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    Home » Desserts (Baked) » Baked Apple Cider Donut recipe (gluten free) and Picking Apples

    LAST UPDATED: February 4, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: August 31, 2012 By Toni Dash 34 Comments

    Baked Apple Cider Donut recipe (gluten free) and Picking Apples

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Big fall apple in little hands

    Though our temperatures are still in the mid 90’s, signs of fall abound. Trees have begun to turn yellow just this week and I’ve noted the local apple trees are burgeoning with ripe fruit. With the apple being the harbinger of fall, its appearance prompted me to take a visit to YaYa Farm and Orchard in Longmont which has opened early this year due to their bumper crop. YaYa is a ‘Pick Your Own’ orchard opening only at this time of year for apple lovers to visit, pick, and enjoy a festive ushering in of our cooler weather season.

    My first visit to YaYa Farm was two years ago. At the time they were beginning a large expansion which they have now completed with 810 apple trees and 120 varieties of Old World and Heirloom apples. The apples ripen in three main stages during the fall allowing visitors to enjoy different apples each time they visit.

    Apple trees at Ya Ya Farm Colorado

    The farm originally started in the late 1800’s by Percy Goss.  The start of the apple orchard was a graduation gift to the Goss’s son Jim.  Preceding the use of tractors, the Goss’s used Percheron draft horses to work the land.  Gigantic, regal beasts of Clydesdale proportions, they provided the muscle to get the farm’s work done.  In 2003 current owners Michael and Sharon Yager moved to the farm and have both rescued the original apple orchard from neglect but also have continued to expand.  The Yagers can describe every tree and apple, from growing habits to fruit flavor profiles.  Thanks to the Yagers the Percherons are back which they breed ‘for the hitch’ (to pull things like the Budweiser wagon or sleigh.

    2 photo collage: painted silo at Ya Ya Farms on left and iron antique stool on right

    Bushel of hand picked apples and farm dog

    Old farm wagon

    Turning off Highway 66 between Lyons and Longmont one would not expect the charming scene awaiting them when winding around the farm buildings to the gravel parking lot.  Brilliant sunflowers and rustic garden patches dot the landscape along with traditional weathered barns and farm equipment.  Elaborately plumed chickens, turkeys with a log cabin coop and a beautiful produce and flower garden line the walking pathways.  Visitors are welcomed by those working the farm and instructed on picking.  YaYa supplies the bags (please don’t bring your own) each able to hold 8 pounds of apples and costing $12 this year when filled.  I’ll add a personal note to experience to say apples keep very well in the refrigerator for months, especially these which are grown by organic methods.

    2 photo collage with white Horse in stable on left and fall pears on right

    2 photo collage with Carrots to feed horses in a basket on the left and apple grabbers tools on the right

    There are currently two main picking areas.  The front orchard is a potpourri of apple varieties from those familiar to a French variety cultivated last century featured in childrens’ Christmas stockings to another that purports tasting like strawberries.  There is a chart detailing all the apples and which are currently ripe for picking that the farm will loan pickers as a guide.

    The older part of the orchard features an abundance of more traditional varieties as well as pears that are almost jumping off the trees right now.  Red umbrella-covered picnic tables are nestled in the midst of the newer section of the back orchard for a respite from the heat and some snacking.

    2 photo collage with Homemade pickles on right and picnic table in apple orchard on left

    2 photo collage with black Percheron Horse on left and U Pick Apples on trees on right

    There is no admission fee to visit the farm and for those less inclined toward manual labor (picking is all quite fast, easy and on ground level), pre-picked apples can be purchased from a farm store along with freshly baked apple pie from a secret family recipe, freshly pressed apple cider (which if you have not tried you have not tasted apple cider at its finest), apple cider donuts, farm honey, pickles and more.  There are small bushel baskets of carrots available for a dollar to feed John Henry and Betsy, the farm’s full grown mini donkey’s who have been together for over 40 years or the towering, curious Percherons if you don’t find their size too daunting!  For a couple of additional dollars visitors may enjoy a hayride pulled by a 1940’s tractor taking a few loops around the new orchard showing off a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains and the lake at the back of YaYa’s property.

    2 photo collage Freshly pressed Apple Cider in bottles on left and Apple Tree on right| BoulderLocavore.com

    2 photo collage with Red Tractor for hay rides on left and riding bed with hay bales on right

    Rocky Mountain views from apple orchard

    2 photo collage with Fresh Apple Cider Donuts in box on left and single donut on right

    The act of picking apples brings us all closer to the season thou I can attest that the flavor of the apples themselves is unparalleled.  Nothing like the varieties you’ve tasted from a supermarket, these apples are almost like a different fruit.  It’s a signature of fall that should not be missed.

    With the orchard expansion the weekly picking days have extended to be Wednesdays through Sundays from the historic weekend only schedule.  Reservations are still required though the hope is within two years those will no longer be necessary.  To reserve a date and time click here to email Sharon Yager.  The weekends can be crowded but always with plenty of room for pickers thanks to the reservations.  YaYa would suggest allowing an hour to pick, visit the animals and enjoy the property.  The Farm also hosts a variety of events and demonstrations as well as has a fruit CSA (full for 2012) and a hard cider making workshop.  It really defines the spirit of fall.

