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·5 from 4 reviews

Hey there! If you’re craving the cozy, nostalgic flavors of fall with none of the fuss, you’re going to adore this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. These donuts are soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar topping that will make your kitchen smell like heaven. I’ve made these a zillion times on chilly weekends and trust me—they’re seriously fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step to get this recipe just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple plant-based ingredients: Uses pantry staples and vegan swaps that don’t overcomplicate the process.
Moist and tender texture: Thanks to applesauce and apple cider, these donuts stay soft without oil overload.
Flavor-packed: Warm cinnamon and a rich apple cider infusion make every bite taste like autumn love.
Versatility: Easy to tweak for gluten-free or oil-free versions without sacrificing yum.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Vegan Donuts, Plant-Based Apple Donuts, Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy Vegan Fall Recipes - 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 in this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe comes down to choosing ingredients that complement each other and keep the donuts tender and fluffy—plus a few subtle swaps that make them totally plant-based. I’ll give you some tips on the basics so you can shop smart and feel confident as you bake.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Vegan Donuts, Plant-Based Apple Donuts, Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy Vegan Fall Recipes - 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: I like using this for a bit more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, but plain white flour works great if you want lighter donuts.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens while giving structure; I’ve used coconut sugar easily too for a richer caramel note.
Baking powder: This is your rising agent—don’t skip or reduce it or your donuts will be dense.
Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and spices perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that cinnamon sugar crisp topping is essential for the fall vibe.
Apple cider: Infuses the batter with bright, tart apple flavor—optional but highly recommended for that signature taste.
Soy milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps things moist and dairy-free; pick your favorite milk here.
Unsweetened applesauce: My secret weapon to moist, tender donuts without egg or extra oil.
Melted vegan butter or coconut oil: Adds richness—don’t swap this out entirely without adjusting moisture.
Cinnamon sugar: For coating, it gives that irresistible crunchy-sweet exterior.

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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 customizable this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is. Over time I’ve played around with tweaks that suit my mood or available ingredients, and honestly, you can too! Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Oil-Free Version: I substitute extra applesauce for the melted butter/oil and skip the cinnamon butter coating—still moist but lighter.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend (like oat or spelt flour), but watch the texture and maybe add a little xanthan gum.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra fall flavor punch—makes your kitchen smell dreamy!
Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sugar, reduce it slightly or use a richer sugar substitute like coconut sugar for depth.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your donut pan with a non-stick spray to make sure the donuts pop right out without sticking—trust me, this step saves a headache later. If you have two pans, even better, because you can bake batches faster.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. I like to do this first so everything is evenly distributed and you get that perfect spice balance in every bite.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients & Combine

Pour in the apple cider, soy milk, applesauce, and melted vegan butter or coconut oil. Stir gently with a large spoon just until everything comes together—over-mixing can make the donuts tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 4: Fill Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into your donut pan cavities or, if you have a piping bag with a large tip, pipe the batter in to get neat, even tops. Fill each cavity about 3/4 of the way full. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn light golden and a gentle press makes them bounce back.

Step 5: Cool & Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then gently invert them onto a cooling rack. While they bake, stir together the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in another bowl. Brush each warm donut with the melted butter and dip or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. I personally love coating the entire donut for that full-on sweet crunch, but you can keep it simple with just a dusting on top.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps donuts light and fluffy—overmixing develops gluten and makes them dense.
Pipe for Even Donuts: If you have a piping bag, use it! It’s easier than spooning and gives uniform shapes and sizes.
Work Quickly with the Topping: Brush donuts while they’re warm so the butter melts slightly and cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.
Use Fresh Apple Cider: The apple flavor is front and center here—fresh cider makes a big difference over artificial juices.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Vegan Donuts, Plant-Based Apple Donuts, Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy Vegan Fall Recipes - 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 simple with the cinnamon sugar coating because it’s classic and perfectly crisp. But for a little extra, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and plant milk or sprinkle crushed nuts like walnuts on top. I even sometimes add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of ground nutmeg for some festive flair.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider to double down on that cozy vibe. For a brunch spread, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit, vegan yogurt, or some toasted nuts for crunch and protein balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making these for a party or gift-giving, I arrange them in a pretty basket lined with parchment and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the top just before serving. You can even stack them with parchment paper between layers in a cute box to wow your friends or family—it’s like little bites of autumn wrapped in love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which almost never happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they’re best eaten fresh for that soft texture, but the sealed container helps retain moisture pretty well.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to 3 months frozen, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or unexpected company.

Reheating

To warm up frozen or refrigerated donuts, I like to use the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes. It revives that fresh-baked softness and makes the cinnamon sugar coating oh-so-delicious again.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! While I haven’t tested extensively, swapping the whole wheat pastry flour for a gluten-free flour blend like oat or spelt flour usually works well. Just keep an eye on the texture and consider adding a small amount of xanthan gum to help with binding.
Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan definitely helps to get that classic shape and even baking, but if you don’t have one, you can pipe or spoon the batter into muffin tins and make donut holes or mini cakes—still delicious!
Can I skip the apple cider?

You could swap in apple juice or even a bit of additional non-dairy milk, but fresh apple cider really adds a depth of flavor you won’t get otherwise. I highly recommend it if you can find some!
How do I make this recipe oil-free?

Just replace the melted vegan butter or coconut oil in the batter with a bit more applesauce, and skip brushing the donuts with oil before coating them—just toss them in cinnamon sugar directly.
What if I don’t have applesauce?

Don’t worry! You can substitute with apple butter, non-dairy yogurt, or even a little more melted vegan butter or coconut oil to keep things moist.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures the warm, comforting feelings of fall without any fuss or guilt. Every time I bite into one, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can come together to create pure joy. I hope you’ll give these donuts a try, bake a batch or two, and share them with someone special. They’re an easy way to sprinkle a little love into your day—plus, who can resist homemade donuts that are vegan and delicious? Happy baking!