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For the base of these donuts, you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg These dry ingredients form the heart of our recipe. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and flavor. Now, let’s move to the wet ingredients. You'll need: - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The applesauce helps keep the donuts moist. Milk adds richness. The egg binds everything together. Butter gives a nice flavor, and vanilla brings a sweet aroma. For a fun touch, consider these toppings: - Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon) Dusting the warm donuts with cinnamon sugar adds a lovely finish. You get a sweet crunch that pairs well with the soft donut. Enjoy experimenting with toppings like powdered sugar or a simple icing, too! First, turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat for baking. While the oven warms, take your donut pan and spray it with non-stick spray. This keeps your donuts from sticking later. Make sure to cover all the cavities well. In a large bowl, gather the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Whisk all these together. Mixing well helps the flavors spread evenly. In a separate bowl, mix your wet ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Now, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; don’t overmix. Next, take the diced apple pieces and fold them into the batter gently. Now, use a spoon to fill each cavity in the donut pan. Fill them about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without spilling over. Place the filled donut pan into the heated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready! After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want a sweet touch, toss the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar. This adds extra flavor and makes them look great! Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Mix the batter until just combined. You want some lumps. This keeps the donuts soft and fluffy. Remember, gentle is key! Make sure to fold the wet and dry ingredients carefully. For these donuts, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They’re tart and hold their shape well. Other good choices are Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy. The right apple adds great flavor and texture to your donuts. To bake evenly, make sure your oven is preheated. An oven thermometer can help check the temperature. Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full for best results. Also, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps all the donuts cook evenly and makes them rise beautifully. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free baked donuts, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a brand that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still get that warm, cozy flavor from the apples and spices. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For the butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter. This keeps your donuts soft and tasty. Want to mix it up? Add some fun flavors! You can toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you love chocolate, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. They melt into gooey bites of goodness. You can even mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. The options are endless! To keep your apple cinnamon baked donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and prevent drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing. You can freeze these donuts for up to three months. To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, reheat your donuts in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them warm and soft again. If you prefer, you can also use a microwave. Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It will give your donuts a nutty flavor. Keep in mind they may be denser than with all-purpose flour. Baked donuts stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. You can use unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. This will keep the donuts moist and delicious. Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Bake the donuts and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste. Serve these donuts warm with coffee or tea. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing. They make a great treat for brunch or dessert. You learned how to make tasty baked donuts with the right steps and tips. We covered the key ingredients, both dry and wet, and discussed optional toppings to customize your treats. I provided clear instructions from prepping the oven to finishing touches. You also discovered ways to adapt the recipe for gluten-free or vegan diets. Now, you can bake donuts that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy the fun of sharing your tasty creations with friends and family!

Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

Delight in the taste of homemade Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts, a perfect treat for any occasion! These easy-to-make donuts are packed with warm spices and real apple flavor, making them a luscious and guilt-free snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this deliciously comforting dessert!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

Optional: Cinnamon sugar for topping (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

      In another bowl, stir together the applesauce, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

          Gently fold in the diced apple pieces until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

                Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  (Optional) While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet finishing touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the donuts on a decorative platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for added sweetness. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!