When you want a cozy bakery-style treat without frying, these Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are the perfect choice. They’re tender, warmly spiced, and packed with sweet apple flavor—then topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that makes every bite taste like fall.
Unlike fried donuts, this homemade baked version is lighter, easier, and still delivers that soft donut texture with a delicious crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee, these donuts are simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Makes 10–12 donuts (standard donut pan)
Donut Batter
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (75g) finely diced apple (peeled, optional for extra texture)
Apple Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze (Recommended)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 12–15 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well (even if it’s nonstick).
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
Set aside so it firms up slightly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth.
Stir in diced apple if using.
Step 5: Combine
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon batter into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut) and fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full.
Step 7: Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle crumb topping over each donut and gently press it in slightly so it sticks.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over donuts once slightly cooled.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider.
- Add a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a breakfast-style plate.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for more “donut shop” flavor.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with fruit and eggs.
- Make mini donuts for parties and dessert trays.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 donut) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 34 grams |
| Sugars | 18 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 190 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Applesauce keeps donuts moist and adds natural sweetness.
- Baking instead of frying reduces oil and makes cleanup easier.
- Adding diced apple boosts flavor and adds a little extra fiber.
Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts
- Grease the donut pan well to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps donuts soft and tender.
- Use a piping bag for clean, even donuts.
- Press the crumb topping lightly so it stays on after baking.
- Glaze when donuts are slightly warm for a glossy finish.
Variations to Try
- Apple Cider Donuts: Replace milk with apple cider and add extra cinnamon.
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
- Nutty Crumb: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple Glaze: Swap vanilla glaze for a maple glaze using maple syrup.
These Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are a cozy, bakery-style treat made easy at home. Soft, warmly spiced, and topped with buttery cinnamon crumble, they bring all the comfort of apple desserts in a fun donut form.
Whether you make them for a weekend breakfast, a fall gathering, or a sweet snack, this recipe guarantees a tender, crumb-topped bite every time.
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