Description

These homemade apple donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon and apple flavor. Made with fresh apples and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. You can bake or fry them, and they pair beautifully with coffee or hot cider. A cozy, comforting treat that will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar

Wet Ingredients

½ cup applesauce (or grated apple)
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter

Topping (Optional)

½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven or prepare oil for frying
- If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- If frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.
Combine the wet ingredients
- In another bowl, mix applesauce, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy.
Fill the donut pan or shape for frying
- If baking, spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- If frying, pipe or shape the dough into rings using a floured surface.
Bake or fry the donuts
- Baking: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Frying: Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Coat with cinnamon sugar (optional)
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for extra sweetness.
Serve and enjoy!
- Let the donuts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh or store for later!

Notes

For a stronger apple flavor, reduce 1 cup of apple cider to ½ cup by simmering it, then use it instead of milk.
If you don’t have a donut pan, bake the batter in a muffin tin and cut out the centers for a donut shape.
For a healthier version, replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar.
To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking or Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple donuts, baked apple donuts, homemade donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, apple cider donuts, fall desserts, easy donut recipe