Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

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.

Jump to:

• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients Notes
• Step by step instructions
• Expert Baking Tips
• FAQ
• Check out these recipes
• Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

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.

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  Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups
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  Brown Butter Coconut Cookies

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