Easy Baked Apple Donuts Healthy Easy Lower Sugar

There’s something about baking in a donut pan that really can turn basic ingredients into something super special. I love making these Apple Donuts since they are easy, are made with mostly ingredients I tend to have in the house, and totally thrill the kids. And while these aren’t super sweet donut-shop-style donuts, they have delicious apple cinnamon flavor and are fun to serve for breakfast or snack. You can top with a little cinnamon-sugar so they taste and look more like Apple Cider Donuts too. TIP: The easiest way to make homemade donuts is to use a donut pan. This eliminates the need for messy frying and it ensures that classic shape the kids expect. (You may also like Pumpkin Baked Donuts, Baked Chocolate Donuts, Baked Donuts, and my Donut Muffins as more ideas donut ideas.)

Ingredients You Need

The baked apple donut recipe batter mixes up in one bowl in just a few minutes and they take about 15 minutes to bake, so you can have these ready to serve in under 30 minutes. You’ll need: Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Whole-wheat flour: I like this hearty flour here as it helps the baked donuts hold their shape. Applesauce: You can use store-bought or homemade applesauce. Melted butter: I use unsalted butter in my baking so I can control the added salt. Milk: Whole milk or any nondairy milk will work similarly. Egg Vanilla extract Maple syrup: You can sub in honey if you prefer, though avoid it for babies under age 1. Baking powder Cinnamon

TIP: You can make these dairy-free by using a neutral oil like canola and nondairy plain unsweetened milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the easy method involved in making this baked apple donut recipe. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe. TIP: Be sure to spray the pan well with nonstick spray, including around and on top of the hole, to ensure that they come out of the pan easily.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

To add a simple cinnamon-sugar topping—which is of course optional—simply brush each donut with a small amount of melted butter, then invert and rub in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is an easy step that plays up the Apple Cider Donut flavors.

How to Store

You can store the baked and cooled apple donuts in an airtight container, once cooled, and reheat for about 10 seconds before serving for up to 3 days after. This pan bakes even, perfect donuts every time.

Best Tips for Success

These baked apple donuts are really yummy served warm out of the oven. We love them with a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. Use smooth applesauce for a consistency close to cake donuts. (Chunky applesauce will have chunks of apples which the kids may or may not mind!) Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free: Use a neutral oil like canola and nondairy plain unsweetened milk. Make a little sweeter by adding 1 tablespoon sugar to the batter.

I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share if you try these for your kids!