Baked apple crumb donuts have a way of instantly transporting me back to crisp autumn days, the scent of cinnamon and baked apples filling the air. I remember my mom making these homemade apple crumb donuts every fall, and the smell alone was enough to make my mouth water. Forget the frying, because this easy baked apple donuts recipe delivers all the comforting flavors with a tender, moist crumb and a perfectly crunchy, buttery apple topping. They’re like a little slice of cozy heaven in every bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

These donuts are a fall dream come true for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: You get that perfect blend of tender, moist cake and a sweet, crunchy apple crumb topping.
• Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time.
• Healthier Choice: Enjoying apple crumble donuts without frying means you can savor the flavor with less guilt.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, they’re an affordable way to enjoy a bakery-quality treat.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these donuts, making them perfect for breakfast or snacks.
• Cozy Autumn Vibes: They capture the essence of fall with warm spices and apple goodness.
• Impressive Results: These are truly the best baked apple crumb donuts, guaranteed to impress everyone.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful baked apple crumb donuts. For an amazing apple spice baked donuts recipe, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. I always opt for fresh apples for the best flavor!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender donuts
• 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps them rise beautifully
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – adds extra lift
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that cozy apple spice flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds warmth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – a hint of deep spice
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce – keeps the donuts incredibly moist
• 1/2 cup milk – contributes to the tender crumb
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter – adds richness
• 1 large egg – binds everything together
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
• 1 cup finely diced apples – you want small pieces for even distribution
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar – for a caramel-like sweetness
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – cold butter is key for a crumbly texture
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – doubling down on that delicious spice!

How to Make Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Let’s dive into how to make baked apple crumb donuts that taste like they came straight from a fall festival! These are surprisingly simple to whip up, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is absolutely divine.

1. Step 1: Get your oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your donut pan by generously greasing and flouring each cavity, or if you prefer, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the donut base: the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure they’re well combined so your donuts rise evenly.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: unsweetened applesauce, milk, melted butter, the large egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and flavor.
4. Step 4: Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is *just* combined. It’s really important not to overmix here; a few little lumps are perfectly fine and lead to a tender donut.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the finely diced apples. These little bursts of apple will make your donuts extra special.
6. Step 6: Time for that irresistible crumb topping! In a small bowl, combine the flour, packed light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is what makes them so delicious!
7. Step 7: Spoon the donut batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. Don’t overfill, as they will puff up a bit.
8. Step 8: Generously sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the batter in each donut cavity. This is where the magic happens, creating that delightful crunchy layer.
9. Step 9: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean, and the topping is golden brown. The smell will be incredible!
10. Step 10: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Understanding what are baked apple crumb donuts is all about appreciating this perfect balance of cake and crumb.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Want to elevate your donut game? These little tricks will ensure your baked apple crumb donuts are absolutely divine every single time. I’ve learned a few things over the years that make a big difference!

• Use a donut pan! It makes shaping and baking so much easier, and you get that classic donut look.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough donuts instead of tender ones.
• Ensure your butter for the crumb topping is truly cold. This is what creates those lovely, distinct crumbs.
• Bake them just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking will dry them out, and we want moist donuts!

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Apple Crumb Donuts?

The secret lies in the balance: don’t overmix the batter and use cold butter for the crumb topping. This ensures a tender cake and a perfectly crisp streusel, creating the ultimate apple streusel baked donuts.

Can I make Baked Apple Crumb Donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and crumb topping separately up to 24 hours in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture. These apple crumble baked goods are still delicious the next day!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Apple Crumb Donuts?

The most common mistakes are overmixing the batter, which leads to tough donuts, and using warm butter for the crumb topping, which results in a paste instead of crumbs. Also, be careful not to overbake!

Best Ways to Serve Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

These delightful baked apple crumb donuts are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few simple additions. For a truly comforting breakfast or brunch, try serving them warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a simple cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced apple cider. When you’re presenting these donuts with apple and crumb topping, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Enjoying these baked apple crumb donuts is a treat, and knowing their nutritional profile can help you savor them even more. This information is for one delicious donut, offering a delightful balance of flavors and components.

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious baked apple crumb donuts tasting their best. Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack – and I mean *completely* – it’s time to think about preserving that wonderful texture. For short-term enjoyment, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. These baked apple cinnamon donuts are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, so having them ready is a lifesaver!

If you want to keep these autumn delights for longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap each cooled donut individually in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay wonderfully preserved in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick warm-up, pop a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a crispier topping, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Can I make Baked Apple Crumb Donuts with different types of apples?

Absolutely! While this baked apple donut recipe easy works wonderfully with common varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala, you can experiment. Softer apples like Fuji or McIntosh will cook down more, while firmer apples like Granny Smith will hold their shape better. Just make sure to dice them finely so they integrate well into the batter.

What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?

No donut pan? No problem! You can use a muffin tin to make delicious apple streusel donut recipe baked muffins. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full and adjust the baking time slightly, usually adding a few extra minutes. They won’t have the classic donut hole in the center, but they’ll still be incredibly tasty!

How do I get the crumb topping to be extra crispy?

The key to a wonderfully crispy crumb topping for your baked apple crumb donuts is using very cold butter and not overworking the mixture. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs, not a dough. Baking them until golden brown also ensures that delightful crunch.

Can I make vegan or gluten-free Baked Apple Crumb Donuts?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe! For vegan donuts, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins) and use a plant-based milk and butter. For gluten-free, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Variations of Baked Apple Crumb Donuts You Can Try

The beauty of this baked apple donut recipe easy is its versatility! You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or simply to explore new flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Baked Apple Crumb Donuts: For a completely plant-based treat, swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat), use a vegan butter substitute for both the donut batter and the crumb topping, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Gluten-Free Baked Apple Crumb Donuts: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but the result will still be delightfully tender and flavorful.
• Spiced Pear Donuts: Instead of apples, try finely diced pears! They offer a slightly different, delicate sweetness. You can also add a pinch of cardamom to the spice mix for a unique twist.
• Mini Donut Holes: Bake these in mini donut pans or even as donut holes in a regular muffin tin. They’ll require a shorter baking time, typically 10-12 minutes. They’re perfect for little bites of joy!

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