Description of this recipe:
These Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts are a delightful and wholesome alternative to traditional fried donuts. They capture the essence of autumn with their warm spices and the natural sweetness of apples, all baked to a tender and golden perfection. Imagine biting into a soft, cake-like donut, infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with juicy pieces of apple. This recipe is not only easier to make than its fried counterpart but also a healthier choice, making it a perfect treat for any time of day, from breakfast to a cozy evening snack. The addition of a simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch, making these baked donuts irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll fall in love with these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts because they offer all the satisfying flavors of a traditional donut without the guilt of frying. The baking process keeps them light and airy, while the combination of apples and warm spices creates a comforting and nostalgic taste. The easy-to-follow recipe makes it a breeze to whip up a batch in under an hour, and the simple glaze requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. These donuts are incredibly versatile – enjoy them as a quick breakfast on a busy morning, a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea, or a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Plus, they are a wonderful way to use up extra apples and add a touch of homemade goodness to your day. Their delightful aroma while baking will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness, making them a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (or more, as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan (or two, depending on the size of your pan) with cooking spray. This will ensure that the donuts release easily after baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution of the spices throughout the donuts.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract. The melted butter should be cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg when combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough donuts. Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about two-thirds full with batter. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the cavities. If using a piping bag, cut off a corner and pipe the batter into each donut mold.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and breaking.
Step 8: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 9: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork.
Step 10: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. This will take about 15-20 minutes. You can add sprinkles or chopped nuts before the glaze sets for extra decoration.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts warm or at room temperature.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a delightful afternoon treat, or a comforting dessert.
- For a special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Dust them with a light coating of cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips:
- Use a donut pan for best results. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in muffin tins, but they will be shaped like muffins instead of donuts. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts.
- Cool the melted butter before adding it to the wet ingredients. This will prevent it from cooking the egg.
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are all great choices.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per donut (depending on glaze thickness)
Protein: 4-5 grams per donut
Sodium: 200-250 mg per donut
Conclusion:
These Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts are a delightful and healthier way to enjoy a classic treat. Their warm spices, juicy apples, and tender texture make them a perfect comfort food for any occasion. The easy-to-follow recipe and simple glaze ensure that anyone can whip up a batch of these delicious donuts in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!
FAQs
Question 1: Can I use a different kind of flour for these donuts?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier flavor. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two more buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to choose one that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the donuts together.
Question 2: What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Answer: For the best results, choose apples that are firm and hold their shape during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These varieties have a good balance of sweetness and tartness and won’t turn mushy when baked. You can also experiment with different apple combinations to create a unique flavor profile.
Question 3: Can I freeze these baked donuts?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze these baked donuts for up to 2-3 months. Allow the donuts to cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the donuts at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. It’s best to freeze the donuts before glazing them, as the glaze may become sticky or melt during thawing. You can add the glaze after the donuts have thawed.
Question 4: Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Answer: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the milk slightly thickens. This will provide the acidity needed to activate the baking soda and create a light and fluffy donut. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with milk as a substitute for buttermilk.
Question 5: How can I make these donuts vegan?
Answer: To make these donuts vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, in place of buttermilk, adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for the acidity. Replace the melted butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Ensure the powdered sugar you use for the glaze is vegan-friendly (some brands may use bone char in the refining process). With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free version of these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts.
