Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Make gluten-free apple cider donuts at home in just a few simple steps. No need to let the batter rise, roll out the dough or purchase a donut pan. We use a cookie scoop to drop batter into hot oil making delicious doughnut holes that can be glazed or sugar-coated.

Fun for kids to create, apple cider donuts are full of flavor making a tasty after school snack, breakfast meal or evening treat that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

For more delicious gluten-free recipes that kids love, check out Air Fryer Baked Apples (Gluten-Free), Banana Spring Rolls, Kid-Friendly Meatloaf, and Homemade Low-Sodium Ramen Noodles.

Apple cider donuts are the ultimate fall treat and this gluten free version exceeds all expectations. Using a combination of gluten free all purpose flour and xanthan gum, these donut bites turn out fluffy and moist every time.

We can’t wait for you and your family to taste these delicious donuts so let’s get baking!

Start things off by gathering the equipment and ingredients then follow the step by step instructions. If preferred, use the printable recipe card below for directions.

Equipment

• large sauce pan
• candy thermometer
• medium-sized mixing bowl
• large mixing bowl
• spoon
• cookie scoop or 2 spoons
• cookie sheet lined with rack
• plate lined with paper toweling
• small bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• slotted spoon
• 2 forks

Ingredients

• oil for deep frying
• 3 1/2 cup all purpose gluten free flour such as Bob’s Red Mill
• 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda check for gluten free
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup apple cider, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar optional
• 1/2 cup sugar optional
• 1 teaspoon apple pie seasoning optional

How To Make

Fill a sauce pan 2-3 inches full of oil such as canola oil. Place the candy thermometer into the pan then heat the oil over medium high heat at 375°F.

Mix the dry ingredients together

In a medium sized bowl, combine the gluten free flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Pro Tip: If using an all-purpose gluten-free flour other than Bob’s Red Mill, check the ingredient label for xanthan gum. If included in the flour, omit as an ingredient in this recipe.

Mix the wet ingredients together

In a large bowl combine the sugar, egg, apple cider, milk, and vanilla. Stir well.

Ingredient Swap: Apple juice can be used in place of apple cider.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients stirring until almost combined. Then, blend in the melted butter.

Mix It Up: Add grated apple to the donut batter for even more apple flavor.

Drop balls of batter into oil

Using a small cookie scoop or 2 spoons, carefully drop balls of batter into the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, moving the dough around occasionally.

Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and place onto a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Coat donuts with apple cider glaze or sugar topping

Let your kids choose between apple cider glaze, sugar topping or a combination! For the glaze, place a donut hole into the bowl with the glaze and roll it around with two forks. For the sugar topping, roll the donut hole in around with your hands in the bowl.

Place the donuts onto a baking sheet with rack to dry.

Apple Cider Glaze

In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider or apple juice.

Sugar Toppings

In a small bowl combine sugar and apple pie spice. Turn into a cinnamon sugar donut by swapping the apple pie spice with cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Fun Fall Recipes

• Pumpkin Empanadas
• Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
• Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
• Apple Butter and Caramel Poke Cake
• Healthy Apple Muffins
• Gluten-Free Apple Cake
• Air Fryer Baked Apples (Gluten-Free)

Kids Cooking

If you have a young chef at home excited to expand their cooking or baking skills, you’ll have to check out Rainbow Popsicles, Sheet Pan Pizza, Frozen Cheesecake Bites, Dirt Pudding Cups, How To Cut A Bell Pepper and Knife Safety For Kids.

If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!  Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe.  I love seeing what you come up with! 

Kids Cooking Instructions:

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.