Tender, sweet apple cider donuts covered in a luscious cardamom glaze are fall perfection in every bite. These easy and simple donuts quickly come together, and you will love that they are made with all whole food ingredients and are gluten free!

When I first made these apple cider donuts, Andrew came home from school and was eager to see what smelled so good…when I showed him the plate of donuts he dug right in. He inhaled two (as any hungry 13-year-old would) and told me “mom, bruh, these are amazing…I hope there are more for dad because these are all mine.” Good thing I already set aside a few for Scott so he wouldn’t miss out!

Why Apples are So Good For You!

Who doesn’t love a crisp, sweet apple?  Aside from how tasty and delicious they are, they are super nutritious and should be part of a whole food diet.  Apples originated from Kazakhstan in central Asia and finally made their way to America in the late 1600’s by French Jesuits [1].

Thank goodness we have apple for our applesauce, apple pies, apple crisp, apple cider, apple muffins, and so much more! Apples are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and nourished, let’s take a look!

Vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): A water soluble vitamin that is essential in glucose metabolism and supports health heart and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): There are many benefits from a diet rich in vitamin B6.  It plays a role in our immune health, metabolism, and brain health.  Vitamin B6 is essential in creating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in emotional health and sleep [2].
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid/antioxidant): A powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, improves the absorption of non-heme iron, supports the immune system, and healthy bones [3].
• Vitamin E: (antioxidant): Supports immune function and works to regulate free radicals that cause cellular damage and supports the immune system, vision and healthy skin.
• Vitamin K: Fat soluble vitamin that supports the body’s ability to form blood clots and is converted to vitamin K2 in the gut and supports healthy bones [4].

Minerals

• Copper: Essential mineral in the formation of red blood cells and in supporting cardiovascular health and immune function [5].
• Potassium: An essential electrolyte necessary in nervous system function, metabolism,  hydration, and in regulating your heartbeat [6].

Fiber

Apples are full or insoluble and soluble fiber that supports the digestive system as well as overall health.

• Insoluble fiber: bulking fiber that keeps things moving along through the digestive system promoting healthy detoxification and waste removal. 
• Soluble fiber: absorbs water and gels in the digestive tract slowing the absorption of carbohydrates therefor supporting blood sugar regulation and feeds the beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.

Phytochemicals (Antioxidants): Apples are loaded with phytochemicals, which are organic compounds found in produce and are beneficial for health.  The richer the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more phytonutrients it contains.  Here are a few of the ones found in apples:

• Quercetin: A flavonoid that neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation, fights cancer, and supports vessel and heart health.
• Catechin: Also abundant in green tea, catechins reduce oxidative stress and prevent cellular damage and have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gallic acid: Powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties [7].
• Coumaric acid: Powerful phytonutient that has antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to support health.

So grab some lovely fresh apple cider and applesauce let’s get cooking!

Apple Cider Donuts with Cardamom Glaze (Paleo, Gluten Free)

Makes 12 Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts

1 cup Almond Flour

¼ cup Coconut Flour

½ cup Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Starch

¾ tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp Baking Soda

¼  tsp Fine Sea Salt or Pink Salt*

1 Large Eggs

½ cups Organic Brown Coconut Sugar

2 Tbsp + 1 tsp  Unrefined Raw Coconut Oil

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup Unsweetened Chunky Applesauce

¼  cup Fresh Apple Cider

¼ cup Full Fat Coconut Yogurt

Cardamom Glaze

½  cup Raw Coconut Butter, melted

1.5 Tbsp Unrefined Raw Coconut Oil, melted

¼ cup Pure Maple Syrup, room temp

1/3 cup Fresh Apple Cider, room temp

¼ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

⅛-¼ tsp Ground Cardamom*

*Substitute Cinnamon if you prefer

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts with Cardamom Glaze

1. Preheat the oven to 325 (convection) or 350 (conventional) degrees and grease the donut pan(s) with  1 teaspoon of coconut oil, set aside.

2. In a medium bowl combine the almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.  Whisk or mix with a fork to evenly combine.

3. In a large bowl add the egg and coconut sugar, whisk for 30 seconds. Add the vanilla, coconut oil, apple sauce, apple cider, and yogurt, whisk to combine.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well with a spatula.

5. Transfer the batter to a large gallon zip lock bag and cut about ½”-1” off the corner. 

6. Squeeze the batter into the donut pan and gently tap to evenly distribute. 

7. Bake for 11-13 minutes.

8. Remove and cool completely.

While donuts are cooling, make the glaze…

1. Melt the coconut butter and coconut oil and transfer to a shallow bowl. 

2.  Add the apple cider, pure maple syrup, cardamom, and vanilla, whisk until smooth.

3. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze transferring to a cooling rack to harden.

4. Allow to set for about 15-30 minutes.

Enjoy!

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FAQs

Q: How long will Paleo apple cider donuts last?

A: I like to store mine in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 48-hours and if I do happen to have leftover or make a double batch, I will store them in the freezer up to a month.

Q: Can I make apple cider donuts as a muffin if I don’t have a donut pan?

A: Yes, just increase the bake time to 18-22 minutes depending on how full your muffins are!

Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider to make apple cider donuts?

A: You can, however, the flavor will not be the same and if you can find some fresh apple cider, it will be worth it, I promise!

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