Name: Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or white flour); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup soy milk (or other non-dairy milk); 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce; 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 20 reviews

If you love cozy fall flavors, you’re going to absolutely adore this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. These donuts are fluffy, tender, and bursting with the warm cinnamon and apple cider notes that make autumn so magical. I remember the first time I made them—I was surprised at how easy the recipe is, and how incredible the house smelled while they baked. Trust me, you’ll want to keep the oven timer close because they tend to disappear fast once you serve them!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need any hard-to-find vegan products, just pantry staples and fresh apple cider.
Moist & Tender Texture: Applesauce and apple cider keep these donuts soft and perfectly moist without eggs or dairy.
Quick Baking Time: Ready in about 20 minutes total, making it perfect for a last-minute sweet treat.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want gluten-free or oil-free options, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, vegan fall donuts, vegan apple cider treats, easy vegan donut recipe, cozy fall dessert - The image shows several round donuts with a hole in the middle, each covered with a layer of fine sugar and cinnamon on the outside. The donuts have a golden-brown color and a soft texture. They are placed on a gold wire cooling rack, sitting on a white marbled surface. The focus is on one donut in the front, with other donuts slightly blurred in the background, giving a warm and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe strikes the perfect balance of chewy, tender, and just sweet enough thanks to a few carefully chosen ingredients. I always recommend using whole wheat pastry flour for a nice texture and a little extra nutrition, but you can go with all-purpose flour if you prefer.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, vegan fall donuts, vegan apple cider treats, easy vegan donut recipe, cozy fall dessert - Flat lay of fresh red apples with smooth, shiny skin, a small bowl of golden apple cider, a jar of light brown ground cinnamon powder with a soft texture, a mound of whole wheat pastry flour in fine, powdery heaps, creamy off-white soy milk in a glass bottle, a scoop of golden yellow vegan butter with a slightly glossy surface, and a bowl of smooth, pale applesauce with a soft, thick texture, beautifully arranged with a few cinnamon sticks and a sprig of fresh green mint for color contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Whole wheat pastry flour (or white flour): Gives a tender crumb without weighing the donuts down; whole wheat adds nuttiness.
Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness that balances the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Baking powder: Makes the donuts light and fluffy, so no dense or heavy bites here!
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming flat.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warming spice essential to the fall vibe of the donuts.
Apple cider: Imparts juicy apple flavor and moisture, making these donuts feel so fresh.
Soy milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the dough moist and dairy-free without competing flavors.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and helps bind ingredients as an egg substitute.
Melted vegan butter or coconut oil: Provides richness and a tender texture.
For the topping — granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter or coconut oil: Classic cinnamon sugar coating that’s addictive and the perfect finishing touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this base recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m sharing with. You should feel free to tweak it too—this is one recipe that really welcomes your personal touch.

Gluten-Free Variation: I haven’t tested this extensively, but swapping in a gluten-free flour blend works great for friends avoiding gluten, just keep an eye on texture.
Oil-Free Option: Substitute the melted vegan butter with extra applesauce in the batter and skip the butter in the coating, just toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar directly.
Sweetener Swaps: Coconut sugar is a lovely alternative if you want a deeper flavor; it caramelizes nicely.
Fruit Substitutes: If applesauce isn’t around, I’ve also used apple butter or even non-dairy yogurt to keep the moisture up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Gather Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can work as a backup, though the shape will be different. Make sure everything is ready to go because this batter comes together quickly!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This is a great time to double-check you measured everything correctly because it’s key to getting the perfect donut texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients & Mix

Add in the apple cider, soy milk, applesauce, and melted vegan butter or coconut oil to your dry mix. Stir gently with a large spoon until everything just combines—don’t overmix, or your donuts might get tough. The batter will be a bit thicker than cake batter but still spoonable.

Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan

Spoon the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. I like using a piping bag for this step for an even, clean finish, but a spoon works just fine. Less mess, more fun!

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Bake the donuts for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a soft golden color and gently spring back when you press them lightly. Let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes, then flip onto a cooling rack so they don’t get soggy.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts bake, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. In another small bowl, melt the vegan butter or coconut oil. Brush each donut with melted butter on all sides, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is the key to that glistening, crave-worthy coating I find impossible to resist.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix the Batter: I’ve learned this the hard way—overmixing can make your donuts tough, so stir gently just until combined.
Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider adds that true apple flavor that canned or processed juices just can’t match.
Brush Before You Dip: Coating the donuts with melted vegan butter before the cinnamon sugar helps it stick evenly and adds a beautiful glossy finish.
Eat Fresh When Possible: These donuts are best enjoyed the same day; they lose a bit of their softness after two days even when stored well.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, vegan fall donuts, vegan apple cider treats, easy vegan donut recipe, cozy fall dessert - The image shows three cinnamon sugar donuts with a light golden brown color and a textured coating of sugar and cinnamon. One donut is in the front with a bite taken out, revealing a soft, fluffy inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The other two donuts are whole and placed closely behind it on a light-colored surface. The background has a white marbled texture, and there is a glass of orange juice visible on the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to keep it classic with just cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or finely chopped toasted pecans on top for a bit of crunch and extra warmth. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also pretty and adds a gentle sweetness.

Side Dishes

These vegan apple cider donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy golden turmeric latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a savory tofu scramble to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged them on a rustic wooden board layered with fresh autumn leaves and mini pumpkins for a festive vibe. You can also thread a few donuts on a pretty ribbon for a cute edible “donut necklace” that’s sure to get laughs and compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and usually enjoy them within a day or two. They’re still tasty, just lose a bit of their fresh-baked softness after the first day.

Freezing

These donuts freeze surprisingly well. I let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them on the counter for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked vibe, I pop thawed donuts into a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, which revives the texture nicely. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but can sometimes make them a bit chewy.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Your donuts will be more like muffin-shaped treats rather than rings, but just as delicious and easy to make.
What can I substitute for apple cider if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have apple cider, you can try diluted apple juice with a little lemon juice to add brightness. Keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly but will still make tasty donuts.
Can I use other non-dairy milks?

Yes! Soy milk is great for its neutral taste and creaminess, but almond, oat, or cashew milk will all work well—just choose unsweetened versions to control sweetness.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

I recommend using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking; avoid oat flour alone as it might be too dense. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

I find the batter is best used right away for fluffiest results. However, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge; just give a gentle stir before filling your pan.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart as a go-to comfort food during chilly days. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket with every bite—sweet, spicy, tender, and utterly satisfying with none of the fuss of traditional donuts. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. Grab your favorite mug, whip up a batch, and get ready to fall in love (again) with donuts the vegan way!