These Cinnamon Apple Donuts are fluffy, sweet, and spiced just right! Packed with real apple pieces and coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar, they’re hard to resist.
Making these donuts is a treat! I love whipping up a batch on a cozy morning. They disappear quickly, so you might want to hide a few for yourself! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the donuts. If you’re gluten-free, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’s a solid substitute that works great for baking.
Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar keeps these donuts sweet and fluffy. If you want a bit of depth, try using brown sugar, which adds a hint of molasses flavor. Just remember that it will darken the donuts a bit!
Unsweetened applesauce: This adds moisture without extra fat. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with mashed banana or even yogurt, but expect a slight flavor change. I prefer applesauce for its mild taste.
Fresh apples: Any sweet variety works, but I recommend Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If fresh apples aren’t available, go for canned pie filling, but drain it well before adding.
Buttermilk: It makes the donuts tender. You can easily make your own by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Regular milk is an option too, but it won’t have the same tangy flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Donuts Rise Perfectly?
Getting these donuts to rise well depends on using the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. They’re crucial for leavening.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. This keeps the donuts light and airy!
- Fill the donut cavities about 3/4 full. This allows space for rising without spilling over.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, and you want them set but not overcooked—check for a toothpick coming out clean!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some time to cool and coat your donuts, making the total time around 30-40 minutes until you’re tasting them. Perfect for a quick yet impressive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a donut pan to prevent sticking. If you have a silicon mold, that works great too!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for fluffy donuts.
3. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, finely chopped fresh apple, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until it’s nice and smooth. This blend of ingredients will keep your donuts moist and flavorful!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, gently add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a folding motion to combine them until just mixed. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; overmixing can lead to a dense donut.
5. Filling the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. This will help you easily fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full for the perfect rise!
6. Baking Time:
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
7. Making the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
While the donuts cool a little, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This is key to getting that sweet, crunchy coating!
8. Coating the Donuts:
Once you take the donuts out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, but while they’re still warm, brush each one with melted butter. Then, roll or sprinkle each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well-coated. Yum!
9. Final Touch:
Let the donuts cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy and keeps them light and fluffy.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Cinnamon Apple Donuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may make the donuts denser. A good tip is to use a blend of both for a lighter texture while still enjoying the health benefits of whole grains.
Can I Make These Donuts Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these donuts vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk in place of buttermilk. You can still enjoy the same delicious flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Type of Apples Are Best for This Recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. These apples hold up well in baking and add a lovely sweetness to your donuts. If you prefer a bit of tartness, Granny Smith apples are a great choice too!