Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are everything fall dreams are made of—soft, warmly spiced, and bursting with real apple flavor, all topped with a buttery brown sugar crumb and a light cinnamon glaze. They’re the perfect cozy treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the fuss of frying.

Before we jump into the cinnamon-scented goodness, thank you for being here! Truly. Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prepping your fall mornings, or just treating yourself (you deserve it!), I’m so grateful you chose this recipe. Want more cozy bakes and seasonal favorites sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe below!

What Are Baked Apple Crumb Donuts?

These are cake-style donuts baked in a donut pan—no yeast, no frying, just mix, bake, and enjoy! The base is a soft apple-spice donut made with real apples and warm spices, and the topping is a crisp brown sugar streusel that bakes right on top. Finish them with a drizzle of simple glaze, and you’ve got a bakery-style treat in under 30 minutes.

Think of them as apple pie meets coffee cake… in donut form. 🍎🍩

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• No frying required
• Made with real apples
• Warm, cozy fall flavors
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead breakfasts
• Perfect for brunch, gifting, or dessert

What Do They Taste Like?

These donuts are moist, tender, and lightly sweet, with a distinct apple flavor and a warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. The crumb topping adds a slightly crunchy, buttery layer that melts into every bite, and the glaze gives just the right amount of sweetness. They’re cozy, comforting, and downright addictive.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Uses basic pantry staples
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
• No special equipment besides a donut pan
• A great way to use up apples or apple cider
• Bakes in just 10–12 minutes!

Ingredients for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

For the donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple sauce (or finely grated apple)
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumb topping:

• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the glaze (optional but highly recommended!):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Dash of vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Donut pan (nonstick or silicone)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Box grater (if using fresh apple)
• Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)
• Cooling rack

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• No applesauce? Use finely grated apple, apple butter, or mashed banana
• Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter
• Gluten-free? Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Add-ins: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, raisins, or diced apples
• Pumpkin version: Swap applesauce for pumpkin purée and add extra spices!

How to Make Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and set aside.
2. Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill while you make the batter.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, applesauce, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fill the donut pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut wells, filling about 2/3 full. Sprinkle each with a generous spoonful of crumb topping.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool & glaze: Let donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Once cooled, drizzle with glaze if using.

What to Serve With Apple Crumb Donuts

• Hot apple cider or chai tea
• Pumpkin spice lattes for peak fall vibes
• Greek yogurt and fruit for a breakfast plate
• Vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert
• Add to a brunch board with muffins, fruits, and mini quiches

Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the donuts soft and fluffy
• For the best apple flavor, use unsweetened applesauce or freshly grated apple
• Use a piping bag or ziplock to easily fill the donut wells
• Let the donuts cool completely before glazing
• Want extra crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days, though texture may change slightly
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin pan—they’ll be like mini apple crumb cakes. Bake for 13–15 minutes.

Can I use fresh apples?

Definitely. Just peel and finely grate (or sauté chopped apple until soft). Measure 1/4 cup packed.

Are these overly sweet?

Not at all! The crumb and glaze add sweetness, but the base donut is nicely balanced and not too sugary.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes! Bake the donuts and store at room temp. Glaze just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are soft, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet—with that irresistible crumb topping that makes them taste straight from a bakery. Whether you’re celebrating fall, baking for brunch, or simply want a treat with your coffee, this recipe is a must-try.

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