Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze are a delightful vegan treat perfect for autumn. With a cozy blend of warm spices and a tangy pomegranate glaze, these donuts offer a soft, flavorful bite without any frying. They are made with wholesome ingredients such as reduced apple cider, flax egg, and almond milk, making them an easy-to-make, plant-based dessert that’s ideal for breakfast or snack time. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These plant-based apple cider donuts are a must-try for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Second, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option. Third, the unique pomegranate glaze adds a delightful twist and visual appeal. You can easily customize them with spices like nutmeg or cloves, making them versatile for any occasion. Plus, they’re dairy-free and made without eggs, ensuring everyone can enjoy them. Finally, they capture the essence of fall, making them the perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations. These donuts are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors and traditions!

Ingredients for Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

Gather these items:

1 ¼ cup apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves or pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, room temperature)
2 tablespoons Earth Balance, melted
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup unsweetened unflavored almond milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup reduced apple cider (from simmering 1 ¼ cup cider)
¾ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 teaspoons pomegranate juice (for glaze)
1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Step-by-Step

Step 1: Simmer 1 ¼ cups apple cider over low-medium heat in a small saucepan for 15-20 minutes until reduced to ½ cup. Cool the reduction in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine ½ teaspoon lemon juice with almond milk to measure ½ cup total. Set aside and let it curdle to create a buttermilk substitute.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well mixed.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flax egg, melted Earth Balance, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the vegan buttermilk, vanilla extract, and ½ cup reduced apple cider and whisk to combine.
Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk just until combined.
Step 6: Fill the donut pan cavities about halfway with batter. Bake for 9-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Whisk cinnamon and granulated sugar together for the cinnamon sugar topping. Then whisk powdered sugar and pomegranate juice for the glaze.
Step 8: Toss cooled donuts in the cinnamon sugar until coated. Drizzle the pomegranate glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

Keep these in mind:

Best enjoyed the same day.
Store in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These dairy-free apple cider donuts are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of warm apple cider or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a fruit platter or a scoop of vegan ice cream. They make for a delightful brunch dish or a sweet snack during the fall!

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts: 12 Irresistible Baked Delights - Vegan Apple Cider Donuts - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

To store, place the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350ºF for a few minutes to restore their softness. They’re perfect for meal prep as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

What’s the secret to perfect Vegan Apple Cider Donuts?

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined for a light and fluffy texture. Adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor, making these easy vegan apple cider donuts recipe truly scrumptious!

Can I make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast. Alternatively, baked donuts can be stored and reheated as needed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vegan Apple Cider Donuts?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise. Also, don’t skip the step of reducing the apple cider; it enhances the flavor significantly in these vegan spiced apple cider donuts.

Variations of Vegan Apple Cider Donuts You Can Try

There are many delicious twists to explore with these homemade vegan apple cider donuts. Try adding vegan apple cider donuts with maple glaze for a sweet finish, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch. For a fun variation, make no-bake vegan apple cider donuts using a chilled mixture!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making chocolate oatmeal bars for a sweet treat. You can also explore pumpkin cornbread with maple butter for a seasonal delight. If you’re interested in the health benefits of apple cider, you can read more about it here.