Introduction to Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy mornings or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is a delightful way to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you’ll find that these donuts are a sweet solution to your cravings. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are a dream come true for anyone who loves delicious treats without the fuss. They come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings. The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge without the guilt!
Ingredients for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the donuts, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the donuts rise, giving them that fluffy bite.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for extra lift and a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of this spice enhances the overall flavor profile, making it feel like fall.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the donuts.
- Brown sugar: This sweetener brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the apples.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang; you can substitute with regular milk mixed with vinegar.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the donuts moist and adds a hint of apple flavor.
- Melted butter: For richness and flavor; it’s what makes these donuts so irresistible.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a lovely aroma and depth to the flavor.
- Diced apples: Fresh, peeled apples bring a juicy burst of flavor in every bite.
- Crumb topping ingredients: A mix of flour, sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter creates a delightful crunch.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, it adds sweetness and a beautiful finish to the donuts.
- Milk: Used in the glaze to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, delicious donuts in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those donuts perfectly baked. While the oven warms up, grease your donut pan. I like to use a non-stick spray, but you can also brush it with melted butter. This ensures your donuts pop out easily after baking!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is essential for evenly distributing the flavors throughout your donuts. The warm spices will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture creates a rich base for your donuts. The combination of wet ingredients adds moisture and flavor, making each bite a delight.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Next, fold in the diced apples. This is where the magic happens, as those juicy apple pieces will add bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. I like to use a piping bag for this step; it makes filling the pan so much easier and less messy!
Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork to combine until the mixture is crumbly. This topping adds a delightful crunch to your donuts, so sprinkle it generously over the batter before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be irresistible, and you might find it hard to wait!
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled donuts for a beautiful finish. It’s the cherry on top of your baking adventure!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts; a muffin tin can work in a pinch.
- Mixing bowls: Use two medium-sized bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly; a fork can also do the job.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key; a kitchen scale is a great alternative.
- Piping bag or spoon: For filling the donut pan; a zip-top bag with a corner cut works too.
Variations of Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a glaze, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled donuts for a decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
- Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or chai for a cozy breakfast experience.
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch.
- Present on a colorful platter to make them the star of your brunch table.
FAQs about Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
Can I use other fruits in these donuts?
Absolutely! While apples are the star of these Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed!
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and glaze when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the donuts fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Just mix them together and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, combine with the wet ingredients for a quick treat!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
Are these donuts suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that any substitutes you use, like milk or butter, align with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts is more than just a baking project; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen is like a cozy invitation for family and friends to gather around. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet apples and crunchy topping, making them a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a sweet treat, these donuts are sure to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of baking fill your home with love!
Print
Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts: A Delicious Recipe!
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts that are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled, small chunks)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (for crumb topping)
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed (for crumb topping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling about ¾ full.
- Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over donut batter.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before removing from pan.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are diced into small chunks for even distribution.
- For a richer flavor, use fresh apples instead of applesauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
