Baked Apple Donuts

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup whole milk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced - 1/4 cup melted butter - Extra cinnamon and sugar mixture for topping All-purpose flour gives structure to the donuts. It helps them rise and stay fluffy. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a nice crunch on the outside. Baking powder is the leavening agent, making the donuts rise as they bake. Ground cinnamon gives a warm and cozy flavor, perfect for apple treats. Unsweetened applesauce keeps the donuts moist while adding natural apple flavor. Whole milk adds creaminess, making the texture rich. Eggs help bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The diced apple brings freshness and a burst of juicy sweetness. Finally, melted butter adds richness to every bite and helps in browning the donuts. You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed. Coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option. Baking soda works in place of baking powder, but use half the amount. If you don’t have applesauce, mashed banana or yogurt can work well. Almond milk or any plant-based milk can replace whole milk. You can omit eggs or use flax eggs for a vegan version. Any apple variety works, but I like using Granny Smith for a tart touch. For the topping, try powdered sugar or a simple glaze if you want a sweeter finish. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well so they blend nicely. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of applesauce, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir until smooth. Now pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold it together. Add 1 medium diced apple and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Be careful not to overmix. Grab your donut pan and make sure it’s greased with non-stick spray or melted butter. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut, carefully fill each donut mold. Only fill them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the donuts to rise as they bake. Slide the filled donut pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them cool evenly. For a tasty finish, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This gives them a sweet touch that’s hard to resist. To get the perfect texture, focus on mixing. First, whisk the dry ingredients well. This helps blend the flour and baking powder evenly. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing leads to tough donuts. You want a light and fluffy donut, not a dense one. The key is to fold in the diced apple and melted butter just until combined. This keeps the donuts soft. Many people make the mistake of skipping the greasing step. Always grease your donut pan well, or your donuts will stick. Another common error is not measuring the flour correctly. Too much flour makes the donuts dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Finally, avoid baking the donuts too long. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. A toothpick should come out clean when they are done. You can easily boost the flavor of your baked apple donuts. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also work well. Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. For a sweeter touch, mix in chocolate chips. These add-ins can make your donuts unique and fun! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide I’ve shared. {{image_2}} You can make baked apple donuts gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Almond or oat flour works well. If you want a vegan option, replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use almond milk instead of whole milk. These swaps keep the donuts tasty and light. Want to spice up your donuts? Add a touch of nutmeg for warmth. Just a pinch can make a big difference. For a caramel twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce on top after baking. You can also mix caramel bits into the batter for a sweet surprise. These flavor options bring a whole new vibe to your treats. Toppings can turn your baked apple donuts into a showstopper. Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar while warm for a classic touch. You can also dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top. Fresh apple slices can add crunch and make a lovely garnish. These variations make your baked apple donuts truly irresistible. You can enjoy them in many delicious ways! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your baked apple donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm place, refrigerate them to extend freshness. Freezing is a great way to save extra donuts. Once cooled, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, reheat your donuts in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about five minutes. This method keeps them soft and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but only for 10-15 seconds. This keeps them warm without drying them out. Enjoy your delicious baked apple donuts! You can tell your donuts are done when they are lightly golden. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Overbaked donuts can turn dry. Yes, you can use different types of apples! Each type adds its own flavor. Some good choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Granny Smith brings a tart taste, while Honeycrisp is sweet and crisp. Mixing apple types can also add a fun twist to your donuts. Baked apple donuts pair well with many things. You can serve them with a simple glaze or apple icing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a tasty treat. Slices of fresh apple on the side add a nice touch. You can even enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For the full recipe, check out the Baked Apple Donuts section above! You learned about making baked apple donuts, from ingredients to storage tips. We covered key ingredients and alternatives, plus step-by-step instructions for the perfect donut. You also discovered tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. Variations include healthier options and tasty toppings. Now, you can bake donuts that impress everyone. Use these steps to create delicious treats at home. Enjoy your baking journey and share your tasty results!$

Indulge in the sweet goodness of baked apple donuts that are perfect for any occasion! Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and simple ingredients, these delicious treats are easy to make and irresistible. Discover how to create a delightful batch in just 30 minutes, and elevate your dessert game with fun presentation tips. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of autumn to your kitchen!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced

1/4 cup melted butter

Extra cinnamon and sugar mixture for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or brush with a little melted butter.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

In another bowl, mix the applesauce, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine.

Fold in the diced apple and melted butter until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!

Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, fill each donut mold about three-quarters full with the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack.

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a delicious finishing touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a wooden serving board or Tiered cake stand. Drizzle some apple icing or a simple glaze on top for an added touch of sweetness, and serve with slices of fresh apple on the side for an attractive look.