Baked Apple Donuts
Tender baked apple donuts made with freshly grated apples, warm spices, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. A cozy fall-inspired treat that’s soft, moist, and sparkling with sweet crunch—just like classic apple cider donuts but easier to make at home.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 27 mins (including cooling and coating)
- Yield: 12–14 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the apple donuts: 1 1/2 cups (210g) grated Granny Smith apples (excess liquid squeezed out), 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (melted & cooled), 2 large eggs (room temp), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2/3 cup (160mL) milk (room temp)
For the cinnamon sugar coating: 5 tbsp (75g) unsalted butter (melted & cooled), 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter and flour two 6-count donut pans.
- Grate apples (peeling optional), squeeze out excess liquid, and measure 1 1/2 cups.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in milk and grated apples.
- Fold in dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill each donut mold 3/4 full with batter (use spoon or piping bag).
- Bake 7–10 minutes, until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs and edges are lightly browned.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat fully.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Add nutmeg or allspice to batter for extra warmth.
Try Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter variation.
Drizzle cooled donuts with powdered sugar glaze mixed with apple juice for added indulgence.
Storage: Airtight container at room temp 2 days, or fridge 5 days.
Reheat in oven at 325°F for 5 minutes to refresh coating. Avoid microwaving.
Freeze without coating, then thaw and coat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/baked-apple-donuts/
