Irresistibly Sweet Baked Apple Donuts Recipe for Fall Mornings

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and baked apple donuts dance through kitchens, promising pure comfort.

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers memories of warm pastry kitchens.

Cozy mornings call for something special that feels like a warm hug.

Soft, pillowy pastries with hints of orchard-fresh fruit await your fork.

Fragrant spices mingle with tender dough, creating magic in every bite.

Crumbly edges and moist centers promise delightful breakfast moments.

Dive into this simple recipe that connects generations through delicious tradition.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts Are A Cozy Favorite

• Boost Family Breakfast Fun: These baked apple donuts transform ordinary mornings into delightful moments of shared joy, making them perfect for weekend family gatherings and bringing everyone together around the table.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort Required: With straightforward mixing and simple baking steps, these donuts offer a stress-free cooking experience that even novice bakers can master without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Twist on Classic Treat: Packed with grated apples and using baking instead of frying, these donuts provide a nutritious alternative to traditional fried versions while maintaining incredible flavor and moisture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, these donuts can be customized with powdered sugar or glaze to suit different preferences and occasions.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation that provides structure to the donuts.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic autumn flavor to the baked treats.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the donuts.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donuts' structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Milk: Adds liquid and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a rich, aromatic flavor to the donuts.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and subtle apple flavor to the batter.

• Grated Apples: Fresh fruit that brings moisture, natural sweetness, and textural interest to the donuts.

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Donut Pan

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Grab a donut pan and coat it generously with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated and look like a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Applesauce

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, silky concoction.

Step 4: Incorporate Apples

Fold freshly grated apples into the wet mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will infuse your donuts with bursts of fruity goodness.

Step 5: Create Donut Batter

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Fill Donut Pan

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. Aim for an even distribution to ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check donuts by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. The tops should be a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Remove the pan from the oven. Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Optional Finishing Touches

For extra indulgence, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. Serve and enjoy your homemade apple donuts!

Tips For Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

• Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for maximum flavor and moisture in your donuts.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until just combined to keep donuts light and tender, avoiding tough, dense textures.
• Control Moisture Levels: Gently pat grated apples with paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent soggy donuts.
• Grease Pan Thoroughly: Use non-stick spray or butter generously to ensure easy donut removal without breaking.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick at an angle to verify complete baking, looking for clean extraction and golden-brown tops.

Sweet Twists On Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

• Caramel Apple Crunch: Add chopped pecans to the batter and top donuts with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce after baking.
• Maple Walnut Glaze: Create a maple-flavored glaze using powdered sugar, maple syrup, and chopped walnuts for sprinkling.
• Cream Cheese Frosted: Spread a tangy cream cheese frosting over cooled donuts and sprinkle with cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Streusel-Topped: Prepare a buttery streusel mixture with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to sprinkle on top of donuts before baking for a crunchy texture.

Perfect Sips With Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

• Pair Sweet Spiced Caramel Latte: A warm, creamy beverage echoing the donuts' cinnamon and apple notes perfectly complements the baked treat's subtle sweetness.
• Enhance with Maple Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup over the donuts to amplify their autumnal flavor profile and add delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Spiced Vanilla Chai: The fragrant tea's warming spices like cardamom and ginger beautifully highlight the donuts' comforting apple and cinnamon undertones.
• Complement with Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Create a rich, tangy dipping sauce that balances the donuts' natural sweetness and provides a luxurious accompaniment.

How To Keep Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts Fresh

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep donuts in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Place a paper towel between donut layers to absorb excess moisture and maintain their texture when storing.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts FAQ For New Bakers

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be slightly denser and the donuts less fluffy. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to maintain moisture.

• How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, and ensure even coverage in all the pan’s crevices. You can also dust the greased pan lightly with flour for extra insurance.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal. These varieties provide great flavor and hold their shape well when grated into the batter.

Baked Apple Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, spiced baked apple donuts bring autumn’s essence right to your kitchen, celebrating seasonal flavors with homemade comfort. Crisp apples and fragrant cinnamon create a delightful treat perfect for morning coffee or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples (peeled and grated)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Leavening and Spices:

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp applesauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously mix sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and applesauce until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Fold the grated apples into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately 3/4 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness before serving.

Notes

• Use overripe or slightly bruised apples for more intense apple flavor and natural sweetness.
• Swap out vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-fat version.
• For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a more complex, warm flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg