Spiced Donuts with Apple Cider Glaze (Oil-Free)

Doughnuts were something that was never a favorite of mine until this past year…then everything changed!  Back in January of this year, I was at Whole Foods and I suddenly had a craving for something really sweet.  I didnt want boxed cookies or chocolate bars; I wanted a delicious baked treat.  I made my way to the bakery section, and I ended up choosing a vegan doughnut.  I chose a doughnut because, in the past, doughnuts have not been my favorite.  I thought this would be a safe choice – something that would ease my sugar cravings, yet something I wouldn’t want to eat any more of for a long time.  Well, it turns out it was one the the yummiest things I had ever tasted, and I have been obsessed with doughnuts ever since.

After eating at least 100 doughnuts this year (lol ok I’m exaggerating), I decided I needed control this obsession and create my own healthier version of a doughnut.  I have been holding onto the original recipe for a quite a few months now, and with only a few spice edits, I made this into a Spiced Donut for the holiday season! (I’ll post the original after the first of the year!)

This is just about as healthy as a hot doughnut can get!  It’s low fat, oil-free, and baked (not fried, of course)!  Most of my recipes are sugar free, but this one is an exception – I needed to use regular sugar in order for it to rise at all and be anything like a doughnut.  Like I said, it may not be perfect, but it definitely headed in the healthier direction.  I used prune puree to replace oil, and if you don’t know what prune puree is…its quite simple:

Prune Puree

2 ingredients: pitted prunes + water.

2 0r more Cups of pitted prunes in Vitamix + 1/2 Cup Water

Puree on high until smooth. Add more water if needed!

(store in refrigerator and add to baked goods and smoothies!)

The glaze for this doughnut is super simple, just powdered sugar and apple cider.  To be honest, I actually like these doughnuts just as much (or maybe even more) without the glaze.  See what you like best!

Speaking of doughnuts, want to see the newest addition to my non-edible donut collection?!  It’s my DONUT COASTERS! I am so in love with these.  They are so beautiful in person, and what’s even better is that they are hand painted!

I love supporting local businesses and artists.  These are oil painted on white marble and they are magnificent in person.  You can find them on Etsy HERE!  (If you aren’t a donut collector, then I would suggest that you check out the wine coasters, they are really beautiful too!)

XOXO!