Apple Cider Donuts

There’s a food holiday for every favorite indulgence, but why wait for National Donut Day to enjoy a box of these treats? We whipped up a vegan and gluten-free batter that’s fall-inspired with comforting flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider. Applesauce keeps every bite moist, and a hearty scoop of protein powder makes this batch a touch more wholesome—plus they’re baked, not fried!

Apple Cider Donuts

Yield: 6 donuts
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the donuts
Coconut oil spray
1 scoop Vega One All-In-One Protein Powder, Natural Unsweetened
1 cup gluten-free flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup maple syrup
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup apple cider
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat a donut pan generously with coconut oil spray.

Make the donuts
Whisk protein powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk maple syrup, applesauce, apple cider, coconut oil, and vanilla in a small bowl, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; stir until well combined. Let batter sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until some of the liquid is absorbed. Fill a plastic bag with batter and snip off one end, then pipe into donut pan, about ¾ full. Gently tap pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the topping
While the donuts bake, stir together the powdered sugar and apple cider. Once cooled, dip donuts into icing, then flip onto a rack to set. Repeat with remaining donuts.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines