There’s something irresistible about the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you want to grab a sweater, wrap your hands around a warm mug of coffee, and linger a little longer at the breakfast table. That’s exactly the mood these Baked Apple Donuts bring to your home.
Unlike their deep-fried cousins, these apple spice donuts are baked to golden perfection, giving you a lighter, fluffier treat that still delivers big on flavor. The batter gets a boost from applesauce (or apple butter) for a moist crumb, plus the option of adding fresh apple pieces for extra bursts of sweetness. And the finishing touch? A generous cinnamon sugar coating that makes each bite taste like a warm hug.
Whether you whip these up as a fall breakfast, pack them for a cozy road trip snack, or serve them alongside hot cider at a gathering, this baked donut recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish—meaning you can sleep in and still have homemade donuts before noon.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Donuts
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Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
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Moist, flavorful, and warmly spiced.
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No frying required—less mess, less guilt.
Ingredients
Baked Apple Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1½ tsp apple pie spice, omit cinnamon & nutmeg)
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsweetened applesauce or apple butter
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¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
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¾ cup milk or buttermilk
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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Optional: 1 small apple, grated or cubed
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease donut pans with butter or baking spray.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine: Fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined—don’t overmix. Stir in grated or cubed apple if using.
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Fill pans: Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the tip, and pipe into donut molds, filling almost to the top.
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Bake: 10–12 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Coat: Place melted butter in one shallow bowl; mix sugar and cinnamon in another. Dip each donut in butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Donuts
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Use apple butter for a richer apple flavor.
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Don’t skip cooling the donuts in the pan—it keeps them from breaking apart.
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If you want a thicker cinnamon sugar coating, double-dip in butter and sugar.
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Fresh apple chunks make the donuts extra juicy but may shorten storage life.
A Little Kitchen Story
The first time I made these, I underestimated just how quickly they’d disappear. I baked a dozen, set them on the counter, and went to make coffee. By the time the coffee was ready, half were gone—my family hovering like happy little donut bandits. Now, I’ve learned to make a double batch. These fall breakfast beauties have become a weekend tradition in our house.
What to Serve with Baked Apple Donuts
These donuts are delightful on their own, but for an extra cozy spread, try:
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Hot apple cider or chai latte.
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A side of vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for balance.
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A warm caramel dipping sauce for indulgence overload.
How to Store
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze (without coating) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes, then dip in butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and adjust baking time by a few minutes.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Swap milk for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter.
Do they taste like fried donuts?
They’re lighter in texture but just as satisfying—especially with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but expect a denser texture. A 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose works best.
Final Bite of Advice
These Baked Apple Donuts prove that you don’t need a fryer to enjoy bakery-quality treats at home. With warm spices, tender crumb, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, they’re the perfect companion to a chilly morning and a steaming cup of coffee. Make them once, and they just might become your favorite baked donut recipe of the season.
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Baked Apple Donuts
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apple Donuts are a light yet flavorful fall treat, combining warm spices, moist applesauce, and a tender crumb with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Ready in just 20 minutes, these donuts bring cozy autumn flavors to your breakfast table without the mess of frying—perfect for weekends, gatherings, or an easy seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Baked Apple Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1½ tsp apple pie spice, omit cinnamon & nutmeg)
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsweetened applesauce or apple butter
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¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
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¾ cup milk or buttermilk
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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Optional: 1 small apple, grated or cubed
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Grease donut pans with butter or baking spray.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk applesauce, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine: Fold wet mixture into dry until just combined—do not overmix. Stir in grated or cubed apple if using.
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Fill pans: Transfer batter to a piping or zip-top bag, snip the tip, and pipe into donut molds, filling almost to the top.
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Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Coat: Place melted butter in one shallow bowl, cinnamon sugar in another. Dip donuts in butter, then roll in sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Apple butter provides a deeper apple flavor than applesauce.
Cooling in the pan helps donuts keep their shape.
For a thicker sugar coating, double-dip in butter and cinnamon sugar.
Fresh apple chunks add juiciness but reduce shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American