Description

Soft, tender baked doughnuts packed with real apple flavor and coated in cinnamon sugar, finished with a rich maple glaze. An easy, kid-approved treat that requires no frying.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
1 medium apple (about ½ cup grated), peeled and liquid squeezed out
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons real maple syrup (for glaze)
1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan thoroughly.
Peel and finely grate the apple, then squeeze out excess liquid with a paper towel.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Add buttermilk and mix until just combined.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two additions, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the grated apple.
Scoop batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
While still warm, brush doughnuts lightly with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and salt to make the glaze.
Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and let excess drip off before placing back on the rack to set.

Notes

Ensure the apple liquid is squeezed out to prevent dense doughnuts. Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to keep doughnuts tender. Brush with butter while doughnuts are warm, not hot, for the cinnamon sugar coating to stick properly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 doughnut
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 200
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: baked doughnuts, apple doughnuts, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, maple glaze, fall baking, easy dessert, kid-friendly recipes