How To Make Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts?

Are you looking for a delectable yet healthy treat? Make room for some gluten-free apple cider donuts! These are the perfect festive food if you don’t want to go overboard with your sweet tooth. Offering a remarkable balance between sinful and sugary, these desserts are the best option for those on diet!

1. The history of the gluten-free apple cider donuts

The history of the gluten-free apple cider donuts

If you’re wondering how and when did these pastries begin, well, their history could be linked to the famous Doughnut Corporation of America. Back in the 1950s, DCA introduced apple cider donuts to the public. At this time, the product was tagged a seasonal pastry because of the periodic availability of cider.

Though ciders are still considered at their freshest during the fall, there are many options now, leading to the expansion of apple cider donuts. Orchard-fresh apple ciders are displayed in jugs at many farmer’s markets while the pasteurized apple cider is available all year round in grocery stores and supermarkets.

And with the accessibility of these apple juice extracts, there have been several donut variations, including the gluten-free apple cider donuts. Featuring some slight crispiness on the outside and lighter texture on the inside, apple cider doughnuts are unlike your typical pastries―perhaps, even better!

Aside from its unique consistency, it’s actually much healthier, especially if you are eyeing a treat with lesser carbohydrates and calories. On top of that, this is a great option for people suffering from coeliac disease, who largely depend on a gluten-free diet.

While this dessert is free from protein gluten, you can still expect a sweet pastry bursting with flavors! Enjoy a hint of autumn spices, from apple cider to nutmeg and even cinnamon.

2. Ingredients needed for the gluten-free apple cider donuts

Ingredients needed for the gluten-free apple cider donuts

This gluten-free apple cider donut may not be the fanciest dessert but it continues to attract a number of patrons around the world. These sweet-smelling goodies are not just delectable but also nostalgic. Bring out the memories of the good old days from the apple orchard and bake your own donuts!

Creating gluten-free apple cider donuts is very easy as they are baked not fried! Plus, you have the option, either plain or with some enticing toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, powdered sugar, or maple glaze!

Create these sweet delights from scratch as long as you have all the main ingredients. Here are the things you need to prepare beforehand:

  • 1 ½ all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 pinch of kosher salt or salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature) or coconut oil
  • 2 eggs (beaten and at room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider

Optional ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar for the toppings
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the toppings
  • 1 cup maple syrup for the toppings

You may use apple juice if you don’t have apple cider. But of course, the latter is the best option, so try to follow the listed ingredients for a perfect gluten-free apple cider donut.

3. Step by step on how to make gluten-free apple cider donuts

Now that you have an idea of the main ingredients, it’s time to delve into the recipe. Here’s a simple guide on how to make these seasonal desserts in just 30 minutes or less.

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Grease a donut pan and then set it aside.
  2. Using a small saucepan, mix the sugar and butter/oil until it is velvety. You can use an electric stand mixer to easily create a light and creamy sugar mixture. Add egg and combine thoroughly. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients―flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. You may also include optional ingredients like cream of tartar and vanilla extract.
  4. Whisk the sugar and egg mixture together with the apple cider. Then, blend the wet ingredients with the dry mixture. Blend everything until all ingredients are well incorporated. The completed batter should be very soft.
  5. Transfer the batter into a piping bag. You may also use a squeeze bottle if you want. Pipe the batter into the donut pan. Make sure not to completely cover the entire cavity, perhaps just ¾ of the way. Distribute the batter evenly by shaking the pan horizontally.
  6. Place it inside the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the donuts become golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 3 minutes or until the donuts are no longer too hot.
  7. You may add a topping or serve them plain. For the toppings, brush lightly with melted butter and roll into the ground cinnamon. You may also top it off with granulated sugar or glaze it with maple syrup.
  8. Transfer the donuts to parchment paper and serve immediately. And don’t forget your favorite drink to elevate your snacking experience!

4. Tips for making the gluten-free apple cider donuts

Picking the right donut pan is crucial as the batter takes the shape of the pan. Therefore, you have to use the correct pan for the right texture and consistency. The best option is a non-stick pan with cavities to create the desired donut shape.

Since donut pans vary in size, make sure you choose a pan with a prominent and raised center section. This allows the donuts to rise without closing the hole. For the above-listed ingredients, you may specifically use a 6-cavity nonstick donut pan.

When baking gluten-free apple cider donuts, you have to make sure you follow the instructions and measure the ingredients carefully.

Meanwhile, if you want a healthier option, there are possible substitutes for you. One of the best gluten-free flours is almond flour, so try to use this instead. You can use coconut sugar and coconut oil as an alternative to sugar and butter.

Aside from coconut oil, you may opt for vegan butter. This is a non-dairy butter that is created by combining water and plant oil extracts like olive, palm, kernel, and avocado. It could also be a mixture of two or more different oils, depending on your liking.

Now for the serving, gluten-free apple cider donuts are best served fresh and warm. And of course, you can’t miss your favorite milk or coffee when devouring these treats. These are also highly recommended snacks during Thanksgiving parties or whenever you feel like eating an autumn dessert!

5. How to preserve the gluten-free apple cider donuts

Although these tasty treats are highly palatable, you may not be able to eat them in one sitting. So, for unconsumed donuts, you can store them at room temperature within a day or two. You can leave them covered or uncovered.

If you can’t eat all remaining donuts within 2 days, then the best option would be to freeze them in an airtight container. If you have plenty of donuts to store, try to separate them using wax paper or parchment paper. Or you can just store them in separate containers.

Make sure to use airtight containers or dry resealable bags to avoid air exposure that could lead the hard and stale donuts. In addition, keeping them inside the fridge extends their shelf life, possibly at least a week or so.

Conclusion

These gluten-free apple cider donuts are truly irresistible, so try to learn the recipe above and make your own sweet treat! With your mastery in creating this dessert, you won’t have to look for a pastry shop or an apple orchard selling these rare donuts!

You can satisfy your donut craving around the clock in the comfort of your home! So, what are you waiting for? Get started with your baking sessions and enjoy the delectable flavors of fall!

FAQs:

1. Are all apple ciders gluten-free?

In general, apple ciders are gluten-free. However, there are some exceptions to the general rule. For instance, Hornsby’s Amber Draft cider is not gluten-free. Therefore, you have to be cautious in choosing apple ciders.

Some of the best gluten-free options in the market include Strongbow Gold Apple, Stella Cidre, Crispin Hard Cide, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider, among others.

2. What makes apple cider donuts different?

Compared to commercialized doughnuts, apple cider donuts have a unique tang of autumn spices. On top of that, its sweetness is quite distinct―thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg. And of course, these desserts have a subtle hint of apple that makes them more special.

So, if you’re looking for a new donut that does not disappoint, get a hold of these sweet delights! However, finding them may not be as easy as 123 because these are seasonal. So, it’s best that you practice your skills and create your own!

3. Why are they called apple cider donuts?

It is simply because of its main ingredient―apple cider. The juice extract blends well with the flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a cake-like donut that is hard to resist!

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