    2 photo collage of Old Barn on left and U Pick Apples Ya Ya Farm on tree on right

    YaYa Farm and Orchard: 6914 Ute Highway, Longmont CO 80503. (303) 485-5585. Hours (verify with website before going): Wednesday-Friday: 10-4. Saturday-Sunday 9-4. Reservations required for picking. Open now through early November (weather permitting).

    Gluten-Free Apple Cider Baked Donuts

    After visiting YaYa Farm and Orchard I left with a bee in my bonnet to make a gluten free version of Apple Cider donuts.  They looked and smelled so delicious I became quickly fixated.  I found and adapted a recipe for friend donuts from a seasonal ‘pick your own’ website which I’ll share below.  As soon as our temperatures drop to a more civilized 70 degrees I know it will feel like fall but until them I’m jumping forward with the tastes of fall thanks to YaYa Farm and Orchard!

    Gluten-Free Apple Cider Baked Donuts

    Baked Apple Cider Donuts (gluten free)

    These donuts are light and cakey, tasting of fall. Should you not be gluten free feel free to substitute gluten-filled flour which should work fine. These donuts were adapted from a fried gluten-filled recipe and if you’d like to fry the donuts instead of baking them, or check out more seasonal topping/glaze ideas, click on the link in the recipe adaptation line below. The donuts, like all donuts, should be eaten fresh. If unable to do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an air tight container and eat within a few days.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 20 donuts
    Calories: 201kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Ingredients for the Apple Cider Donuts:

    • 2 cups of apple cider , preferably freshly pressed; boiled down to yield 2/3 cups and cooled
    • 8 tablespoons butter , room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 eggs , room temperature
    • ½ cup buttermilk
    • 3 ½ cups all purpose gluten free flour (I used King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour Blend)
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg , freshly ground if possible

    Ingredients for the topping:

    • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (note: The sugar can be all granulated sugar or a mix of granulated and crystal/sprinkling sugar which has larger granules and is more eye-catching)
    • 1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 4 tablespoons butter , melted

    Supplies:

    • 1-2 standard size donut shape baking pan (s)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    • In a large bowl cream the butter with a mixer. Add granulated sugar and cream together.
    • Add eggs, one at a time. Mix to combine.
    • Add buttermilk and reduced apple cider. Mix to combine.
    • In a separate bowl sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
    • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients using a mixer to ensure they are fully combined.
    • Prepare donut pans with cooking spray. Fill the donut cavities no more than 2/3 full. Place in the oven for 7-9 minutes until donuts spring back to the touch.
    • Remove donuts and allow to sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
    • To add topping: Mix together the sugar(s) and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a whisk to full mix. Lightly paint the melted butter onto the top of a donut with a cooking/basting brush. Over the sugar/cinnamon bowl sprinkle heavily with sugar/cinnamon. Carefully turn donut over the bowl and shake off any excess.

    Notes

    Adapted from Pumpkin Patches and More

    Nutrition

    Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donut with bite taken

    I did mention the Percherons are very curious and friendly right?

    close up of black Percheron Horses sticking nose in camera lens

    black Percheron Horses close up

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah says

      September 10, 2017 at 4:59 pm

      5 stars
      So good for fall!

      Reply
    2. gv says

      February 10, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      These are a favorite at in our family now. I made a batch to have today after a snowshoe walk in the woods. Perfect with hot chocolate. My husband, who claims not to like gluten free asks for these!

      I make them with 1.5 c. tapioca starch, 1.5 c brown rice flour and .5 c arrowroot starch and they puff up like white flour – amazing.

      Reply
      • gv says

        February 10, 2013 at 2:28 pm

        How funny, I wrote the above comment w/o realizing I’d written the one before that. They are so popular here I just feel the need to thank the responsible party. And as you can see, your recipe is very much enjoyed.

        Reply
        • Toni Dash says

          February 10, 2013 at 2:44 pm

          I’m delighted to hear it and to know of your flour blend! I did not look when processing the comment but love knowing they are such a hit in your house!

    3. gv says

      October 23, 2012 at 8:49 pm

      I made apple cider today with apples from our yard and decided that today was the day to try this yummy recipe. They came out terrific. My very non-gluten free husband said he would just try a bite and 3 donuts later he was still wanting more. The recipe is definitely a keeper. I even dunked them in hot chocolate and they didn’t fall apart but melted in my mouth. I’m looking very forward to breakfast tomorrow morning. 😉 Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Toni | Boulder Locavore says

        October 23, 2012 at 8:54 pm

        What a complete delight to get your email GV! First, making your own cider from your own apples; love that! I’m green with envy. But then turning that into this recipe and loving it as you do; I can’t think of anything better! I have a farm CSA pick up tomorrow and I’m sure apples will be our fruit. I may just have to make myself another batch! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your detailed comment.

        Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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