Dessert

Apple Cinnamon Donuts Recipe

ByHailey Reed December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

These Apple Cinnamon Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing together warm spices and fresh apple bites in every bite. Baked instead of fried, they are a lighter treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

The image shows four round donuts with a light brown color and a coarse, crumbly texture on top. The donuts have a slightly uneven surface with some small holes and cracks, and the brown crumbs are sprinkled evenly over each one. They are placed close together on a white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The donuts look soft but with a slight crunch from the topping, creating a rustic and homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Cake Flour
2 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Egg
1/3 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup Apple, diced
1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add the apple cider vinegar, egg, and almond milk, then stir until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Gently fold the diced apple into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
Step 4: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan. In a small bag, mix the remaining 1 teaspoon granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the donut pan.
Step 5: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
For extra moisture, finely grate the apple instead of dicing.
Swap almond milk for any other milk or dairy-free alternative you prefer.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice flavor.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows four round donuts on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. Each donut has a light brown color and a rough texture on top, covered with a layer of cinnamon sugar that gives them a grainy look. The donuts have small air holes visible on the surface, and their edges are slightly uneven, suggesting a soft and fluffy inside. The focus is close-up, showing the fine details of the sugar crystals and the texture of the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but your donuts might be slightly denser. For best texture, sift the flour or add a bit of cornstarch to mimic cake flour.