Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the cozy flavors of fall in a sweet morning treat, then these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts are going to feel like a warm hug for your taste buds. Soft, tender, and infused with the natural sweetness of fresh apples paired with just the right amount of cinnamon spice, these donuts hit the perfect balance of comfort and delight. Not fried, but baked to perfection, they make for a lighter yet utterly satisfying snack or breakfast that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples that come together to create a flavor-packed, moist donut. Each component plays an important role: the flour and baking powder give structure, sugar adds sweetness, cinnamon brings warmth, and fresh apple gives a natural juiciness that makes these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts irresistibly tender.

• 230 g flour: Acts as the base to hold all your lovely donut ingredients together with just the right texture.
• 100 g sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping to create a delicate crumb in the donut.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Your secret weapon for making the donuts light and fluffy.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Provides that warm, familiar spice that defines the dish.
• 1 egg: Binds the mixture and adds richness to each bite.
• 120 ml milk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender, blending the dry ingredients smoothly.
• 40 g butter: Adds buttery flavor and a luscious, soft texture.
• 1 small apple, grated: Fresh apple adds natural sweetness and moistness, making every donut bursting with apple goodness.
• Coating: cinnamon + sugar: The perfect finishing touch to enhance flavor and add a little crunch.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl until combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined—remember not to overmix to keep those donuts light and fluffy. Finally, fold in the grated apple so that juicy pieces are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 2: Fill Your Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release. Spoon the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about three-quarters full. This will give your donuts room to rise without spilling over the edges.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The donuts should turn a lovely golden brown and pass the toothpick test for doneness—just a few crumbs, no wet batter. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before handling.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

While the donuts are still warm, roll them gently in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This coating adds an irresistible sweet-spicy crunch that perfectly complements the soft, apple-studded interior. Pop them onto a wire rack afterward so they don’t get soggy and let them cool slightly before indulging.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

Garnishes

To make your Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts even more enchanting, consider adding a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and nutty fragrance. A dusting of powdered sugar can give them a delicate, snow-kissed appearance that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a breakfast that transports you right into a cozy kitchen on a crisp morning. They also pair beautifully with a simple bowl of vanilla yogurt topped with honey and cinnamon, adding a tangy contrast to their sweet softness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation by stacking the donuts into a charming tower on a cake stand for a brunch spread. You can also serve them with small ramekins of apple butter, whipped cream, or even a cinnamon-infused cream cheese dip to elevate every bite. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment paper tied with rustic twine makes for perfect gift packaging or lovely party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Because these donuts are best enjoyed fresh and moist, try to eat them within this timeframe for maximum flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the donuts if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them before serving.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to life, reheat them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This quick warm-up helps restore their soft, tender texture and revives the wonderful aroma of apple and cinnamon.

FAQs

Can I substitute the fresh apple with apple sauce?

Yes, you can use apple sauce instead of grated apple, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly, making the donuts a bit denser and less chunky. Adding about 60 ml of unsweetened apple sauce should work well.

Do I need a special donut pan to bake these?

While a donut pan helps shape these treats perfectly, you could also use muffin tins and simply adjust the baking time. Your Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts may look more like muffins but will still taste wonderful.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix of your choice. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the donuts from falling apart.

How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating?

Simply mix equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll the warm donuts in this mixture until fully coated for that classic, sweet-spicy finish.

Are these donuts healthy?

While these baked donuts are lighter than fried versions and feature fresh fruit, they still contain sugar and butter, so enjoy them as an occasional treat. They are a comforting choice when you want sweetness with a bit of wholesome apple flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts enough when you’re craving something cozy and freshly baked but without the fuss of frying. They bring that heartwarming apple and cinnamon flavor right into your kitchen and make any breakfast or snack feel extra special. So grab your ingredients, pull out your donut pan, and get ready to enjoy bites of pure, tender happiness with every donut you bake.