These baked apple donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with delicious apple flavor! Topped with a sweet glaze, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or snack time.
Honestly, who can resist a warm donut in the morning? 🍩 I love how easy these are to whip up—mix, bake, and glaze. You’ll be the star of brunch with these sweet goodies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for the donuts. If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap half for whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber without losing the soft texture.
Applesauce: This keeps the donuts moist and adds natural sweetness. You can use homemade applesauce or substitute it with mashed bananas for a different flavor.
Brown Sugar: It contributes to the sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but add a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon for every cup of white sugar) to mimic the taste.
Chopped Nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you’re nut-free, try using sunflower seeds or simply skip them altogether!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Fluffy Donuts?
Mixing the batter gently is key to keeping your donuts fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Here’s how:
- Whisk the dry ingredients well but blend wet ingredients separately.
- When combining, mix just until you see no more flour—lumps are okay!
- Gently fold in your diced apples to keep the batter airy.
Also, remember to fill the donut pan only 3/4 full. This gives enough room for rising without overflowing.
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional for texture)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely diced apple (peeled, any sweet variety)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or oil
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for cooling and glazing. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to enjoying these delightful donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab your donut pan and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your donuts don’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This mixes all the dry ingredients evenly for the best flavor.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the donuts get their moisture and sweetness!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This will keep your donuts light and fluffy.
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the finely diced apples, being gentle to keep the air in the batter.
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This way, they have room to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
8. Cool the Donuts:
Take the pan out of the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While your donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add enough milk to get a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts:
When the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess glaze to drip off.
11. Add Garnish:
Right after glazing, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top if you’re using them. This adds a nice crunch!
12. Let the Glaze Set:
Finally, let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Now you’re ready to enjoy your soft, delicious baked apple donuts!
These lovely treats yield about 6-8 medium-sized donuts, perfect to share with family or friends over coffee or tea. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with every bite!
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Can I Use Different Types of Apples in the Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite sweet apples, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for a tarter flavor. Just make sure to peel and finely dice them for even baking.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk. Make sure your applesauce is unsweetened and vegan-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat them slightly in the microwave before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well! Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before glazing and serving!
