Baked Apple Donuts

Name: Baked Apple Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Apple Pie Filling: 1 1/4 cup diced gala apples (about 2-3 medium apples); 1 ½ tbsp salted butter; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp apple pie spice; 1 tbsp all purpose flour; For Donuts: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; ¾ cup low fat buttermilk; 3 tbsp salted butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp apple pie spice; For Cinnamon Sugar Topping: ¼ cup white granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp salted butter (melted)

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: February 6, 2026

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Introduction to Baked Apple Donuts

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked apple donuts wafting through the kitchen. These Baked Apple Donuts are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Perfect for busy moms or professionals, they offer a quick and delightful way to indulge a sweet tooth without the fuss of frying. Imagine surprising your loved ones with these fluffy, cinnamon-kissed rounds of joy, as they bite into the comforting flavors reminiscent of a classic apple pie. Trust me; they’re going to love them!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Donuts

These Baked Apple Donuts are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and quick prep, they fit perfectly into a busy schedule. You’ll love how they capture the comforting essence of fall, bringing a smile to your family’s faces. Plus, they’re baked, so you can indulge without the guilt of traditional frying. Who knew a delightful autumn treat could be this satisfying and convenient?

Ingredients for Baked Apple Donuts

Gathering the right ingredients is an essential step in making these delightful Baked Apple Donuts. Each component brings its own flavor and texture, making your delicious creation come to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

Diced Gala Apples: These sweet and crisp apples are the star of the show. They add a juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the spices.
Salted Butter: Adding richness, this ingredient enhances the overall flavor and creates a tender donut. You can always substitute with unsalted butter, just remember to adjust the salt elsewhere.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and caramel notes. For a deeper flavor, consider using dark brown sugar, which has more molasses.

Apple Pie Spice: This warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice evokes those cozy autumn flavors. If you’re out, use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg as a quick substitute.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the recipe, it ensures the donuts have a great texture. For a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are crucial for leavening, giving the donuts a light and fluffy texture. Don’t skip these; they make a big difference!

Eggs: They help bind everything together and create a moist crumb. You can substitute with flax eggs if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Low Fat Buttermilk: This adds acidity and moisture. You can make your own by mixing milk with a little vinegar if you don’t have any on hand.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this brings warmth and enhances all the flavors. Opt for pure vanilla for the best results.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A mix of sugar and cinnamon gives that iconic donut sweetness and warmth on the outside. You can adjust to taste!

For exact measurements of these ingredients, just check the bottom of the article where you’ll find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Baked Apple Donuts

Creating these Baked Apple Donuts is simpler than you might think. With a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of these delightful treats ready to warm your home.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

First, let’s get started on that scrumptious apple pie filling.

Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your gala apples. Try to make the pieces even for consistent cooking. Next, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the salted butter and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.

Now, toss in the diced apples, stirring gently. Here comes the magic—sprinkle in the flour and apple pie spice. This helps thicken the mixture and delivers those cozy fall flavors.

Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook the apples until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where patience pays off! Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Once they’re tender, remove from heat and let the mixture cool. It should be warm, not hot, when you mix it into the batter.

Mix the Batter

With your apple filling cooling, it’s time to whip up the donut batter!

Preheat your oven to 350℉. While that’s heating, grease your donut pan to ensure easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, grab a whisk and combine the eggs, brown sugar, and buttermilk. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.

Next, sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and apple pie spice. This creates a light, airy batter. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overdo it. We want those donuts fluffy, not dense!

Now, fold in the cooled apple pie filling. Use a spatula to gently combine without breaking up those beautiful apple pieces. The batter will be thick and deliciously enticing.

For easier filling of the donut pan, transfer the batter to a piping bag. If you don’t have one handy, a ziplock bag with a corner cut off works just fine!

Bake the Donuts

With your batter ready, it’s time to bake these delicious morsels!

Fill each donut cup in the pan almost to the top. This helps them rise beautifully. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—every oven varies slightly! When they begin to brown and spring back when touched, they’re done.

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps them from getting soggy and allows air to circulate. Trust me, that little patience pays off!

Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Now for the grand finale—coating those donuts in sweet cinnamon goodness!

Melt some salted butter in a shallow bowl; this will help the sugar stick. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together for a delightful topping.

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, brush the top of each one with melted butter. Then, dip the buttery side into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly. This step gives those donuts that irresistible finishing touch!

Place them back on the wire rack and repeat until all are covered. Just about ready to dig in!

Tips for Success

Use fresh apples for the best flavor; they make all the difference!
Let the apple pie filling cool completely before mixing it into the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.

Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean when the donuts are ready.
Don’t skip greasing the donut pan to avoid sticking.
Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors!

Equipment Needed

Donut Pan: Essential for shaping your donuts. A muffin tin can work in a pinch.
Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for the batter; smaller ones for mixing the apple filling.

Whisk: Great for blending ingredients smoothly. A fork can also do the trick!
Piping Bag: Perfect for easy filling. A ziplock bag with a cut corner is an easy substitute.
Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling your donuts; a plate can also work if you’re in a hurry.

Variations of Baked Apple Donuts

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats!
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use non-dairy milk and dairy-free butter for a plant-based version.
Spiced Pumpkin: Add a ½ cup of pumpkin puree to the batter and swap apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.

Nutty Variation: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added crunch and flavor profile.
Alternate Fruits: Instead of apples, try using diced pears or even berries like blueberries for a fresh, fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Apple Donuts

Pair with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or freshly brewed coffee for the perfect fall morning treat.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that indulgent touch.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra texture and decoration.
Display on a rustic wooden platter to enhance their homemade charm.

FAQs about Baked Apple Donuts

Got questions about your Baked Apple Donuts? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up as you bake these lovely treats.

Can I make Baked Apple Donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the donuts ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No problem at all! You can easily make your own by combining equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg, or even just use ground cinnamon if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll still be delicious!

How do I store leftover donuts?

Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just thaw when you’re ready to enjoy again!

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Definitely! While gala apples bring sweetness, you can use any baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will offer a unique flavor and texture in your donuts.

Are these donuts healthy?

These Baked Apple Donuts are a lighter option compared to traditional fried donuts. They’re baked instead of fried, and you can control the sugar and ingredients. Just remember, everything is good in moderation!

Final Thoughts

Baking Baked Apple Donuts fills my home with warm, inviting aromas that evoke the essence of autumn. Each bite brings a little piece of joy, combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with the delightful texture of a donut. These treats are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they’re about creating moments with family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a charming afternoon snack, these donuts make each occasion feel special. I hope you find joy in making and sharing them as much as I do. Happy baking!