Delightful and Easy Apple Cinnamon Donuts Recipe
These delightful and easy apple cinnamon donuts are the perfect baked treat for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Made with real apple, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb, this no-fry recipe is quick to make and packed with nostalgic fall flavor. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter but just as satisfying. Try them with a cinnamon sugar topping for the ultimate autumn bite!
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 large 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)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup cinnamon sugar (¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.3. In another bowl, whisk egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.5. Fold in the diced apple gently.6. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.7. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.8. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.9. (Optional) Dip warm donuts in melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor.
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin and adjust baking time.