These baked apple donuts are like little hugs for your taste buds! Soft, fluffy, and spiced with fresh apple and cinnamon, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
The glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness. Honestly, who can resist a donut? I love enjoying them warm with a cup of coffee—yum! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your donuts, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang to the donuts. You can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Apples: Granny Smith is great for a tart flavor, but Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to swap in any favorite apples, or even use unsweetened applesauce for a smoother texture.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Using both gives a beautiful balance of flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, but adjust for sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Donuts Are Light and Fluffy?
To get those fluffy donuts, be gentle with your batter. Overmixing can make them dense. Here’s a quick guide:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately to keep everything light.
- When combining, fold gently until just mixed. Lumps are okay!
Also, filling your donut pan about ¾ full allows them to rise perfectly without overflowing. This helps each donut maintain its shape for that ideal bite!
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 to 3 tablespoons apple juice or milk (adjust for consistency)
- Optional: small pieces of chopped apple or crushed walnuts for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 12-15 minutes of baking. You’ll need an additional 10 minutes for the glaze to set, for a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease your donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray so the donuts don’t stick later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is well combined. This will help ensure your donuts rise beautifully!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the egg. Then add in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed nicely together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined; it’s important not to overmix as we want those donuts to stay light and fluffy!
5. Add in Apples:
Fold in the finely chopped apples. They’ll add a delicious flavor and moistness to your donuts!
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake:
Pop the donut pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Yum!
8. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and enough apple juice (or milk) to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze, allowing the excess glaze to drip off. They’ll look so pretty!
11. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped apple pieces or crushed walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets for some extra crunch and flavor.
12. Let it Set:
Allow the glaze to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help it firm up a bit!
Enjoy your delicious baked apple donuts with a sweet cinnamon glaze! They’re perfect for sharing, or not! 😉
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Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in denser donuts. You might want to replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to maintain some fluffiness!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg, and substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative instead of regular butter for the glaze.
What Kind of Apples Work Best?
Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the donuts, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. You can use any apple variety you enjoy; just make sure they’re peeled and finely chopped for even cooking!