Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts

In recent years, baked donuts have taken the culinary world by storm, emerging as a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. These delightful treats retain the comforting taste and indulgent flavors we love, but without the added guilt that comes with deep-frying. Among the variety of baked donut recipes gaining popularity, Cinnamon Swirl Baked Apple Donuts stand out as a quintessential fall treat and a delightful snack to enjoy throughout the year.

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Cinnamon Swirl Baked Apple Donuts! This healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts is not only delicious but also light and fluffy. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a delightful cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are perfect for any occasion—be it a leisurely breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they promise to satisfy your sweet tooth while embracing the wholesome goodness of fruit. Enjoy a comforting treat that brings warmth to your kitchen all year round!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely diced apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or soften butter.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure they are well mixed.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and egg together until light and fluffy. Add in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the finely diced apples, ensuring they're evenly distributed but still intact.

Fill the Pan: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool Slightly: Remove the donuts from the oven, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In one bowl, melt the butter. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.

Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are cooled, dip each one into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or on their own as a delightful snack.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 12 Servings