Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe is one of those delightful treats that combine the cozy warmth of baked goods with the fresh, sweet zing of apples, topped off with a smooth vanilla glaze. Whether you're craving a comforting fall breakfast or a fun snack to share with the family, this recipe hits all the right notes. I love how these donuts come out tender and lightly spiced, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. If you or someone you know adores apple-flavored desserts but want something a little lighter than fried donuts, you’re going to truly enjoy making and eating these.
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What Makes This So Good
This Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe is a standout because it skillfully blends the tender crumb of cake donuts with the natural sweetness and subtle tartness of apples. The glaze adds that perfect glossy finish and a touch of vanilla sweetness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You get rich apple and warm spice flavors without deep-frying or complicated steps.
- Family-Friendly: These donuts are naturally kid-friendly and simple enough to involve young helpers in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh apples come together to create something extraordinary.
- Works Any Night: Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet treat anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients can elevate your Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe from good to absolutely memorable. Each component plays a role, so here’s a quick guide to help you get the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for tender donuts. I recommend sifting it before measuring for a lighter texture.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that complements the apples and spices beautifully.
- Apples: Fresh and crisp. I like using a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
- Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly ground if possible; these warm spices bring out the apple’s natural charm.
- Butter: Melted and added to the batter gives richness and tenderness without weighing the donuts down.
- Glaze Ingredients: Powdered sugar and vanilla extract are staples. Use whole milk for a creamy finish but adjust for thickness.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are detailed in the recipe card below to make your baking smooth and stress-free.
How to Make Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake those donuts to perfection the moment your batter is mixed. Grease your donut pan well — a little butter or non-stick spray goes a long way to help these come out easily. While the oven warms, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This even distribution of leavening and spices is key to that classic donut texture and balanced flavor. Don’t forget to finely chop your apples; small pieces work best so the apples bake evenly and don’t weigh down the batter.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined — overmixing can make the donuts tough. Fold in the chopped apples with care; these little pops of fruit add moisture and burst of flavor. Spoon the batter into your donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to give them room to rise without spilling over. Pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will start filling your kitchen, making it impossible to wait!
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
The last step that really sends this Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe over the top is the glaze. While your donuts cool on a rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time — if too runny, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar. Once the donuts have cooled completely, dunk the tops in the glaze and place them back on the rack to let it set. That glossy vanilla coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and a visually appealing shine. Serve them fresh, and enjoy the delightful contrast of tender donut and crisp, sweet glaze.
Extra Helpful Tips
I want to help you get the best out of your Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe. Little details like how you prep, bake, and glaze can make big differences.
- Watch for This Sign: When donuts spring back lightly after a gentle press, they’re perfectly baked—not overdone.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure melted butter isn’t hot when mixing with eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can mix the batter the night before and refrigerate—just give it a gentle stir before baking.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don't overfill your donut molds; too much batter causes uneven rising and messy edges.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
While the glazed apple donuts are fantastic as is, you can easily switch things up. Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to your spice mix for a welcoming twist. For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on the glaze before it sets. You might also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish. If you want to cut back on sugar, a light dusting of cinnamon-sugar can work wonders instead of the glaze.
Tasty Pairings
These baked apple donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, rich coffee, or even a fresh apple cider for that autumn vibe. If you’re serving at brunch, try alongside creamy yogurt or a fruit salad to brighten up the plate. Kids often love them with a splash of cold milk or warm hot chocolate on the side.
Quick Plating Tips
Keep your presentation simple yet inviting. Arrange donuts on a rustic wooden board or a pretty plate, with a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic an autumn morning frost. Add a few fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks nearby for that heartfelt touch. If you’re serving glaze-drizzled donuts, use a toothpick to create subtle swirling patterns for a charming homemade look.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Store your glazed donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration might soften the glaze slightly, but the flavors will still be delightful. If you want to enjoy them at room temperature, just pull them out about 20 minutes before serving.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the donuts (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then dip in glaze fresh to avoid sogginess and keep that glaze lovely and crisp.
Reheat Like New
To reheat, pop your donuts in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive that tender crumb and warm them through. A quick 20-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overdo it to keep the donuts moist. If you froze them glazed, consider reheating then dipping fresh glaze to keep things tasting fresh and beautifully glossy.
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! If you don't have buttermilk, you can create a simple substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This keeps your donuts tender and slightly tangy, just like with buttermilk.
Greasing your donut pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray is key. You can also dust the pan lightly with flour after greasing to create an extra barrier. This helps ensure your donuts come out cleanly every time without tearing.
Definitely! Blueberries, chopped pears, or even diced dried fruits like cranberries can be tasty. Just make sure any added mix-ins are small and dry enough not to alter the batter’s consistency drastically.
Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. If you refrigerate, the glaze may become a bit sticky and the donut slightly firmer, but it’s still tasty. For longer storage, freeze unglazed and glaze fresh when ready to eat.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe as much as I do—it’s one of those comforting recipes I find myself reaching for again and again. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out, or if you added your own twist! Don’t forget to leave a star rating to help others find this little gem, and maybe next time, experiment with your favorite toppings or spice blends to make it truly yours.
Print📖 Recipe
Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze Recipe
These baked apple donuts with a sweet vanilla glaze offer a deliciously moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, tender chunks of apple, and a simple powdered sugar glaze, they are a healthier alternative to fried donuts while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely chopped apples
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to ensure the donuts don't stick while baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined to create your dry mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Add Apples: Fold in the finely chopped apples evenly throughout the batter for bursts of fruity flavor.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed), and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze Donuts: Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and set them on a wire rack to let the glaze harden before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the donuts are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more gradually.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade buttermilk alternative.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin pan and reduce baking time slightly, checking for doneness early.
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