These apple cinnamon sugar donuts are soft apple donuts that are baked in the oven and tossed with cinnamon sugar. They are quick and easy to whip up and are the perfect fall treat!

Most donuts use apple cider for that apple flavour, but today we're using applesauce! This will reduce the baking time since you don't need to reduce any cider. I also find that it can be difficult sometimes to find store-bought apple cider.
Once the donuts are baked, they're tossed in a cinnamon sugar.
My favourite part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It only requires 10 simple ingredients! It also is baked and not deep-fried.
For more fall bakes, try Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies, Cinnamon Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Apple Pumpkin Crumble Cake.
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Why this recipe works
Easy to make - Only 10 simple ingredients! This is an egg-free recipe.
Applesauce - Instead of using typical apple cider, we are using applesauce! Which is much easier to find and quicker to use.
Tender crumb - These donuts are moist, soft, and have a sweet tender crumb.
Cinnamon sugar - After baking, they are tossed in a cinnamon sugar coating that really elevates the flavours.
Ingredients Notes
Applesauce - I used unsweetened apple sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Flour - All-purpose flour is used in this recipe.
Oil - Any oil can work, I used canola. Olive or sunflower oil works as well.
Milk - This adds moisture into the donuts. I used 3.25% lactose milk, but you can use a lactose-free milk like almond or oat if you'd like as well. The texture will be slightly different if you use these milks.
White sugar - Granulated sugar is used both in the donuts and after they are baked, they are tossed in a white sugar cinnamon coating. The donuts themselves are not sweet, but once rolled in the cinnamon sugar they are soo delicious.

Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake these apple cinnamon sugar donuts. You will need a greased 6 hole donut pan, a large mixing bowl, a spatula, and a whisk.
Step 1 – Whisk the wet ingredients. Whisk the applesauce, oil, milk, and vanilla until well combined. Then add in the white sugar and continue whisking.
Step 2 - Add in dry ingredients. Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using a spatula, gently fold until a batter forms. Don't overmix!


Step 3 – Pipe donuts. Place the batter in a large plastic bag and cut off about ½” off from the tip. Fill donut pans.
Step 4 – Bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you push on the donuts and they spring back in the pan.


Step 5 - Toss in cinnamon sugar. Once cooled, dip into a shallow bowl of melted butter, then toss in another shallow bowl with the cinnamon sugar until well-coated.
Enjoy! These donuts are best enjoyed fresh.

Expert Baking Tips
Here are a few expert baking tips from my kitchen to yours
- Use a gram scale for the most accurate measurements. To convert this recipe, click the ‘metric’ button next to the ingredients title on the recipe card.
- Use a cake decorating bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the donut batter into the donut pan. It will make it way easier and less messy than spooning it in!
- The donut pan should be nearly full before baking. They rise, but not to much.
FAQ
Can I make these into muffins?
Yes! Instead of using a donut pan, scoop into a 12 muffins pan. Bake them at 400℉ for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350℉ for another 6-8 minutes. The tops will be risen. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs!
Can I make these donuts in advance?
These donuts are best enjoyed day of. I don't recommend making them in advance! They also don't freeze well due to the sugar topping.

Check out these recipes
- Rhubarb Sour Cream Muffins
- Rhubarb Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Blueberry Oatmeal Sour Cream Streusel Muffins
- Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup oil
- 3/4 cups milk room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cups white sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon sugar coating
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/205℃. Grease a donut pan with oil or melted butter. Make sure to grease the top of the pan and inside well as the donuts rise.
- In a large bowl, add applesauce, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. Then, add in the white sugar and whisk.1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup oil, 3/4 cups milk, 1 tbsp vanilla, 2/3 cups white sugar
- Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Using a spatula, gently fold until a batter forms.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Place batter in a large plastic bag and cut off about ½" from the tip. Divide donut batter evenly between the 6 donut holes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. You'll know it's ready when you push on the donuts and they spring back in the pan.
- Cool for 2-3 minutes before gently running a knife around the donuts, popping them out of the pan, and placing on a cooling rack.
- Melt butter and place in a shallow dish. Then take the cinnamon and sugar and place into another shallow disk. Once the donuts are cooled, dip into the butter and then toss in the cinnamon sugar.2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Allow to set, and enjoy!
Gerri says
Could homemade apple butter be used instead of apple sauce
Michelle says
Omg I made them, they are in the oven and smell soooooooo good
Ania says
Amazing!!!! Enjoy, Michelle!
Leona says
I have made these twice now, the second time they came out even better. They are simply amazing and disappear in one day. Thank you so much!
Ania says
Amazing!! I am so glad to hear this 🙂 Thanks for sharing Leona, and keep enjoying these donuts!
CAROL JORDAN says
These look delicious, and I want to give them a try. There is a bit of contradiction in the recipe about how many donuts this makes. The top of the recipe indicates it will make 8 donuts, and the body of the recipe says 6. Could you please clarify this? Thanks
Ania says
Hi Carol! I apologize for the confusion. This recipe makes 8 donuts, but I used a 6 donut hole pan, so once the 6 were done, I baked another two. I hope this clarifies it!