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Are you searching for a delightful and healthier treat to indulge in without the guilt? Look no further than baked apple cinnamon donuts. These delightful donuts capture the essence of fall with every bite, blending the sweet tartness of fresh apples with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon. The appeal of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in its delightful texture—light, fluffy, and moist, making them the perfect pairing for a cup of coffee or tea.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts

Indulge in guilt-free delight with homemade baked apple cinnamon donuts. These treats are light, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet tartness of fresh apples and the warmth of cinnamon. Enjoy them as a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. Easy to make and wholesome, they can be customized with healthy ingredients like applesauce and whole wheat flour. Perfect for sharing at brunch or treating yourself, these donuts will be a family favorite. Happy baking!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (recommended: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and the egg together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. Stir in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until no visible flour streaks remain. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the donuts.

          Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the finely chopped apple into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.

            Fill Donut Pan: Using a large spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan to about three-quarters full with the batter. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

              Bake: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

                Prepare Topping: While the donuts bake, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for coating the donuts.

                  Cool and Coat: After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer them to a wire rack to cool further. While the donuts are still warm, brush each one with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure they are well coated for that sweet finish.

                    Serve: Once completely cool, these delicious donuts are ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh for the best flavor or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 12 donuts

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate or tiered stand for an appealing display. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top for added flair! Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.