Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Warm cinnamon apple pie flavor
- Perfect for fall and holiday baking
- Delicious cinnamon sugar coating
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacks
- Easy homemade comfort treat
- Can be baked or fried depending on preference
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely diced apples
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
- Brush each donut lightly with melted butter.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl, then coat the donuts evenly.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Caramel Apple Donuts: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished donuts.
- Maple Spice Version: Add maple extract or maple glaze.
- Stuffed Donuts: Fill with apple pie filling after baking.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Glazed Apple Donuts: Replace cinnamon sugar with vanilla glaze.
Storage/Reheating
Store Apple Pie Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual donuts for 10–15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
These donuts can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well because they hold their texture during baking.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
Yes, though the dough consistency may need slight adjustments for frying.
Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix only until combined.
Can I use apple pie filling?
Yes, finely chopped apple pie filling can be used instead of fresh apples.
How do I keep donuts soft?
Store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking.
Are these donuts overly sweet?
No, they have balanced sweetness with warm spice flavor.
Can I add icing?
Absolutely. Vanilla glaze or caramel icing pairs beautifully with the apple flavor.
Can I make mini donuts?
Yes, simply reduce the baking time for smaller donuts.
What drinks pair well with Apple Pie Donuts?
Coffee, apple cider, chai tea, or hot chocolate pair wonderfully with these donuts.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Donuts are a cozy and delicious treat that combines the warm flavors of apple pie with the soft texture of homemade donuts. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or seasonal gatherings, these sweet cinnamon-coated donuts deliver comforting flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.
PrintApple Pie Donuts
Apple Pie Donuts are soft and fluffy donuts filled with tender apples, warm cinnamon spice, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. These cozy homemade treats combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the delicious texture of fresh baked donuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely diced apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
- Brush each donut lightly with melted butter.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl, then coat the donuts evenly.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best for texture and flavor.
- Add caramel drizzle or vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts soft and fluffy.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze donuts for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
