These easy Baked Apple Donuts are a fun treat to share with the kids AND a healthy breakfast to serve all year long. Think Apple Cider Donuts that you can make quickly right at home!
There’s something about baking in a donut pan that really can turn basic ingredients into something super special. I love making these Apple Donuts since they are easy, are made with ingredients I usually have in the house, and totally thrill the kids.
These baked donuts have a delicious apple cinnamon flavor, are lower in added sugar than purchased donuts, and are fun to serve for breakfast or snack.
You can top with a little cinnamon-sugar so they taste and look more like Apple Cider Donuts. too.
Why This Recipe Works
With a simple stir together batter made using basic pantry staples, this recipe bakes up in under 15 minutes in a donut pan. The result is tender, delicious donuts at home, with nutrition and yummy flavor the kids will love.
(You may also like my Pumpkin Baked Donuts, Baked Chocolate Donuts, Baked Donuts, and Donut Muffins as more donut ideas.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
The Baked Apple Donut recipe batter mixes up in a single bowl. Here’s a look at what you need to have on hand to make the recipe.
- Whole-wheat flour: I like this hearty flour here as it helps the baked donuts hold their shape.
- Applesauce: You can use store-bought or homemade applesauce.
- Melted butter: I use unsalted butter in my baking so I can control the added salt.
- Milk: Whole milk or any nondairy milk will work similarly, so use what you prefer.
- Egg: I use large eggs in my recipes, so plan to use that size to ensure the volume is correct.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon: We use both here to add cozy flavor that pairs so well with apple.
- Maple syrup: You can sub in honey if you prefer, though avoid it for babies under age 1. We use a modest amount of sweetener to ensure the donuts taste great.
TIP: You can make these dairy-free by using a neutral oil like canola and nondairy plain unsweetened milk.
Featured Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe was super easy and fun to do with my 5 year old. They tasted great, especially with the cinnamon sugar on top.” –Jessica
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the easy method involved in making this Baked Apple Donut recipe. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Preheat the oven and grease a standard donut pan with nonstick spray. Gently stir all ingredients together.
Step 2. Divide batter among the donut pan, using about ¼ cup per donut.
Step 3. Bake until lightly golden brown around the edges and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
Step 4. Let cool and dip in melted butter and then cinnamon sugar, if desired.
TIP: Be sure to spray the pan well with nonstick spray, including around and on top of the hole, to ensure that the donuts come out of the pan easily.
product we love
Wilton Donut Pan
This pan bakes even, perfect donuts every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
They do if you add the optional cinnamon-sugar on top! (Though they aren’t quite as sweet as the ones you’d buy.)
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in a mini muffin tin, filling to the edge, and baking at the same temperature and timing.
They are really yummy warm out of the oven, though you can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to Store
You can store the cooled Baked Apple Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days or you can freeze them for a future week.
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Best Tips for Success
- These Baked Apple Donuts are really yummy served warm out of the oven.
- We love them with a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
- Use smooth applesauce for a consistency close to cake donuts. (Chunky applesauce will have chunks of apples which the kids may or may not mind!)
- Make the donuts a little sweeter by adding 1 tablespoon sugar to the batter.
- And find even more flavor variations with my best Baked Donut Recipes.
Related Recipes
Desserts
Favorite Applesauce Cookies
Breakfast
Fluffy Applesauce Pancakes
Snacks
Easy Sliced Baked Apples
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share if you try these for your kids!
Baked Apple Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping (optional)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a standard donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Add the egg, milk, butter, applesauce, vanilla, and maple syrup to a medium bowl. Stir well to combine. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and spoon into prepared donut pan, filling each full. (You'll use a heaping ¼ cup batter in each.)
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
- Let cool in pan for about 2 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
- Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Add the cinnamon and sugar to a bowl and stir to combine. Brush the top of each donut with a little melted butter. Invert the donut and rub gently into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment
Notes
- These are best eaten on the day they are made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly before serving after the first day if desired.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in a mini muffin tin, filling to the edge, and baking at the same temperature and timing.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style GF flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use a neutral oil like canola and nondairy plain unsweetened milk.
- Use smooth applesauce for a consistency close to cake donuts. (Chunky applesauce will have chunks of apples which the kids may or may not mind!)
- To make the batter a little sweeter, add 1 tablespoon sugar.
Nutrition
This post was first published September 2017.
Would it be possible to bake at 365 instead of 400? Iโm opting to bake in a silicone nontoxic baking pan and it canโt go into heat higher than 375. Thank you!
Sure, just might take a few more minutes.
Followed the recipe twice but they keep turning out so heavy and egg-y; not soft at all.
Can you use coconut milk
Yes, as long as it’s not too thick (like the kind that comes from a can and can be super thick)
So lovely. Made 2 batches today as the first one disappeared
I made as directed and added 2 tablespoons brown sugar for sweetness. These are enjoyable.
from the reviews, if you need to alter due to diet, I recommend findingreceipes specific to your needs, otherwise the receipe won’t turn out.
Is there something to substitute for egg?
Can I do this with a banana pouch instead of apple?
I made this for my 2 year old toddler yesterday, and I got to say it is sooo delicious. It is even great after a night in the fridge, that I feel I need to leave this review here. More donut recipes please, and did I mention it is made with whole wheat flour!?
Can I use something to substitute the egg?
Didn’t have whole wheat flour and used all purpose instead. The batter turned out liquid, not as thick as in the picture. The result – the batter remained wet on the inside after baking them 27 min and weren’t spongy and dry… The baking powder was fresh. Though the taste is fine.
Yes, that is not surprising as whole wheat flour and all purpose flour do not bake the same way. To substitute in all purpose flour here, you would either need to add more flour or reduce the liquid.
These are so yummy! And more importantly, my toddler loves them ๐ will definitely be making again, they have not lasted very long lol
Can I substitute shredded apple for the apple sauce? We have a lot of apples at our house right now (yay apple picking season!)
Yes, I think so, but you might need a splash of milk if the batter is very thick. Enjoy!
I made these for my daughter who has many allergies. They were so delicious that we devoured them asap. I subbed the egg for flax seed egg, the butter for coconut oil and did oat milk with GF 1:1 flour.
Gluten free flour question. I know there is all purpose GF that can be substituted. But how would buckwheat work? Does it count as 1:1?
It doesn’t count as a 1:1, that means a gluten free all purpose mix that is formulated to be a replacement for wheat flour. Buckwheat can often be used in place of whole wheat flour, but almost always you need to reduce the amount slightly or add more liquid since it is a thirstier flour (the baked goods may turn out dry if you don’t adjust)
These are soo good! My whole family loved them. I didnโt have apple sauce so I used some of the snack packets the kids had with banana, butternut squash, oatmeal and raisins in them and they still slapped. Thank you!