoa powder for a chocolaty version! You can even make them gluten-loving by swapping the gluten-free flour with regular flour if you’re not gluten-sensitive. Just keep an eye on the liquid ratios!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these donuts vegan?
A: Totally! Use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute and stick to maple syrup for your sweetener.

Q: What if I don’t have a donut pan?
A: No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just adjust the baking time—you may need to add a few minutes.

Q: Are these donuts kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Kids will love them, and you can feel good knowing they’re made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some fruit! 🍏