Delightful and Easy Apple Cinnamon Donuts Recipe

Warm, spiced, and baked to perfection—these easy apple cinnamon donuts are a cozy, flavorful treat you’ll want to make again and again.
There’s something magical about the combination of apples and cinnamon—comforting, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. These donuts are soft on the inside, with a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re made with real apple, warm spices, and no frying required. Perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or an anytime dessert.

The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or hours in the kitchen. These donuts come together quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. With their irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, they taste just like something you’d find at a bakery or autumn fair—but baked and made right at home.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Donuts
• Suggested Side Dishes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & beginner-friendly – Ready in under 30 minutes with no frying.
• Packed with real apple flavor – Moist and fragrant with chunks of fresh apple and applesauce.
• Baked, not fried – A lighter, mess-free alternative to traditional donuts.
• Perfect for fall and holidays – A crowd-pleaser for brunches and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely diced apple (peeled)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup cinnamon sugar (mix of ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)

How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Donuts

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a non-stick donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the egg, then add:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Applesauce
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in the diced apples with a spatula for a juicy bite in every donut.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut cavities—fill about ¾ full. You can also use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off for cleaner filling.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 7: Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Add Topping (Optional)

While still slightly warm, dip the donuts in melted butter and then roll in cinnamon sugar for that classic donut-shop finish.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Hot spiced coffee or chai latte
• Apple cider
• Vanilla yogurt with honey and granola
• Fresh berries or fruit salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing – Results in dense, tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Skipping greasing – Donuts may stick and break apart.
• Using too much apple – Excess moisture may alter texture. Stick to the recipe quantity.
• Overbaking – Check after 12 minutes; they should be lightly golden and springy.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

How to Reheat

Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, though the texture will be denser. A half-and-half mix is a good compromise.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Do I need a donut pan?
It’s highly recommended. However, you can bake them in a muffin tin (adjust baking time slightly).

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes! They’re still delicious plain or with a light glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bakery-style treat without the hassle of frying, these easy apple cinnamon donuts are your answer. Baked to golden perfection, lightly spiced, and sweet with real apple flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple indulgence.

Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear!

Bonus Links

Apple Varieties for Baking – The Spruce Eats

Pumpkin Spice Donuts – Baked & Easy