why make this recipe
Baked Apple Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They offer a healthier twist on traditional fried donuts while still being deliciously sweet and satisfying. With the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples, they make a perfect breakfast or snack. Plus, these donuts are simple to make and can bring a cozy feel to your kitchen.
how to make Baked Apple Donuts
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the applesauce, buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl for the topping.
- Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before coating them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!

how to serve Baked Apple Donuts
Baked Apple Donuts are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them fresh out of the oven or microwave them for a few seconds if they’ve cooled down. They can be served plain, or you may sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top for extra sweetness. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
how to store Baked Apple Donuts
To store Baked Apple Donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
tips to make Baked Apple Donuts
- Make sure not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined for airy donuts.
- For added texture, you can use different types of apples or include nuts in the batter.
- To make these donuts more festive, consider adding a drizzle of icing or a caramel sauce on top.
variation
You can easily customize Baked Apple Donuts by adding different spices, such as ginger or allspice, or by including dried fruits like raisins. You can also try using pumpkin puree instead of applesauce for a fall twist.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture might be a bit denser, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make these donuts sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter donuts, you can increase the granulated sugar in the batter or add a glaze on top after baking.

Baked Apple Donuts
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup diced apples
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the applesauce, buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl for the topping.
- Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before coating them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy!