Baked Apple Donuts Recipe

If you love cozy flavors and tender treats, you’re going to adore this Baked Apple Donuts Recipe. These donuts are a delightful twist on your classic sweet donut, bursting with warm spices, tender chunks of Granny Smith apples, and a moist, cake-like texture that hugs every bite. Baked rather than fried, they offer a light yet satisfyingly indulgent experience that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved recipe to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one works in harmony to create that perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture – from the cinnamon’s warming touch to the tang from buttermilk and the juicy bursts of fresh apples.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The essential base for the donuts, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts puff up nicely during baking.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and works with the buttermilk for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Imparts that classic apple pie warmth that makes these donuts irresistible.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 1/4 cup apple sauce: Keeps the donuts moist and reinforces the apple goodness.
• 1/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature: Brings a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds buttery flavor and softens the texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors, making them more fragrant and inviting.
• 1 cup diced, peeled apples (Granny Smith recommended): The star of the show, offering a crisp, tart contrast to the sweet dough.

How to Make Baked Apple Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease your donut pan generously with non-stick spray or butter to ensure those beauties slide out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients will give your donuts their tender crumb and signature warm spice notes.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Egg

In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This step is key to dissolving the sugars and incorporating air for a lightness in the donuts.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the sugar and egg mixture, add the apple sauce, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir them all together until you have a lovely, uniform wet batter that smells incredibly inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, stirring gently until just combined. Watch out for overmixing here – you want everything blended but still tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Diced Apples

Now for the fun part: fold in the diced Granny Smith apples. They add delightful texture and a fresh tartness that balances the sweetness of the donuts.

Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This ensures your donuts bake evenly and rise just right without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking will already have your mouth watering.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set nicely, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before the finishing touch.

Step 10: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Dust your donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle on a simple glaze made by mixing confectioners’ sugar with a splash of milk or apple cider. This adds a beautiful shine and a bit of extra sweetness that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Baked Apple Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling your baked apple donuts with a dash of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar brightens their warmth and makes an inviting presentation. You can also drizzle a caramel or maple glaze for a decadent twist that perfectly complements the apples and spices.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or warm apple cider for a comforting snack. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to bring out the donuts’ homey appeal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your baked apple donuts into a charming dessert platter by stacking them on a cake stand or threading them on a wooden skewer for a fun party treat. You can also slice them horizontally and fill with a smear of cream cheese frosting or apple butter for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover baked apple donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration can extend their life to about a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply unwrap the donuts and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and revives the apple-spice aroma that makes this Baked Apple Donuts Recipe so memorable.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in the Baked Apple Donuts Recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, but you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the donuts taste sweeter overall.

Do I have to use buttermilk, or can I substitute it?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/4 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will help maintain the tang and tender crumb.

Are these donuts suitable for kids?

Definitely! These baked apple donuts are naturally sweet and moist without being too sugary or greasy, making them a kid-friendly snack or breakfast. Just be mindful of potential allergies to eggs or dairy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the buttermilk for a non-dairy milk mixed with an acid like lemon juice and using a dairy-free butter substitute, you can make these donuts friendly for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

How do I get the best texture for baked donuts?

The key is not to overmix your batter and to bake until the donuts just spring back when touched. Overbaking or too much mixing can lead to dry or tough donuts. Using moist ingredients like apple sauce and buttermilk helps keep them soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Donuts Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a comforting, homemade treat that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. With every bite filled with warm spices and fresh apple goodness, it’s a perfect way to brighten your mornings or cozy up your afternoons. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these donuts a favorite in your kitchen too!

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