Baked Apple Donuts Soft Cozy

These baked apple donuts are soft, cozy, and bursting with fall flavor, making them the perfect treat for crisp mornings or afternoon tea. Filled with warm apple pie filling and coated in a cinnamon sugar topping, they balance sweetness and spice beautifully. Whether you want a comforting breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts bring that homemade, nostalgic feeling to your kitchen.

I first made these on a chilly autumn afternoon, and the whole house smelled like a cozy bakery. My kids have since claimed these as their favorite weekend treat, asking for them every time apples are in season.

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Filling

• Diced gala apples: naturally sweet and tender when cooked, opt for firm apples to hold their shape
• Salted butter: enriches the filling with a creamy, savory note
• Brown sugar: adds caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples
• Apple pie spice: brings that essential mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warmth
• All-purpose flour: thickens the filling to keep it from being too runny

For the Donuts

• All-purpose flour: the base for a soft, tender crumb
• Baking powder: helps the donuts rise light and fluffy
• Baking soda: adds extra lift and reacts with the buttermilk for tenderness
• Brown sugar: deep molasses flavor enhances the overall sweetness
• Eggs: bind the batter and provide structure
• Low-fat buttermilk: adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweet
• Salted butter melted: adds richness and a slight savory edge
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor profile with warmth
• Apple pie spice: unifies the spice flavors between filling and batter

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• White granulated sugar: fine texture for coating
• Cinnamon: the warm, fragrant spice coating the donuts
• Salted butter melted: helps the sugar and cinnamon stick and adds a luscious finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

Peel, core, and dice the apples evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir together until the mixture is combined and bubbling slightly. Add the diced apples, then sprinkle in the flour and apple pie spice. Stir until well mixed to coat the apples. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the apples cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft but not mushy. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely to avoid melting the batter when combined.

Mix the Donut Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a donut pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together until smooth and slightly lighter in color. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to combine the wet ingredients well. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and apple pie spice together, then gradually whisk them into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.

Combine Batter and Apple Filling:

Fold the cooled apple pie filling into the donut batter gently using a spatula. This ensures that the apples stay distributed without breaking up too much.

Fill and Bake the Donuts:

Transfer the batter into a piping bag for easier portioning. Using the piping bag, fill each donut cavity nearly full, leaving a small gap at the top for rising. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. Watch for a golden color and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool on a wire rack completely.

Prepare and Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

While the donuts cool, melt the butter for the topping in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon until evenly combined. Once the donuts are cool to touch, brush the top of each donut with melted butter and immediately dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well. Repeat for all the donuts and let them set for a few minutes before serving.

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My personal favorite part is the apple pie filling that sneaks inside each donut. It is such a wonderful surprise that brings a burst of familiar comfort with every bite. One fall afternoon, my family and I gathered around the kitchen, sharing stories and warm baked goods, and these donuts made the moment feel extra special.

Storage Tips

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They remain soft and flavorful without refrigeration. For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm in a low oven or microwave before serving for a freshly baked taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap gala apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp varieties, which also work well and add slightly different sweetness levels. Use plant-based butter and almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice as a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. If you do not have apple pie spice, combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice to create your own blend.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair beautifully with hot apple cider or chai tea for a warming, comforting experience. They are wonderful served alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist. Offering them at brunch alongside a spread of fresh fruit and yogurt makes for a delightful spread.

Cultural and Historical Context

Apple donuts have a charming place in American autumn traditions. They evoke memories of county fairs, harvest time, and homemade holiday treats. By baking rather than frying, this recipe respects a lighter modern approach while honoring the warm, spicy flavors that have long been cherished in apple desserts.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for the filling?

Gala apples are ideal as they hold their shape and offer a sweet, mild flavor that complements the spices well.

→ Can I use a different spice blend for the filling?

Yes, cinnamon and nutmeg or allspice can be used to enhance the warm flavors without overpowering the apples.

→ Should the apple filling be hot or cooled before adding to the batter?

The filling should be cooled to avoid affecting the batter’s texture and to ensure even baking.

→ What is the best method to fill the donut pan evenly?

Using a piping bag with the tip cut off allows precise control for filling each donut cup nearly to the top.

→ How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?

Brush the warm baked donuts with melted butter, then dip them into a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet, crisp finish.