Apple Cider Donut Holes

Make gluten-free apple cider donut holes 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.

Apple cider donut holes 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!

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

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 saucepan 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 it 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 the 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 a 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.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
  • Whisk the egg first before adding it to the other wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of the egg in the mixture.
  • If you like a stronger vanilla flavor, consider using pure vanilla extract instead of vanilla essence.
• Adding Dry Ingredients:
  • Sift the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt together before adding them to the wet ingredients. This helps prevent lumps in the batter.
• Blending in Melted Butter:
  • When adding melted butter, make sure it’s not too hot; you don’t want it to scramble the eggs in the mixture.
• Frying the Donuts:
  • Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying. Maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
  • To check if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
  • Don’t overcrowd the oil with too many donuts at once, as it can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
  • Use a slotted spoon to gently turn the donuts for even frying.
• Draining Excess Oil:
  • Place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This helps keep the donuts crisp and less greasy.
• Glazing or Sugaring the Donuts:
  • For the glaze, start with a small amount of apple cider and gradually add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. You can always add more, but it’s challenging to fix a glaze that’s too thin.
  • When rolling the donuts in sugar, make sure they are still warm. The warmth helps the sugar adhere better.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Feel free to customize your sugar toppings with different spices or coatings like cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or even a mix of crushed nuts and sugar.
• Presentation:
  • Serve the donuts on a baking sheet with a rack to allow any excess glaze or sugar to drip off, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Enjoy Fresh:
  • These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve them shortly after making them for the crispiest texture and the most delightful flavor.

FAQ

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage): If you plan to consume the donuts within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent them from drying out. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration (Extended Storage): For longer storage, place the donuts in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. However, be aware that refrigeration can cause the donuts to lose some of their crispness.
• Freezing (Long-Term Storage): To preserve the freshness of your donuts for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen donuts can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored donuts, allow them to come to room temperature or reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they are warm and crisp again.

Remember that while storing homemade donuts is convenient, they are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made to savor their full flavor and texture.

More Fall Recipes

• Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
• Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
• Apple Butter and Caramel Poke Cake
• Healthy Apple Muffins
• Gluten-Free Apple Cake
• Gluten Free Cookie Cake
• Gluten Free Graham Cracker Recipe
• Air Fryer Baked Apples (Gluten-Free)