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· 4.8 from 75 reviews

Hey there! If you’re craving something cozy and just bursting with fall vibes, you’re going to love this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. These donuts are soft, perfectly spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar that’ll make you feel like you’re walking through an orchard on a crisp autumn morning. Trust me, these aren’t just good—they’re fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

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Why This Recipe Works

Easy and Quick: You’ll get warm, scented donuts ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Vegan and Adaptable: No eggs or dairy here, but plenty of flavor and texture from simple swaps like applesauce and non-dairy milk.
Real Apple Cider Flavor: Using actual apple cider (not just extract) gives a fresh, tangy sweetness that shines through every bite.
Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brushing with vegan butter then rolling in cinnamon sugar makes these taste like little bites of fall heaven.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider Donuts, Vegan Fall Desserts, Easy Vegan Donut Recipe, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - 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

The magic behind this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe lies in how the ingredients come together to make light, fluffy donuts that are rich in apple flavor and perfectly spiced. Plus, most ingredients are pantry staples, so no frantic grocery runs.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider Donuts, Vegan Fall Desserts, Easy Vegan Donut Recipe, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - 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 but still sturdy enough to hold their shape as donuts.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a nice crust while baking.
Baking powder: The secret rise agent that keeps these donuts fluffy and soft.
Salt: A small pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and pairs perfectly with the apple cider.
Apple cider: Adds natural apple sweetness and moisture; it’s key for that fresh cider punch.
Soy milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the donuts moist without dairy, and soy milk adds a slight creaminess.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a binder and adds moisture, helping replace eggs in this vegan recipe.
Melted vegan butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps the donuts bake up tender.
Cinnamon sugar topping: Classic and simple—sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is—you can customize it in so many ways to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. I like to play with the topping sometimes or swap flours depending on what I’m craving.

Coconut Sugar Swap: Using coconut sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor that’s fantastic if you prefer less refined sweetness.
Oil-Free Version: I’ve tried swapping the melted butter with extra applesauce and skipping the butter coating—works well and makes the donuts lighter.
Flour Variations: Spelt or oat flour also work nicely; just expect a slightly different texture, still delicious!
Extra Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger intensifies the warm flavors, perfect for holiday mornings.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This makes sure all the dry spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed before the wet ingredients rush in.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the apple cider, soy milk, unsweetened applesauce, and melted vegan butter or coconut oil right into the dry mix. I usually use a large spoon or spatula to gently combine everything—don’t overmix because that can make the donuts tough. The batter will be somewhat thick but soft enough to scoop.

Step 3: Fill Your Donut Pans

Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. I’ve also found that using a piping bag makes this step way less messy and results in perfectly even donuts. Fill all the cavities and get ready to bake!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn light golden brown and the donuts spring back when you press them gently. Keep an eye on them—oven temps vary and you don’t want dry or overcooked donuts.

Step 5: Make the Topping and Coat

While the donuts bake (or right after removing a batch), mix together your cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Melt your vegan butter or coconut oil in a separate small bowl. When the donuts are cool enough to handle (just a couple of minutes in the pan), brush each donut lightly with the melted butter all around, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This quick step makes all the difference—a crisp, sugary, spiced coating that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Enjoy—and Repeat!

Serve these babies fresh for the best texture and flavor. I promise, freshly baked vegan apple cider donuts make mornings (or anytime snack breaks!) feel special. If you have leftover batter, repeat the process—and if any donuts remain, don’t worry, I save tips on storage below!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Use Fresh Apple Cider: It really amps up the flavor; avoid anything overly sweetened or spiced.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the donuts tender and light.
Piping to Fill Donut Cavities: For the neatest shape and even cooking, I highly recommend using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
Coat While Warm: Rolling the donuts in cinnamon sugar while slightly warm ensures the topping sticks perfectly without melting off.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider Donuts, Vegan Fall Desserts, Easy Vegan Donut Recipe, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - 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 usually keep it classic with the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of vegan maple glaze for extra indulgence. A few fresh apple slices or a dash of chopped nuts on the side also add a nice crunch if you like texture.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or warm apple cider. If it’s breakfast time, I love serving them with some fresh fruit or a bowl of dairy-free yogurt topped with granola to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I once made a little “donut board” for a fall brunch, layering these Vegan Apple Cider Donuts alongside apple slices, pumpkin spice nuts, and a few jars of homemade jams and nut butters. It looked festive and guests couldn’t resist grabbing one (or three!). Perfect for holiday get-togethers or weekend celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover donuts (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I don’t recommend refrigerating because that can dry them out pretty fast, but if your kitchen is warm, a cool spot works fine.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or gently warm in a toaster oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, I either pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. I find the toaster oven method keeps the outside just a little crisp while the inside stays soft and warm, almost like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Great question! I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version, but many readers suggest using a gluten-free baking flour blend or oat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you might want to add a bit more binder like flax egg or xanthan gum for best results.
Is it possible to make these donuts without oil or vegan butter?

Yes! You can swap the melted vegan butter or coconut oil with extra applesauce in the batter, and skip the butter/oil coating entirely. Just roll the baked donuts directly in the cinnamon sugar. This yields a slightly lighter donut that’s still super tasty.
What if I don’t have apple cider on hand?

I’ve experimented with apple juice as a substitute, but the flavor isn’t as robust. If you use juice, consider reducing any extra liquid slightly and maybe adding a bit extra cinnamon to compensate. Fresh apple cider really does add the best authentic taste.
Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan gives the perfect shape, you can try baking the batter in muffin tins to make donut holes or mini muffins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly (start checking around 6-7 minutes). Or you can carefully fry the batter as small rounds in a skillet for a different take.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe quickly became one of my favorite fall treats to whip up when I want something warm, festive, and easy. I love sharing these with friends and family, and seeing their faces light up when they take that first bite—soft, sweet, and cinnamon-coated perfection. If you try them, let me know how they turn out! I have a feeling they’ll become a seasonal staple for you too.