Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
Introduction
These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are soft, spiced, and bursting with apple flavor. Topped with a buttery cinnamon‑sugar crumb, they’re the perfect cozy treat for fall mornings, weekend brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Best of all, they’re baked — not fried — making them lighter but just as indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Apple Donuts
2 cups pancake mix
3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup apple, peeled and finely diced
For the Crumb Topping
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup all‑purpose flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 6‑cavity donut pans generously with non‑stick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet & Dry
Add milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined (slightly lumpy is fine).
Add Apples
Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed.
Make Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg with a fork until crumbly.
Fill Donut Pans
Pipe or spoon batter into donut cavities, filling each ⅔–¾ full. Sprinkle crumb topping over each, pressing lightly.
Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the donut (not topping) comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~27 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Tips & Tricks
Apple choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
Extra crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm briefly in the oven for that fresh‑baked taste.
Variations
Glazed Donuts: Drizzle with vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar.
Caramel Apple Donuts: Add a caramel drizzle for indulgence.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap apples for pumpkin puree and adjust spices.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with hot apple cider or coffee.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boxed pancake mix?
A: Yes, any standard mix works perfectly.
Q: Can I make these in a muffin tin?
A: Absolutely — adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Notes (Approx. per donut)
Calories: ~190 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 28g
Conclusion
These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are cozy, spiced, and irresistibly crumb‑topped. Quick to make and perfect for sharing, they’ll become a go‑to recipe for fall and beyond.