Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts

In recent years, baked donuts have surged in popularity, becoming a beloved alternative to traditional fried donuts. This shift has largely been driven by health-conscious consumers seeking indulgent treats that won't derail their dietary goals. Baked donuts, unlike their fried counterparts, offer a lighter texture and a significantly reduced fat content while retaining all the delicious flavors we crave. Among the myriad of baked donut recipes, cinnamon-infused baked apple donuts stand out for their warm, comforting taste that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the autumn season.

Discover the joy of baking with this delightful recipe for cinnamon-infused baked apple donuts! These soft, pillowy treats capture the essence of autumn with their warm spices and apple sweetness. Perfect for health-conscious indulgers, baked donuts are lighter and allow for nutritious ingredient choices. This easy-to-follow guide covers everything from ingredient selection to step-by-step baking, ensuring delicious results every time. Enjoy these delightful donuts warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best)

2 tbsp melted butter (cooled)

For the topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine applesauce, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.

Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off, and fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Topping: While the donuts are baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a shallow bowl.

Coat the Donuts: Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip the tops into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack for a few more minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious baked apple cinnamon donuts!

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