Introduction to Baked Apple Donuts
Imagine the sweet aroma of warm cinnamon and fresh apples filling your kitchen. That’s what
you’ll get with these delightful Baked Apple Donuts! Perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon
treat, they are easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress your loved ones. As a passionate home cook,
I know how challenging it can be to find time for baking when life is bustling. But trust me,
making these donuts is a quick solution, allowing you to indulge in the cozy flavors of fall
without the fuss. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Donuts
These Baked Apple Donuts are a wonderful treat that perfectly combines ease, speed, and delightful taste. In just 32 minutes, you can create a warm, tasty snack that evokes fond memories of autumn. Not only are they a healthier alternative to fried donuts, but they also provide a fun way to incorporate apples into your family’s diet. Trust me, they’ll be requesting these treats again and again!
Ingredients for Baked Apple Donuts
Getting started on these delicious Baked Apple Donuts is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apple Pie Filling: Incorporate diced gala apples, known for their sweetness. Add salted butter for richness, brown sugar for sweetness, apple pie spice for that cozy flavor, and all-purpose flour to thicken the filling.
- Donuts: All-purpose flour forms the base. Baking powder and baking soda help achieve that perfect, fluffy texture. Brown sugar provides a deep sweetness, while eggs add moisture and structure. Low-fat buttermilk gives a wonderful tang and keeps the donuts moist. Don’t skip the melted butter for flavor, and add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness. Lastly, apple pie spice ties everything together with its signature fall essence.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Blend white granulated sugar with cinnamon for that nostalgic topping. Melted butter will help this mixture stick, adding a luscious finish to each donut.
Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a delightful experience. If you’re short on time, you can even use store-bought apple pie filling to speed things up! Remember to check out the bottom of the article for exact quantities, which you can print for your convenience!
How to Make Baked Apple Donuts
Making Baked Apple Donuts is an enriching experience that’s almost as delightful as tasting them! Follow these simple steps, and let’s create something special together.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing the gala apples. Make sure they’re cut into small pieces for a tender filling.
Next, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add salted butter and brown sugar, letting them melt together until bubbly. Toss in the diced apples and sprinkle the apple pie spice.
Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Stir every few minutes. You’ll want to cook until the apples soften, about 10 minutes.
Once they’re tender, sprinkle in the flour and mix again. Allow the mixture to cool down before combining it with the donut batter. Patience is key; hot filling can cook the eggs later!
Step 2: Create the Donut Batter
Now it’s time for the star of the show — the donut batter! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together two eggs and brown sugar until well blended.
Next, pour in the low-fat buttermilk and melted butter. Don’t forget the splash of vanilla extract for flavor magic!
Gradually sift in your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and that extra bit of apple pie spice.
Whisk until just combined. We want a smooth batter, but be careful not to overmix. That’s the secret to fluffy donuts!
Step 3: Combine Pie Filling with Batter
It’s time to bring our sweet apple pie filling and donut batter together. Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the batter using a spatula.
Take your time here; each fold gently introduces that lovely apple flavor into the batter. It’s like a warm hug for each donut!
Once well combined, you’ll have a beautiful batter infused with apple goodness.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Now, let’s get these donuts ready for baking! Grab a piping bag and transfer your batter into it.
Using a pint glass to hold the bag makes filling it easier. Cut the tip of the bag to create a ¾ inch opening.
Squeeze the batter into the donut cups, filling each one almost full. This will give you nice, fluffy donuts that rise beautifully in the oven!
Step 5: Bake for Perfect Donuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the ideal baking environment.
Pop the filled donut pan into the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back slightly when touched.
Another test is to insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. Trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of fresh donuts wafting through your home!
Step 6: Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While your donuts cool on a wire rack, let’s talk about that irresistible cinnamon sugar topping.
Melt some butter in a small bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix white granulated sugar with cinnamon.
Once the donuts have cooled a bit, brush the tops with melted butter. Then, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture for that perfect finish.
This topping is what turns your tasty treats into the star of the fall dessert scene!
Tips for Success
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring consistent results.
- Chill your donut pan in the freezer for a few minutes before filling; this helps the batter rise evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the mixing bowl; fold gently to preserve air in the batter.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan: A silicone or metal pan works great; if you don’t have one, a muffin tin will do.
- Mixing bowls: Use one large and one smaller for easy mixing.
- Whisk: A hand whisk or electric mixer can speed things up.
- Piping bag: A ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works just as well.
- Saucepan: A medium pot is ideal for making the apple pie filling.
Variations on Baked Apple Donuts
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk and coconut oil in place of butter.
- Spiced Pumpkin Donuts: Mix in a cup of canned pumpkin with the batter and switch the apple pie spice for a pumpkin spice blend.
- Nutty Apple Donuts: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor complexity.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts instead of the cinnamon sugar topping!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Apple Donuts
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.
- Pair with a steaming cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a cozy autumn afternoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation at a brunch gathering.
- Add a side of fresh whipped cream for dipping, perfect for family fun!
FAQs about Baked Apple Donuts
I know you might have some burning questions about these delicious Baked Apple Donuts! Here are some common ones I often hear, along with helpful answers to guide your baking journey.
Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
Absolutely! While gala apples are sweet and tender, feel free to try honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor. Each variety brings a unique taste to the donuts!
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the batter and apple filling a day in advance. Keep them stored separately in the fridge. Just bring them back to room temperature before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.
How should I store leftover donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. If they last that long, that is!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! After cooling completely, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving!
What can I serve with Baked Apple Donuts?
These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience! Serve them with a warm cup of apple cider, or pair with lovely whipped cream for a sweet touch. Perfect for those cozy family gatherings!
Final Thoughts on Baked Apple Donuts
There’s something truly magical about Baked Apple Donuts. Each bite combines the comforting taste of apple pie with the warmth of fall spices, making it a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or at a festive gathering, they bring smiles to every face around the table.
As a busy mom, I cherish recipes like this that bring my family together, sharing laughter and conversation over homemade treats. Embrace the joy of baking these donuts, and your home will fill with delightful aromas and golden memories that linger long after the last bite!
Print
Baked Apple Donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apple Donuts are a delightful fall treat with a delicious apple pie filling and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients
- Apple Pie Filling:
- 1 1/4 cup diced gala apples (about 2–3 medium apples)
- 1 ½ tbsp salted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup low fat buttermilk
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
Instructions
- For the Apple Pie Filling: Peel, core and dice apples. Heat a sauce pot over medium heat.
- Add butter and sugar to the pot, mix well.
- Add diced apples and mix, then sprinkle in flour and apple pie spice. Mix again.
- Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook until the apples are softened, stirring every few minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down.
- For the Donuts: Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Sift in all dry ingredients and whisk until incorporated.
- Add the cooled apple pie filling mixture and mix well using a spatula.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag, cutting the tip to 3/4 inch opening.
- Squeeze batter into the donut cups of the pan, filling each almost full.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Melt butter in a cup and mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush the top of each donut with melted butter and dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place back on the wire rack and repeat with all donuts.
Notes
- Ensure the apple pie filling is not too hot before mixing it into the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Using a pint glass to hold the piping bag can make filling it easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
