Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

These gluten-free apple pie donuts are the perfect fall treat, combining the flavors of apple pie with a light and fluffy donut. Made with gluten-free flour, fresh applesauce, and a blend of apple pie spice and cinnamon, these donuts are both delicious and easy to make. Topped with a sweet maple syrup glaze, they offer a warm, comforting flavor in every bite. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, these donuts are also dairy-free and ideal for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a dessert, or simply craving a cozy snack, these apple pie donuts will be a hit!

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 gala apples, peeled and cored
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (plus 1 teaspoon for greasing the pan)
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (or more to adjust consistency)
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Applesauce: Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples. In a food processor, blend the apples with 1 tablespoon of water until you have a smooth applesauce-like texture. You should have about 1 cup of applesauce. If you have less, add another apple to make up the difference.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with coconut oil, using a pastry brush to coat each donut well evenly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, fresh applesauce, sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut oil until well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon, apple pie spice, baking powder, salt, and gluten-free flour. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag, and cut the tip off. Pipe the batter into each donut well, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 13-16 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when the donuts are ready. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Make the Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple pie spice, cinnamon, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Add more almond milk as needed to reach your desired glaze consistency. Mix until smooth and free of clumps.
8. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the top half of each cooled donut into the glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off, then place the donuts back on the wire rack. For easy cleanup, place parchment paper under the rack to catch any drips.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple pie donuts capture the essence of a warm, comforting apple pie in a gluten-free donut form. With a soft, moist texture, a hint of spice, and a delightful maple glaze, these donuts are the perfect seasonal treat. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the apple pie spice delivers that irresistible, familiar flavor. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply love apple pie, these donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Tips

• Applesauce Consistency: If your applesauce is too runny, use a bit less water when processing the apples. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Greasing the Pan: Make sure to grease your donut pan well with coconut oil or nonstick spray to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking.
• Glaze Consistency: Start with 1 tablespoon of almond milk for the glaze, and gradually add more until you reach the desired thickness. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts without dripping too quickly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour.
• Apples: While gala apples are sweet and ideal for this recipe, you can also use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a more tart flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is already dairy-free, but you can substitute the coconut oil with vegetable oil or any preferred neutral oil.
• Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes! These donuts can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Glaze them just before serving to keep the glaze fresh.

Can I freeze these donuts? Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw and glaze.

Can I use store-bought applesauce? Yes, you can use store-bought applesauce if you prefer. Just ensure it is unsweetened for the best flavor balance in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these apple pie donuts as a delicious breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or a fun fall dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy experience. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday gatherings. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze for added flavor.