These baked apple donuts are soft, sweet, and bursting with apple goodness! Topped with a shiny glaze, they are as fun to eat as they are to make.
You can’t go wrong with a little apple treat. I love serving them warm with a cup of coffee. They disappear quickly, so make plenty! 🍏🍩
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for our donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both help the donuts rise. Ensure they’re fresh for the best results. If you run out, use an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder instead of baking soda.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt content. You could use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a dairy-free option.
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture. You can substitute it with sour cream or even apple sauce if you want to cut calories.
Apples: I prefer using Granny Smith for their tartness, but any apple you like will work! If you need a non-apple option, try mashed bananas or pumpkin puree.
How Do I Get My Donuts to Rise Perfectly?
The rising of donuts depends on the leavening agents and how you mix the batter. Here’s how to ensure they rise well:
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda; old ingredients will not work well.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make them dense.
- Make sure your oven is preheated before baking. This gives the dough a quick rise at first.
With these tips, your baked apple donuts will be fluffy and delicious!
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Donuts:
- 1 cup 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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired glaze consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Toppings:
- Small diced apples (about 1/4 cup)
- Ground cinnamon or brown sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12 to 15 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time and an additional 15 minutes for the glaze to set. In total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes before you can enjoy your scrumptious donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will keep your donuts from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add in the egg and whisk until smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract until you have a lovely mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Remember, we want to mix just enough to combine everything without overmixing, as that can make our donuts dense.
5. Fold in the Apples:
Now it’s time to add in the star of the show! Fold in the finely chopped apples gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This will allow them to rise nicely without spilling over.
7. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Prepare for Glazing:
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool before glazing!
9. Make the Glaze:
While the donuts cool, let’s whip up the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if you choose to use it). Adjust the glaze with more milk or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. The glaze should stick nicely to the donuts!
11. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle small diced apples and a bit of cinnamon or brown sugar on the glaze before it sets for an extra delicious finish.
12. Let It Set:
Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving, giving your donuts that perfect glazed look.
Enjoy your warm and irresistible baked apple donuts, complete with a sweet and cinnamon-spiced glaze! Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check the blend’s guidelines for the best results.
How Long Do the Donuts Last?
These baked apple donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can top your donuts with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even mini chocolate chips. Drizzling some caramel sauce on top would be delicious too!
