Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts — soft, moist, and filled with apple flavor, topped with a buttery crumb and a sweet glaze. Perfect for fall mornings or a cozy dessert!

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🍩 Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

✨ What You’ll Get:

• Tender baked donuts (not fried!)

• Packed with real apple flavor

• Buttery cinnamon crumb topping

• Optional vanilla glaze drizzle

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but great with apple)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)

• 1/3 cup milk (any kind)

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup finely chopped or grated apple (peeled)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp melted butter (unsalted)

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For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tsp milk (adjust for consistency)

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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🍽️ Equipment Needed:

• Donut pan (standard 6-cavity)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or spoon

• Box grater (if grating apple)

• Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)

• Cooling rack

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🔧 Directions

🔹 Step 1: Prep Work

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.

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🔹 Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • 1/4 cup brown sugar

   • 1/4 cup flour

   • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

2. Add cold cubed butter (2 tbsp) and cut in with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.

3. Place in the fridge while you prep the batter (this keeps the crumbs nice and crisp when baked).

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🔹 Step 3: Make the Donut Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • 1 cup flour

   • 1 tsp baking powder

   • 1/4 tsp baking soda

   • 1/4 tsp salt

   • 1 tsp cinnamon

   • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

2. In another bowl, whisk together:

   • 1 large egg

   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

   • 1/4 cup brown sugar

   • 1/3 cup milk

   • 1/4 cup applesauce

   • 2 tbsp melted butter

   • 1 tsp vanilla

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.

4. Fold in the finely chopped or grated apple.

   ✅ Don’t overmix — this keeps the donuts soft and tender.

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🔹 Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

1. Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut cavities (fill each about 3/4 full).

2. Sprinkle a generous amount of the chilled crumb topping onto each donut.

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🔹 Step 5: Bake

• Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops are set.

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🔹 Step 6: Cool & Optional Glaze

1. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

2. (Optional) While cooling, whisk together:

   • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

   • 1–2 tsp milk

   • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
     Adjust thickness as needed.

3. Drizzle the glaze over cooled donuts.

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🍁 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm for a soft, gooey texture.

• Pair with coffee or hot apple cider.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days.

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🔁 Variations:

• Apple Pie Spice: Use instead of cinnamon/nutmeg.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• No Donut Pan? Use a muffin pan instead (adjust bake time to 15–17 minutes).