Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Donuts: A Simple and Delicious Treat for Beginners

Sharing is caring!

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen. It instantly brings feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort, making it the perfect recipe for beginners looking to create something special with minimal effort. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Donuts are a fantastic introduction to baking because they require simple techniques, no frying, and are incredibly forgiving if you make small mistakes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert paired with ice cream, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.

Print

This recipe takes the best flavors of fall and transforms them into soft, fluffy donuts with a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. The combination of applesauce and fresh grated apples ensures a moist texture, while baking instead of frying keeps them on the lighter side. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are beginner-friendly, requiring just a donut pan and an oven. The batter comes together in minutes, and there’s no need to worry about hot oil or precise temperature control. If you’re new to baking, this is a great way to build confidence in the kitchen while making something that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Apple Donuts:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1.5 cups fresh apple, peeled, cored, and grated

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon

A great feature of this recipe is its flexibility. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. If you prefer whole wheat flour, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add extra fiber without making the donuts too dense. For a dairy-free version, replace the buttermilk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Ingredients
   Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures your donuts bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, preventing clumps.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, buttermilk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined but avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense donuts. The applesauce provides moisture and natural sweetness while also helping reduce the need for extra oil.
3. Incorporate the Apples and Dry Ingredients
   Stir in the grated apples, making sure they are evenly distributed. Then, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s best to mix until just combined to maintain a light texture. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
4. Fill the Donut Pan
   Transfer the batter into a large ziplock bag and snip a small hole in one corner. This makes filling the donut pan easier and prevents a mess. Lightly grease the donut pan with non-stick spray, then pipe the batter into the cavities, filling each about ¾ of the way.
5. Bake the Donuts
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
   While the donuts cool for 5-10 minutes, melt the butter for the coating. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This step gives them a crisp, flavorful exterior.
7. Enjoy Fresh or Store for Later
   These donuts taste best warm, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell If Donuts Are Baked Perfectly: If you’re unsure whether they’re done, press lightly on the top of a donut. It should spring back rather than leaving an indentation. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Preventing Sticking: Even if using a non-stick donut pan, always spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Silicone pans are another great option as they make removal easier.
• What If the Donuts Are Too Dry? If your donuts turn out dry, it’s likely due to overbaking or overmixing. Make sure to bake just until done and stir the batter gently. Using applesauce and fresh apples should help keep them moist.
• Substituting a Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin instead. Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full, and bake for a few extra minutes. The result will be more like donut muffins but equally delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways. For a classic breakfast, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If serving as a dessert, try warming them slightly and topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream also elevates the experience.

For a healthier twist, skip the cinnamon sugar coating and instead serve them with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. If you enjoy contrast in texture, chop up some nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them on top before serving.

These donuts also make a great gift during the holiday season. Wrap them in a decorative box or bag for a homemade treat that friends and family will appreciate. If you’re hosting a brunch, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and serve with warm cider for the perfect autumn spread.

Conclusion

Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Donuts are proof that even beginners can make something bakery-quality at home. This recipe is forgiving, adaptable, and requires only basic kitchen tools. With soft interiors, a crisp cinnamon sugar coating, and a delightful apple flavor, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.

If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments! What substitutions did you make? Did you enjoy them with coffee, ice cream, or something else? Baking is all about experimenting and making a recipe your own, so don’t be afraid to get creative. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen and discover just how rewarding homemade treats can be. Happy baking!