These Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts are packed with apples (healthy, right?!) and cinnamon — the perfect fall treat! Smothered in a brown sugar glaze that makes these a decadent dessert or special breakfast 🙂
So quite a while back, in the summer, I polled my Facebook group (I’d love for you to join!) about their favorite dessert flavor combinations.
And even though it was the middle of summer, apple cinnamon was easily number 1. I was a little flabbergasted! I absolutely expected chocolate to be #1, and if not chocolate then for sure lemon, right?
But I love the feedback I get there and so I’ve definitely been planning for some more apple cinnamon recipes this fall.
With my intense loving for “apple-crisping” everything, this really wasn’t much of a stretch! I already have Apple Crisp Doughnuts, Apple Crisp Pancakes, Apple Crisp Cinnamon Buns, Apple Crisp Cookies, Apple Crisp Cheesecakes and even though I have like 18 more I’m going to stop there because it’s getting to be ridiculous.
So I figured I would try to do apple without the crisp this time. I know, it’s going to take some time for you to adjust but I do have donuts, so I think you’ll get over it just fine.
I really wanted to try to use the brown sugar glaze from these Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies (because they’re amazing!), and I love the way it pairs with apples! So perfect for that bucket of apples!
NOTES:
- I use these donut pans from Wilton and they are cheap and work perfectly! I’ve never had any issues with sticking.
- The easiest way to fill the donut pan is to put the batter in a large disposable piping bag — there’s no mess and you can just chuck it when you’re done! I buy them bulk because I use them for everything!
Brown Sugar Glazed Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk or substitute regular milk
- 2 2/3 all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and shredded
Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/4 cup powdered icing sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and grease your doughnut pans well.
- In a large bowl, combine butter, oil and sugar. Add in eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and whisk until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and stir just until combined. Stir in apples. Batter will be thick.
- Spoon batter into a large disposable piping bag or freezer bag. Cut off the end of the bag so your opening is about ½-3/4” wide. Pipe batter once around each doughnut hole – the batter should just fill the hole as they’ll expand and rise.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from the doughnut pan to cool completely.
- GlazeIn a medium pan, heat the brown sugar and milk over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Working quickly, dip the tops of each donut in the glaze before inverting onto a wire cooling rack.
- If the glaze firms up too quickly, simply reheat over low on the stove until liquid, then remove from the heat and continue glazing. Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans if desired.
Nutrition Information
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Bethany says
My glaze seeped into the donuts – do you have any tips to prevent that from happening?
Ashley Fehr says
That will happen after some time or if they are covered tightly and stored — the donuts are definitely best glazed just before eating.
Trina T says
Can you use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Ashley Fehr says
I think that should work fine!
sylvia :) says
hi! should i wait for the glaze to set? if so how long does it take? thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, it will definitely set! It shouldn’t take too long at all, maybe a half hour?
Dorothy says
Directions say nothing about adding cinnamon, lemon zest or apples, why?
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so sorry about that Dorothy! It’s all fixed now.
Sabrina Zaragoza says
It looks so greasy!!! I absolutely can’t live without sugar donuts!!!!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Ashley these look so good and that glaze!!! I want these with my morning coffee!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Okay, donuts happening these weekend! I need to experience this brown sugar glaze. 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
I recommend putting it on EVERYthing 🙂
Natalie says
Oh my goodness. As soon as my kitchen reno is finished and I can actually bake again I’m trying these. And probably eating six of them with a cup of hot apple cider.
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
So, um. Could you like deliver this ENTIRE batch to my house right now?? You’ve totally just given me the HUGEST donut craving, Ashley! I can’t even stand how amazing these look and that GLAZE = swooning.
Ashley Fehr says
I ALWAYS have the hugest donut craving. It’s a problem! Lol
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Apple cinnamon is the best combination in my eyes, especially when fall rolls around. I’ve made a similar version, but with apple cider, so I am loving your creation, Ashley! And brown sugar on top? YUM! Just what I need on this chilly Thursday morning!
Ashley Fehr says
I’ve never made apple cider donuts but I need to try them! I just love apple cider this time of year. So comforting!
Julie Evink says
Apples for sure outweigh the whole delicious glaze on these!! What a way to start the day!
Ashley Fehr says
Lol! Right?! There is quite a lot of fruit in them… 😉
Malinda @Countryside Cravings says
Oh my that GLAZE!!! These donuts are calling my name!! I love all your apple crisp creations, so creative!!
Ashley Fehr says
It’s an addiction! Lol
Kelly says
Apple cinnamon is definitely high on my favorites list too and so are donuts 🙂 These looks SOO good! I love the brown sugar glaze on these! I’m about to eat my breakfast and definitely wish I was having a few of these!
Ashley Fehr says
Not exactly the healthiest breakfast but sometimes you need a little treat! 😉
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Love the brown sugar glaze! I’d love a couple donuts with a big cup of coffee!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! I have Wilton doughnut pans too! And I have been all about apples lately, in the last week a made apple cookies and big apple cake. I think apple donuts are in my future!
Ashley Fehr says
I hope so! I hope there are many more donuts in my future 😉 Thanks Dorothy!