Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

These Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts topped with a sweet maple glaze are an easy, cozy fall treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The warm spice of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of applesauce create a comforting donut that tastes like the season in every bite.

These baked donuts are naturally gluten free when you use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend. They bake quickly and are much lighter than fried varieties, making them a great option when you want something sweet but not overly heavy. The recipe yields soft, tender donuts with a subtle apple flavor and a pleasant cinnamon aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake.

These donuts evoke memories of apple cider donuts from a fall fair, but they’re quick enough to make on a weekday morning with kids or for a relaxed weekend brunch. The glaze adds a glossy finish and a touch of maple that complements the applesauce and cinnamon. Serve them warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Baking Tips & Variations

• Spoon the gluten free flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly with the cup. This prevents packing and helps avoid dry, dense donuts.
• If you prefer your glaze to sit on top rather than melt into the donuts, allow the donuts to cool slightly before dipping. Cooling completely will minimize melting.
• Generously spray the donut pan with cooking spray or brush with oil to ensure easy release. If your pan is older or prone to sticking, dust the wells lightly with flour after spraying.
• For extra apple texture, stir in 1/2 cup finely diced peeled apple or 1/4 cup apple butter to the batter. Reduce applesauce slightly if adding fresh apple pieces.
• To make dairy-free glaze, use a plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) in place of regular milk.

How to Store Donuts

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 8–12 seconds to serve warm.
• These donuts freeze well. Place cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before glazing on the day you plan to serve them.

Donut Ingredients

1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free milk), as needed to reach desired consistency

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, avocado oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and applesauce until smooth and combined. Add the gluten free flour, xanthan gum (if using), cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing.

Transfer the batter into a large resealable plastic bag or a piping bag. Remove excess air, seal, and cut off a small corner. Pipe the batter into each donut well until filled about three-quarters full. Alternatively, spoon the batter into the wells using two spoons.

Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or slightly before glazing.

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any excess glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, dip-able consistency.

Dip each slightly cooled donut into the glaze, lift and allow excess to drip back into the bowl, then place the donut on the wire rack to set. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or finely chopped nuts on top before the glaze sets. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients

Donut Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (if needed)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan and set aside.
2. Whisk sugar, oil, vanilla, eggs, and applesauce in a large bowl. Stir in flour, xanthan gum (if using), cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
3. Transfer batter to a resealable bag or piping bag, cut a small corner, and pipe into donut wells. Bake 14–16 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, and milk to reach desired consistency.
5. Dip each donut into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the rack to set. Serve warm.

Notes

Baking Tips & Variations

• Spoon and level flour to measure accurately and avoid dense donuts.
• Cool donuts slightly to prevent the glaze from melting off, or cool completely for a firmer topping.
• Spray or grease the donut pan well to prevent sticking.

How to Store Donuts

• Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Warm briefly before serving.
• Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw fully and glaze before serving.

Nutrition Disclosure

Nutritional facts are estimates and provided as a courtesy. Use your product labels to calculate precise values based on the brands and ingredients you choose. Altering ingredients, amounts, or preparation methods will change the nutritional content.