Homemade Apple Donuts Recipe (Easy Baked or Fried Fall Dessert)
These Homemade Apple Donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet shredded apples, warm cinnamon, and cozy fall spices. Finished with melted butter and a cinnamon sugar coating, they're everything you love about bakery-style apple donuts—made right in your own kitchen.
Whether you bake them for breakfast, brunch, or a fall dessert, these donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or homemade apple cider.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Soft and fluffy texture
Packed with fresh apples
Warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavor
Easy to bake or fry
Perfect fall breakfast
Great for apple picking season
Better than bakery donuts
Ready in under an hour
Ingredients
Apple Donuts
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely grated Honeycrisp apple (squeeze out excess moisture)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two donut pans with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together:
Flour, Baking powder, Baking soda, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves.
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl whisk together:
Brown sugar, Granulated sugar, Eggs, Milk, Melted butter, and Vanilla.
Whisk until smooth.
Fold in the grated apple.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined.
Do not overmix.
The batter should be thick.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Pipe the batter into the donut cavities until about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 7: Coat the Donuts
Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl.
Brush each warm donut with melted butter.
Roll in the cinnamon sugar until completely coated.
Serve warm.
Optional Fried Apple Donuts
If you prefer fried donuts:
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F.
Pipe or scoop the batter carefully into the oil.
Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Coat in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Tips for the Best Apple Donuts
Honeycrisp apples provide the best sweetness and texture.
Squeeze excess moisture from the grated apples before mixing.
Don't overmix the batter.
Coat the donuts while they're still warm.
Freshly grated nutmeg gives incredible flavor.
Variations
Apple Cider Donuts
Replace the milk with apple cider for an even stronger apple flavor.
Maple Apple Donuts
Drizzle with maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
Caramel Apple Donuts
Finish with warm caramel sauce.
Apple Crumble Donuts
Sprinkle with a buttery streusel topping before baking.
Cream Cheese Apple Donuts
Fill each donut with sweetened cream cheese before baking.
What to Serve with Apple Donuts
Homemade Apple Cider
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Vanilla Glaze
Salted Caramel Sauce
Fresh Fruit
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes. Freeze the baked donuts before coating for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples all work well.
Can I use apple pie filling?
Fresh grated apples are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Bake them the day before and coat them in cinnamon sugar just before serving.
Can I make mini donuts?
Absolutely. Reduce the baking time to about 8–10 minutes.
Are these similar to apple cider donuts?
Yes. Adding apple cider in place of the milk creates a classic apple cider donut flavor.
Nutrition Information
Estimated Per Donut (12 donuts)
Calories: 225
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 180mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 2% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 7% DV
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.
Final Notes
These Homemade Apple Donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet shredded apples, warm cinnamon, and cozy fall spices. Finished with melted butter and a cinnamon sugar coating, they're everything you love about bakery-style apple donuts—made right in your own kitchen.