Baked Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect vegan treat for fall! These donuts come together quickly for a moist, flavorful, and healthy dessert.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a donut pan if not using a non-stick pan. Set aside.
Add the oat flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Add the apple cider, milk, maple syrup, and oil or applesauce to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine until no floury bits remain.
The donut batter will be really thin at this point. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes to allow the batter to thicken slightly.
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, taking care not to fill over the hole post in the center. Wipe away any batter that may have dripped on the pan's surface.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donut springs back when pressed lightly with your finger. If an indent remains bake another 1 to 2 minutes.
Move the donuts to a wire rack and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Then, turn the pan upside down and tap it to pop the donuts out. Try running a knife around the edge of each donut to help them release from the pan.
Allow the donuts to cool completely on the wire rack before sugar coating.
Sugar Coating
Add apple cider to a small bowl and spread granulated sugar or a cinnamon sugar mixture on a plate.
Brush the top of a donut with apple cider and gently place brushed side down in the sugar. Remove and place back on the cooling rack.
Repeat with remaining donuts. Enjoy!
Notes
See more expert tips and pictures above for making apple cider donuts!
If you are making oat flour at home, you need 3 ⅔ cups rolled oats to make 2 ¾ cups oat flour.
Using applesauce makes these donuts a bit denser, but is an oil-free option.
Sugar coating is completely optional, and the donuts are still fabulous without it.