Description
These baked apple donuts are a cozy, autumn-inspired treat featuring real apple, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated (about 1 medium apple, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to keep apples bright)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Peel and grate apple. Toss with lemon juice. Fold grated apple into wet mixture.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Tap pan to level.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and springy. Toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool donuts in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack.
- For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until thick but pourable.
- Dip cooled donuts into glaze or drizzle with spoon. Let glaze set for about 10 minutes.
Notes
Use tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free, swap flour and milk as needed. Don’t overmix batter for tender donuts. Double glaze for extra sweetness. Store in airtight container for up to 2 days at room temp, or freeze unglazed for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: baked apple donuts, fall dessert, easy donut recipe, apple cinnamon, glazed donuts, autumn baking, kid-friendly, nut-free, gluten-free option, dairy-free option