These baked apple donuts are a fun treat! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with yummy apple flavor. Plus, a sweet glaze makes them even better!
Don’t be surprised if they’re gone in a flash—everyone loves a good donut! I usually have a few with my morning coffee, and they never disappoint. 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for the donuts, giving them a nice structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. However, you can use any kind of apple, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure they’re firm for the best texture.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since you can control the salt levels. In a pinch, use coconut oil or melted margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Make Sure Your Donuts Are Soft and Fluffy?
Making baked donuts can be tricky when it comes to texture. The secret is to mix the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so handle them gently.
- Preheat your oven to ensure the donuts bake evenly.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a spatula to fold them together softly.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—the batter should come out clean, but don’t overbake.
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or your choice)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time. Plus, let’s give the glaze about 10 minutes to set before serving. So, all in all, you’ll be enjoying these tasty donuts in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture will create a nice base for your donuts.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in the chopped apples, adding a lovely fruity texture to your donuts.
5. Fill the Pan:
Spoon the batter into each of the donut pan wells, filling them about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake Away:
Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or juice), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon in a bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
9. Glaze those Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip back into the bowl.
10. Add Some Crunch:
Before the glaze sets, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the glazed surface for a delightful crunch!
11. Finish Up:
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes, and then your delicious baked apple donuts are ready to serve. Enjoy them fresh with a cup of coffee or as a delightful treat during the day!
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Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will result in denser donuts. You might want to start with a half-and-half mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Recipe?
Granny Smith apples are a favorite for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the donuts. However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any firm variety—just avoid soft or mushy apples to maintain texture.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these donuts vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in place of the buttermilk. They will still taste delicious!
