How do I make cinnamon apple donuts from scratch at home?

To make cinnamon apple donuts, start by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones until just combined. Fold in finely chopped apples for extra texture. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, dip the warm donuts in melted butter and then coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for the classic finish.

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce for cinnamon apple donuts?

Yes, fresh apples can be used, but it’s best to finely chop or grate them to maintain moisture without making the batter too wet. Using fresh apples adds a crisp texture and a fresh fruit flavor, but you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate. Applesauce contributes moisture and sweetness, so if substituting entirely with fresh apples, consider adding a bit more sugar or liquid to balance the recipe.

How should I store leftover cinnamon apple donuts to keep them fresh?

Store leftover cinnamon apple donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and flavor. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry them out. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each donut individually and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave or oven to regain their soft texture.

Are cinnamon apple donuts a healthy dessert option?

Cinnamon apple donuts can be a moderately healthier dessert compared to traditional fried donuts, especially when baked and made with applesauce instead of oil or butter. Apples provide fiber and natural sweetness, while cinnamon adds antioxidants. However, they still contain sugar and flour, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I make cinnamon apple donuts gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, to make cinnamon apple donuts gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. For a vegan version, use flax eggs or a chia seed mixture instead of eggs, plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Baking times may vary slightly, so watch the donuts closely to avoid overbaking.

Cinnamon Apple Donuts Recipe With Baked Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Name: Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour This forms the base structure of the donuts, providing the necessary gluten for a tender rise; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning, creating that irresistible caramelized edge on your apple-cinnamon donuts; 2 teaspoons baking powder Acts as a leavening agent to make the batter rise, ensuring your spiced apple donuts are fluffy and not dense; 1 teaspoon baking soda Works with acidic ingredients like applesauce to produce bubbles, giving extra lift and a soft crumb to the donuts; 1 to 1.5 teaspoons apple pie spice Infuses the donuts with warm, aromatic flavors; 1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher type) Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor, making the cinnamon apple donuts more vibrant and enjoyable; 1/2 cup (158g) unsweetened applesauce Provides moisture and natural sweetness, incorporating fruit for a healthier twist in these apple-cinnamon donuts; 1/4 cup (60g) olive oil Serves as a neutral fat that keeps the donuts moist and tender, offering a healthier alternative to butter while maintaining great texture; 3/4 cup (180g) milk or almond milk Adds liquid to bind the ingredients, with almond milk recommended for a vegan option to keep the donuts creamy and dairy-free; 1 tablespoon (15g) vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle depth, making your spiced apple donuts taste richer and more inviting; 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Coats the donuts for the cinnamon sugar to stick; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar Creates the sweet, crunchy exterior that defines these cinnamon apple doughnuts; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice Adds an extra layer of spice to the topping, echoing the flavors inside for a cohesive spiced apple experience

Description

🍎 These Baked Apple Donuts offer a deliciously moist texture combined with warm cinnamon sugar, perfect for a cozy treat.
🍩 They provide a healthier alternative to fried donuts with options for vegan and gluten-free adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour This forms the base structure of the donuts, providing the necessary gluten for a tender rise

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning, creating that irresistible caramelized edge on your apple-cinnamon donuts

2 teaspoons baking powder Acts as a leavening agent to make the batter rise, ensuring your spiced apple donuts are fluffy and not dense

1 teaspoon baking soda Works with acidic ingredients like applesauce to produce bubbles, giving extra lift and a soft crumb to the donuts

1 to 1.5 teaspoons apple pie spice Infuses the donuts with warm, aromatic flavors

1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher type) Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor, making the cinnamon apple donuts more vibrant and enjoyable

1/2 cup (158g) unsweetened applesauce Provides moisture and natural sweetness, incorporating fruit for a healthier twist in these apple-cinnamon donuts

1/4 cup (60g) olive oil Serves as a neutral fat that keeps the donuts moist and tender, offering a healthier alternative to butter while maintaining great texture

3/4 cup (180g) milk or almond milk Adds liquid to bind the ingredients, with almond milk recommended for a vegan option to keep the donuts creamy and dairy-free

1 tablespoon (15g) vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle depth, making your spiced apple donuts taste richer and more inviting

4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Coats the donuts for the cinnamon sugar to stick

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar Creates the sweet, crunchy exterior that defines these cinnamon apple doughnuts

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice Adds an extra layer of spice to the topping, echoing the flavors inside for a cohesive spiced apple experience

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing two donut pans with butter or baking spray. This step ensures your pans are ready to prevent sticking, and for vegan adaptations, use plant-based butter here. Measuring out all dry ingredients first helps streamline the process, making it easy for busy parents or working professionals to manage.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 to 1.5 teaspoons apple pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. For gluten-free cinnamon apple donuts, swap the flour with 296g of a 1:1 gluten-free blend at this stage to keep the batter light. This mixture forms the base, ensuring even distribution of flavors for your spiced apple donuts.

3-Third Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup (158g) unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup (60g) olive oil, 3/4 cup (180g) milk or almond milk, and 1 tablespoon (15g) vanilla extract until smooth. If making vegan apple-cinnamon donuts, use almond milk to avoid dairy, which keeps the batter creamy. This step blends the moisture and flavors, so fold gently to maintain a tender texture in your final spiced apple treats.

4-Fourth Step: Fold and Transfer Batter Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent dense cinnamon apple donuts. For low-calorie variations, reduce the oil slightly here and add more applesauce. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, then pipe it into the greased donut pans, filling each nearly to the top for even baking.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the Donuts Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If adapting for mini muffins, reduce baking time to 9-11 minutes at the same temperature. This step is crucial for gluten-free or vegan versions, as watching closely ensures they don’t overbake and lose their moist, spiced apple appeal.

6-Sixth Step: Cool and Add Topping Cool the donuts in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Dip each in 4 tablespoons (57g) of melted unsalted butter (or plant-based for vegan), then roll in a mixture of 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. For low-calorie tweaks, use less sugar in the topping to keep your cinnamon apple donuts light while maintaining that crunchy finish.

7-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Serve the donuts warm for the best taste, pairing them with coffee or tea for a cozy meal. If troubleshooting, check for soggy centers by ensuring applesauce isn’t too wet adjust milk if needed. This completes your spiced apple donuts, ready for dietary tweaks and offering a simple way to enjoy homemade baked goods.

Notes

🍽 Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend substitute for gluten-free donuts.
🎂 Batter transfer is easier and cleaner with a pastry bag but a spoon can be used.
⏳ Store donuts in an airtight container; best eaten fresh and warm within 1-2 days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut

Keywords: baked apple donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, vegan donuts, gluten-free donuts