Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Discover the Delight of Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

There’s something truly special about biting into a Baked Apple Crumb Donut. Imagine the perfect harmony of sweet, tender baked donuts infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, complemented by juicy chunks of fresh apples. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery aroma that will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. These donuts are moist yet fluffy, with a lightly crisp crumb topping, offering a texture contrast that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, craving a cozy fall treat, or just want a new twist on classic donuts, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep and Cook Time

Preparation is a breeze with this recipe. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and 12 minutes to bake. Total time from start to finish is around 22 minutes. This recipe yields 12 delicious baked apple crumb donuts – perfect for sharing or indulging in leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup finely diced fresh apple

For the crumb topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For finishing:

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pans: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 6-cavity donut pans with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Mix dry ingredients for batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir gently just until combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate fresh apples: Fold in the 1 cup of finely diced fresh apple evenly throughout the batter to spread sweet apple pockets in every donut.
5. Fill your pans: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag and cut a small corner. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full for ideal donut rise.
6. Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix with your fingers or a fork until crumbly with pea-sized pieces.
7. Apply topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over each donut and gently press down so the topping sticks well without flattening the crumbs.
8. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are done when the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and finish: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish.
10. Serve immediately: These donuts are best enjoyed warm but can be stored for later use. See storage tips below.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

• Use fresh, crisp apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir only until ingredients are combined to keep the donuts light and tender.
• Grease pans generously: Make sure to thoroughly coat your donut pans with nonstick spray or butter to avoid sticking.
• Check your oven temperature: An oven thermometer helps ensure the right baking environment for even cooking.
• Cool slightly before removing: Letting donuts rest briefly in the pan makes them easier to remove without breaking.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste or dietary needs:

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pancake mix to make the donuts suitable for gluten intolerance.
• Milk alternatives: Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk to accommodate dairy-free diets.
• Healthier swaps: Try using coconut oil melted instead of butter, or replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
• Fruit swap: Substitute apples with pears or finely diced peaches for a different fruity twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your baked apple crumb donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, remove donuts from the freezer and let thaw for about 30 minutes. Warm in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts without a piping bag?

Yes! You can spoon the batter directly into the donut cavities, but a piping bag helps fill the molds more evenly and neatly.

What type of apples work best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best as they retain texture and sweetness after baking.

Can I use store-bought pancake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for convenience, so any quality pancake mix will work well.

Are these donuts vegan-friendly?

Not as written, but you can make them vegan by using a plant-based milk, vegan butter substitutes, and an egg replacer like flax egg.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from burning?

Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid overbaking. The topping should be golden, not dark brown.

Nutrition Estimate Per Serving

Each baked apple crumb donut contains approximately 180 calories, 3 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of fat. This makes them a balanced treat that offers satisfying energy with every bite.

Print Recipe

Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Moist, fluffy baked donuts infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with fresh apple and topped with a buttery crumb. Perfect for fall brunches or cozy treats.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time22 minutes mins

Course: Desserts & Sweets

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 210kcal

Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup finely diced fresh apple
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 6-cavity donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together pancake mix, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
• Pour in milk, egg, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir gently until combined.
• Fold in diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
• Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Pipe into donut cavities, filling 3/4 full.
• In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg with fingers until crumbly.
• Spoon crumb topping over each donut. Bake 12 minutes until golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For easier release, chill donut pans after filling for 10 minutes before baking
Use a piping bag for consistent filling portions
Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days