There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apple donuts on a crisp fall morning. These treats combine sweet apple flavor with cozy spices that make every bite feel like autumn itself. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, glazed or sugared, these apple donut recipes are the perfect way to enjoy the season’s best flavors.
1. Classic Cinnamon Apple Donuts
These soft, fragrant donuts capture the perfect balance of apple sweetness and cinnamon warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar, applesauce, butter, and buttermilk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon batter into a greased donut pan.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Best served warm with a mug of apple cider or hot coffee.
2. Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts bring the tangy sweetness of apple cider right into your kitchen—no frying required!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Simmer cider until reduced by half; cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients with reduced cider.
- Mix until smooth and pour into donut pan.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Enjoy warm with a drizzle of simple cider glaze.
3. Caramel Glazed Apple Donuts
A gooey caramel topping adds a delicious twist to classic apple donuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple puree
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- For glaze: ½ cup caramel sauce, 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
- Combine and spoon into donut pan.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
- Whisk glaze ingredients; dip warm donuts to coat.
How to Serve It
Top with tiny apple cubes for a bakery-style look.
4. Apple Fritter Donuts
These donuts are bursting with chunks of apple and drizzled with glaze for a comforting bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup diced apples
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add apples, eggs, milk, and butter. Stir until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil (350°F).
- Fry 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Dip in glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
5. Apple Pie Filled Donuts
Think apple pie meets soft donut—a heavenly combination.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp butter
- Apple pie filling for stuffing
Instructions
- Mix dough ingredients and let rise 1 hour.
- Roll and cut into rounds.
- Fry at 350°F until golden.
- Cool slightly, fill with apple pie filling.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Perfect with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
6. Maple Glazed Apple Donuts
Sweet maple glaze enhances the cozy apple flavor perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Spoon into donut pan and bake 12 minutes.
- Dip cooled donuts in glaze.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped pecans for added crunch.
7. Apple Crumb Donuts
Crispy streusel adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- Crumb topping: ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare donut batter and fill pans.
- Sprinkle crumb topping.
- Bake 14 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve with a drizzle of vanilla icing.
8. Apple Spice Donuts with Glaze
These baked donuts are infused with cozy fall spices and topped with a simple glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another, whisk eggs, applesauce, butter, and milk.
- Mix wet and dry together until smooth.
- Pour into greased donut pan.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
- Whisk glaze and drizzle over cooled donuts.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with extra cinnamon for a bakery-style finish.
9. Baked Whole Wheat Apple Donuts
Wholesome and hearty, these donuts are slightly nutty and naturally sweetened with applesauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients separately.
- Mix until just combined.
- Pour into greased donut pan.
- Bake 15 minutes or until firm.
How to Serve It
Dust with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.
10. Apple Butter Donuts
Apple butter gives these donuts a rich, spiced flavor that tastes like fall in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup apple butter
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, apple butter, butter, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Spoon into donut pan.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
How to Serve It
Brush with extra apple butter for a glossy finish.
11. Glazed Apple Cake Donuts
Soft and sweet, these cake-style donuts are perfect for anyone who loves apple desserts but prefers a lighter texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Mix both together gently.
- Spoon into greased donut pan.
- Bake 12 minutes.
- Dip in apple glaze while warm.
How to Serve It
Let the glaze set before serving for a beautiful sheen.
12. Apple Cinnamon Mini Donuts
Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these are perfect for parties or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat mini donut maker or oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Fill molds halfway and cook 2–3 minutes per side (or bake 8 minutes).
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve on skewers for fun mini donut pops.
13. Apple Oatmeal Donuts
A fiber-rich, hearty twist on the classic apple donut that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Grind oats lightly in a blender.
- Mix with flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add wet ingredients; stir gently.
- Pour into donut pan.
- Bake 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with honey or a light maple glaze.
14. Apple Pecan Donuts
Crunchy pecans add texture and nutty warmth to these soft apple donuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately.
- Combine and fold in pecans.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with maple glaze and extra toasted pecans.
15. Salted Caramel Apple Donuts
Sweet caramel and a touch of salt balance perfectly with apple flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup apple puree
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- For topping: caramel sauce, flaky salt
Instructions
- Bake donuts at 350°F for 12 minutes.
- Warm caramel sauce slightly.
- Dip tops and sprinkle with sea salt.
How to Serve It
Serve with sliced apples for extra crunch.
16. Apple Cream Cheese Donuts
Soft donuts filled with tangy cream cheese frosting and spiced apple flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- Filling: 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Bake donuts at 350°F.
- Whip filling until smooth.
- Once donuts cool, fill using piping bag.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
17. Air Fryer Apple Donuts
Crisp outside, soft inside—these are lighter and quicker than fried versions.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F.
- Mix ingredients until smooth.
- Pipe into silicone donut molds.
- Air fry 7–8 minutes.
How to Serve It
Brush with butter and dip in cinnamon sugar.
18. Apple Crumble Donuts
Each bite offers tender donut and crunchy crumble topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- Crumble: ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Fill donut pans halfway.
- Sprinkle crumble over batter.
- Bake 14 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with vanilla icing for sweetness.
19. Gluten-Free Apple Donuts
Soft, light, and gluten-free—perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ tsp xanthan gum
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients.
- Pour into greased donut pan.
- Bake 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar or dip in glaze.
20. Vegan Apple Donuts
Completely dairy- and egg-free, yet rich and fluffy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour into donut pan.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
How to Serve It
Brush with maple syrup or roll in cinnamon sugar.
21. Apple Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Perfectly poppable treats for any fall gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Drop small spoonfuls of batter into oil.
- Fry 1–2 minutes per side.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with caramel dipping sauce.
22. Spiced Brown Butter Apple Donuts
Brown butter gives these donuts a nutty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with apple.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup browned butter
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients.
- Bake 12 minutes.
- Glaze with brown butter icing.
How to Serve It
Dust with extra cinnamon before serving.
23. Old-Fashioned Apple Cake Donuts
These traditional-style donuts are dense, flavorful, and full of apple goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup apple puree
Instructions
- Combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Mix to form dough.
- Roll and cut into rounds.
- Fry at 350°F until golden.
How to Serve It
Glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
24. Apple Cider Donut Muffins
A muffin-donut hybrid that’s soft, moist, and perfectly spiced.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced)
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients and stir.
- Fill muffin tin and bake 15–17 minutes.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar when warm.
How to Serve It
Serve with a cup of warm cider for the ultimate fall pairing.
Conclusion
From spiced classics to creative twists, these apple donuts are everything you love about fall—comforting, sweet, and filled with seasonal flavor. Try baking a batch this weekend, share them with family, or gift them to neighbors. Every bite is pure autumn joy.
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