Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Fluffy Apple Rings

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baked apple rings with fluffy batter & cinnamon sugar

there’s something so special about baked apple rings—they’re a perfect combination of warm, tender apples with a light, fluffy coating that feels like biting into a donut.

but what makes these extra special is their healthier twist, making them a great choice for both a snack or a dessert!!

taste & texture
these baked apple rings offer a delicious balance between sweet and spiced flavors.

the apples become tender and juicy as they bake, and the batter coating fluffs up beautifully, creating a soft, cake-like texture.

it’s like a cross between a baked donut and a sweet apple fritter.

once baked, each ring gets brushed with a touch of maple syrup and vanilla, then coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture.

this final step adds a satisfying caramelized sweetness and a delicate, fluffy exterior.

why these make a healthy snack or dessert
these baked apple rings are made with wholesome, natural ingredients, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried apple rings or donuts if that’s what you’re looking for.

using a base of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour keeps them gluten-free, while the apples provide fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.

there’s no need for much sugar in the batter—maple syrup lends a hint of sweetness, while the coconut sugar in the cinnamon sugar topping gives a natural sugar touch.

you can definitely use regular granulated sugar for the coating though, whatever your heart desires!

the combination of fiber from the apples and healthier flours means you can enjoy this treat without the sugar crash!

why the ingredients are important

• apples: apples provide natural sweetness and a juicy, tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy batter. varieties like honeycrisp or fuji hold up well during baking and deliver just the right balance of tart and sweet.
• gluten-free all-purpose flour & almond flour: these flours create a batter that is light and airy, allowing the coating to puff up like a donut. almond flour adds a bit of moisture and richness, while the gluten-free all-purpose flour helps with structure.
• arrowroot powder or cornstarch: this helps to create a crispier coating on the outside while keeping the batter tender inside.
• baking powder & baking soda: the combination of these two leavening agents is what gives the batter its fluffy, donut-like rise. they react with the apple cider vinegar for extra lift.
• dairy-free milk & apple cider vinegar: mixing these creates a plant-based “buttermilk” that helps the batter stay tender and gives a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• maple syrup & vanilla extract: brushing the rings with this mixture before coating them in cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the sugar mixture stick to the rings, creating a caramelized finish.

how to make baked apple rings
making these baked apple rings is simple and straightforward. after coring and slicing the apples into rings, you’ll dip each one into the fluffy batter.

then, arrange them on a baking sheet and let the oven work its magic.

as they bake, the batter puffs up around the apple slices, creating that perfect donut-like texture.

once they’re golden and fluffy, brush them with a mix of maple syrup and vanilla extract, then immediately coat in a mixture of cinnamon and coconut sugar for a sweet, spiced finish.

the finishing touch
brushing the baked apple rings with a mixture of maple syrup and vanilla extract before coating them in cinnamon sugar is key to achieving that caramelized, slightly crispy outer layer.

the maple syrup adds a touch of rich sweetness, while the vanilla enhances the flavor of the apples and the cinnamon sugar.

as the warm apple rings soak up the syrup, the cinnamon sugar clings perfectly, creating a texture that’s both warm and comforting with a hint of crunch.

whether you’re enjoying these for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert, these baked apple rings bring all the warmth and coziness of fall flavors without the heaviness.

plus, they’re soooo fun to make and even more fun to eat! serve them warm, and they’re sure to become a new favorite.

if you love Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Fluffy Apple Rings, try these other recipes from my blog!

Raspberry Brownie Date Bites

No Bake Yogurt Protein Cookies

Healthy Banana Date Chocolate Bites

Cookie Dough Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Healthy Vegan Lemon Raspberry Muffin Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Stuffed with Caramel

No Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

No Bake Vegan Protein Glazed Donuts

Vegan Chocolate Chip Protein Banana Cake

Super Fudgy Vegan and Gluten Free Sweet Potato Brownies

Vegan No Bake Protein Carrot Cake Bites

Vegan and Gluten Free Blueberry Bakery Donuts

Healthier Vegan Protein Butterfinger Bars

Vegan and Gluten Free Samoa Inspired Brownie Bread

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