Apple picking season is here, and it is thrilling to the core! (How’s that for starting with a good apple joke?) Instead of making apple cider donuts this year, I am making baked apple cider donut holes. Gluten-free! They are perfect for sharing and easy to take on the go.
What’s the big deal about apple cider donut holes?
For starters, little hands can help! My boys help roll them in the cinnamon sugar coating at the end whenever we make these donut holes. It’s an easy baking project for kids, and these take under 25 minutes to make—beginning to end! High fives all around!
Key ingredients needed for making the best gluten-free baked apple cider donut holes
- Apple cider. Get the good stuff from Trader Joe’s or an actual orchard!
- Measure for measure gluten-free flour blend. I like this one from King Arthur flour.
I should warn you, these baked apple cider donut holes are addicting!
Also, before whipping up a batch, make sure you buy this donut hole pan. It is handy for donut holes, cake pops, and other various baking ventures. That way you will make multiple batches of these apple cider donut holes. (I’m not sure whether you should thank or chastise me for the surplus of baked goods coming your way. But, I feel like a “you’re welcome is in order. So, YOU’RE WELCOME.)
When you do end up making these frequently (you will), I recommend sharing some with your neighbors and friends and family! And instead of giving your kids’ teachers an apple, I’d wager a guess that they would appreciate a plate full of these baked goodies.
Comment, message, and/or tag me if you end up making a batch! I love seeing your creations with my recipes. Grab the recipe below and enjoy!
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 stick
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan. While the oven is heating, mix together your egg, butter, and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Once those are mixed and smooth, add in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and apple cider. Blend thoroughly. Sift the remaining dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Whisk together gently, and be sure to not overmix! This is important to give it a chewy, doughy texture.
- Pour your batter into a donut hole pan, filling each mold 3/4 full. (If you add more, they will puff up and spill over, losing their round shape.) Bake for 5-6 minutes until barely golden.
- While the donut holes are cooling, mix together your sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Once they have cooled, dip them in a light coating of butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately (before they're all gone).
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Donna says
October 20, 2017 at 8:44 amPlease help cider doughnut holes are wonderful and are very easy to make. Just be careful ……. you may end up needing to increase your clothing size !!!????????????
Donna says
October 20, 2017 at 8:45 amMy comment was supposed to say these apple cider donuts. I guess I should proofread before posting.
The Butter Half says
October 24, 2017 at 12:43 pmHaha, I totally feel you on that! It’s hard not to eat 12 of them in one sitting! ????
Kate Moore says
October 10, 2017 at 2:45 pmHave you ever tried substituting applesauce for the egg in this recipe? I have a child with an egg allergy, but egg substitutes don’t always work in baking recipes. They usually do in breads and cakes, but not cookies and brownies. That’s why I ask 😉
The Butter Half says
October 10, 2017 at 5:58 pmHey Kate! Great question. I have not tried that substitute in this particular recipe, but have in others. I think it might possibly work! Guess there’s only one way to find out. 🙂 Have you tried mixing one tablespoon ground chia seeds and one tablespoon water as an egg substitute? That’s usually my go-to egg sub in baking recipes! Let me know what you try.