Introduction
The aroma of cinnamon sugar in hot oil takes me back to my childhood in Chicago. My Polish-American grandmother, my babcia, made golden donuts while my mother and I waited eagerly. Now I recreate those moments for my husband and kids, Ella and Peter. These homemade apple cinnamon donuts blend my grandmother Elizabeth’s apple cake with classic donut charm. One bite of these fluffy, apple-packed rings and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are soft and tender, thanks to fresh apples and buttermilk. They’re coated in cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch. Baked, not fried, they’re a lighter option for breakfast or snacks. You need only mixing bowls and a donut pan—the batter comes together in 15 minutes.
The recipe is simple and reliable. Apples keep the donuts moist, while cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy aroma. It’s a great way to use extra apples. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, these donuts are foolproof and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, using pantry staples you likely have.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure. Substitute half with whole wheat pastry flour for heartier texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps donuts rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for extra lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star flavor. Use good-quality Ceylon if possible.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warm, nutty depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients. Bring to room temperature.
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and molasses flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and crisp exterior.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Makes donuts tender. Substitute with ½ cup milk plus 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice, rested 5 minutes.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds flavor. Use coconut or vegetable oil instead.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1 cup finely grated apple: About 1 large or 2 small apples. Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Squeeze out excess liquid.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect donuts.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 6-cavity donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk egg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until frothy. Whisk in buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine and Add Apples: Pour dry ingredients into wet. Stir gently until just combined—lumps are fine. Fold in grated apples evenly.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner. Fill each cavity ¾ full.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Tops should spring back.
- Cool and Coat: Cool in pan 5 minutes. Melt butter for coating. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Remove donuts, brush with butter, and toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Best enjoyed warm, right after coating.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- ✓Quick and easy to prepare
- ✓Packed with flavor and nutrition
- ✓Perfect for any occasion
- ✓Customizable to your taste preferences
- ✓Budget-friendly ingredients
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t overmix the batter—it develops gluten and makes dense donuts. Mix until just combined, leaving a few flour streaks.
Grate the apple and squeeze out excess juice. Too much liquid makes donuts soggy. Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out the apple.
Grease the donut pan well to prevent sticking. Use generous butter or a baking spray with flour.
Variations and Substitutions
Make it your own. For a decadent treat, skip the cinnamon sugar and dip cooled donuts in vanilla or maple glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or maple extract until smooth.
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture will differ slightly. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts pair well with coffee, milk, or spiced apple cider. Serve at brunch with bacon and eggs, or as an after-school snack.
For extra indulgence, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The warm, spiced donut with cold cream is divine. They’ll disappear fast.
FAQs
Can I make these without a donut pan? Yes. Use a 12-cup muffin tin for donut holes or muffins. Adjust baking time—muffins take 15-18 minutes, donut holes 8-10 minutes. Use the toothpick test.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Coating may soften. Reheat in the microwave 10-15 seconds, or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Can I freeze these donuts? Yes. Freeze uncoated. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and coat as directed.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy making these donuts as much as my family does. They’re more than a recipe—they’re comfort and a warm hug on a cool morning. Get your hands floury and fill your home with cinnamon and apples. Happy baking!
If you loved these donuts, try my Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal, Blueberry Muffins, Pumpkin Pancakes, or French Apple Cake.
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· American ·
Perfect Homemade Apple Cinnamon Donuts Recipe
These baked homemade apple cinnamon donuts are incredibly soft, moist, and coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. They're an easy, family-friendly treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall.
Keep the screen of your device on while you follow the steps.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 6-cavity donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until frothy. Whisk in buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated apple.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. While warm, brush donuts with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy.