These Cinnamon Apple Baked Donuts offer a delightful, guilt-free treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. You’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to make these delicious, healthier baked donuts right in your own kitchen. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy baking recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted for an even healthier option.
- Sweetener: Granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute in equal measure.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk works well.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely diced apple (peeled or unpeeled)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 27-30 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Tools needed: Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Donut Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan to prevent sticking. This ensures your healthy baking recipes come out perfectly every time.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This liquid mixture adds moisture to your baked donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
5. Fold in Apples
Gently fold the finely diced apples into the donut batter. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout for a burst of flavor in every bite.
6. Fill Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. A piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes this process cleaner.
7. Bake the Donuts
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the donuts are baking, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small shallow bowl. This creates the delicious coating for your finished donuts.
9. Cool and Coat
Let the baked donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats, adjusting baking time as needed.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Cinnamon Apple Baked Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I fry these donuts? No, this recipe is specifically designed for baked donuts, a healthier alternative.
- Do I need a donut pan? Yes, a donut pan is essential for achieving the classic donut shape.
- Can I use frozen apples? Fresh apples are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- How can I make these gluten-free? You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- What if I don’t have applesauce? You can substitute an equal amount of mashed ripe banana or plain yogurt.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after preparing the batter for optimal texture.
