Spooky Apple Cinnamon Donuts are the kind of recipe that brings my story full circle. As a Tuscan-born chef now living gluten-free, I’ve learned that comfort food doesn’t have to mean compromise. Growing up, fall meant long walks under golden leaves and warm apple desserts cooling on the counter. After going gluten-free, I was determined to recreate those cozy memories in a way that nourished my body without losing any of the flavor. These donuts are a celebration of that journey: warmly spiced, gently sweet, and just spooky enough to make Halloween extra fun. Whether you’re baking for little goblins or just want a seasonal treat for yourself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.
Spooky Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- spoon or piping bag for filling donut cavities
- donut pan 6- or 12-cavity
- wire rack for cooling
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 0.5 cup gluten-free oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup coconut sugar
- 0.33 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup finely chopped apple (peeled)
- cinnamon sugar (¼ cup coconut sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon), optional
- melted dairy-free white or dark chocolate, optional
- gluten-free candy eyes or Halloween sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 6- or 12-cavity donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with coconut sugar. Stir in applesauce, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, candy eyes, or spooky sprinkles as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients List
Let’s keep it simple and festive. You’ll need:
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup gluten-free oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped apple (peeled)
Optional toppings:
- Cinnamon sugar (¼ cup coconut sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon)
- Melted dairy-free white or dark chocolate
- Candy eyes or Halloween sprinkles (gluten-free)
Want more cozy fall ideas? Try my Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins or the Gluten-Free Apple Crisp.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven.
Set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6- or 12-cavity donut pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients.
In a bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs with coconut sugar. Stir in applesauce, oil or melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Bring it together.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
5. Fill your donut pan.
Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Decorate.
Once cool, dip in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Add candy eyes or spooky sprinkles for Halloween fun.
Need more quick baking recipes? Don’t miss my No-Fail Gluten-Free Brownies or Gluten-Free Lemon Bars.
Tips for Success
- Use finely chopped apples so they bake evenly into the donuts.
- Don’t overmix or your donuts might turn dense. Stir until just combined.
- If decorating with chocolate, let the donuts cool completely or the toppings won’t stick.
- For a crispier topping, brush donuts with a little melted butter before dipping in cinnamon sugar.
If you love easy seasonal baking, you’ll also love these 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse a Halloween favorite in my house!
Fun Variations to Try
Add a streusel topping:
Mix 2 tbsp almond flour, 1 tbsp coconut sugar, and 1 tbsp softened butter. Sprinkle on before baking for a coffee-cake vibe.
Vegan-friendly swap:
Replace the eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water). Let sit 10 minutes before adding.
Creepy chocolate version:
Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry mix and drizzle with white chocolate spiderwebs.
Maple glaze alternative:
Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp almond milk for a classic fall glaze.
Want to serve these for a Halloween breakfast? Pair them with Monster Smoothie Bowls for a festive, fun start to the day.
How to Store Spooky Apple Cinnamon Donuts
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store for 4–5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freeze (without toppings): Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
For more make-ahead fall recipes, try my Make-Ahead Gluten-Free Overnight Oats with Berries a great prep-ahead breakfast to go with your donuts.
FAQ About Spooky Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Can I use a muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time slightly and watch for doneness around 12 minutes.
Are these donuts dairy-free?
Yes, if you use avocado oil and dairy-free chocolate, they’re completely dairy-free.
Can I make them ahead for a Halloween party?
Absolutely! Bake a day ahead and decorate the day of for best texture and look.
Can I make these without almond flour?
You can try using more oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture may change slightly.
Conclusion
These Spooky Apple Cinnamon Donuts are everything fall baking should be warm, nostalgic, playful, and delicious. They bring comfort to cool mornings and smiles to Halloween parties. Whether you’re baking with kids or just treating yourself, you’ll love how easy they are to make (and eat!).
And if you’re looking to round out your Halloween spread, don’t forget to add Mochi Brownies or Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bites to the table.
Happy spooky baking!