Introduction

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. These baked donuts are soft and flavorful, bringing warmth and joy to any occasion without the need for frying. The combination of reduced apple cider and pomegranate glaze creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a midday snack, this recipe is simple, delicious, and entirely plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with this Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe. First, they are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple and accessible. Second, they are a healthy alternative to traditional donuts, as they are baked instead of fried. With a cozy blend of spices, these plant-based apple cider donuts are perfect for celebrating the fall season. The pomegranate glaze for donuts adds a vibrant splash of color and flavor, making these donuts not just delicious, but visually appealing too. Plus, they are entirely dairy-free, appealing to those following a vegan diet!

Ingredients for Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

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 with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe 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 to curdle.
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.
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 comes out clean. Let cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: Whisk cinnamon and granulated sugar together for the topping. Whisk powdered sugar and pomegranate juice for the glaze. Add red food coloring if desired.
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.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe - Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

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 option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

These donuts are wonderful served warm, perhaps with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. You can also serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside other vegan dessert recipes with pomegranate, or even as a delightful afternoon snack. Pair them with fresh fruit for added flavor!

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

For optimal freshness, store any leftover donuts in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

What’s the secret to perfect Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe?

The key to perfect vegan apple cider donuts lies in not overmixing the batter, which helps maintain a light texture. The reduced apple cider also packs in concentrated flavor, giving the donuts their delicious taste.

Can I make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows for quick baking in the morning, making them a convenient option for busy days.

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

Common mistakes include overmixing the batter and not allowing the donuts to cool before glazing. Adhering to the baking time is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Variations of Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe You Can Try

For a creative twist, consider adding gluten-free vegan apple cider donuts by using gluten-free flour. You can also experiment with different fruit glazes, such as a berry or citrus glaze, to give your donuts a unique flavor profile. Another option is to incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick!

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe - Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of apples, check out this Healthline article.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Pomegranate Glaze are a delightful vegan treat perfect for autumn. They offer a soft, flavorful bite without any frying.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

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.
Combine ½ teaspoon lemon juice with almond milk to measure ½ cup total. Set aside to curdle.
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.
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.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk just until combined.
Fill the donut pan cavities about halfway with batter. Bake for 9-10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Whisk cinnamon and granulated sugar together for the topping. Whisk powdered sugar and pomegranate juice for the glaze. Add red food coloring if desired.
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.