Freshly baked apple cinnamon donuts with cinnamon sugar glaze on rustic plate

As the crisp fall air settles in, nothing welcomes the season quite like the sweet, spicy aroma of apple cinnamon donuts. This easy homemade recipe brings that cozy feeling right into your kitchen, giving you soft, tender donuts flavored with fresh apples and warm cinnamon.

Freshly baked apple cinnamon donuts with cinnamon sugar glaze on rustic plate this Recipe
Easy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Donuts For Fall Lovers 3 Make easy homemade apple cinnamon donuts that capture the warm, cozy flavors of fall in every bite—perfect for your seasonal cravings!

Whether you’re making a special weekend breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack, these apple cinnamon donuts are an absolute crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how simple they are to bake and how perfectly they capture all the best parts of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh apples for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Quick and easy baking method—no frying required.
  • Perfect balance of cinnamon spice and soft texture.
  • Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your apple cinnamon donuts come to life. The list is straightforward and designed for ease.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh apple (peeled, preferably a tart variety)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Servings: 12 donuts
  • Calories: Approximately 220 per donut

How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Donuts – The Best Treat for Fall Lovers!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the applesauce, chopped apples, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
  4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
  5. Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with batter, smoothing the tops lightly with a spoon or spatula.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Optional: While warm, dip the tops in a cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your cozy fall treat!

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the donuts soft and fluffy.
  • Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.
  • Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth if you like.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover apple cinnamon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. To prevent drying out, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

To reheat, warm donuts in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant again. Avoid overheating to keep them from becoming tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with texture.

Can I use canned or jarred applesauce?

Absolutely. Just be sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar content and maintain the right moistness in your donuts.

Are these donuts suitable for freezing?

Yes, these donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Definitely! A simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting would complement the apple cinnamon flavors beautifully if you want to dress them up.

Similar Posts