Copycat Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten- and Dairy-Free)

Nothing says fall like apple cider donuts. The smell of warm cinnamon sugar, a crisp breeze, and maybe a flannel or two—it’s basically autumn wrapped up in one bite. But here’s the thing: the classic cider donuts from the pumpkin patch? They’re usually packed with refined flour, dairy, and enough sugar to leave your gut feeling like it went on a haunted hayride of its own.

That’s why I had to create a version that checks all the cozy fall boxes—but won’t leave you bloated, inflamed, or crashing on the couch. These gluten- and dairy-free Copycat Apple Cider Donuts are light, spiced to perfection, and baked (not fried!) for a better-for-you treat.

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Why These Donuts Work (Gut-Friendly Twists)

Here’s why you can feel good about these:

• Gluten-free flour → Gentle on digestion and less inflammatory than refined wheat.
  
• Coconut oil or avocado oil → Healthy fats that keep you satisfied.
  
• Reduced sugar + natural sweeteners → Flavor without the blood sugar rollercoaster.
  
• Baked, not fried → Less grease, easier to digest, and still perfectly soft inside.
  

Pair one with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, and you’ll feel cozy, satisfied, and balanced—not sluggish.

Recipe: Copycat Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients (makes 12 donuts):

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
  
• ½ cup coconut sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp baking soda
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp nutmeg
  
• ½ tsp sea salt
  
• 2 eggs
  
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  
• ½ cup reduced apple cider (simmered down by half)
  
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup coconut sugar
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
   
2. In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
   
3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
   
4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, reduced cider, melted coconut oil, and vanilla.
   
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
   
6. Spoon batter into the donut pan (filling ¾ full).
   
7. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
   
8. Mix cinnamon + coconut sugar in a small bowl. While donuts are still warm, lightly brush with melted coconut oil and toss in the coating.
   
9. Serve warm with your favorite cozy beverage.

Here’s the bonus: Apple cider contains polyphenols—plant compounds that feed your gut microbiome and help fight inflammation. Combine that with fiber-rich applesauce and blood-sugar-friendly coconut sugar, and you’ve got a treat that your body actually thanks you for.

Enjoying a donut doesn’t have to feel like a “cheat”—it can be a gut-friendly act of self-care when you make smart swaps.

Want more cozy, gut-loving recipes like this? Don’t just survive fall—thrive in it.

Grab my 7-Day Glow Up Reset for just $7 and get meal plans, grocery lists, and daily gut routines that keep you glowing all season long. Click HERE to grab it now.

XO,

Dr Sheena