If you’re craving a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall with a tender, moist bite, this Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts are a delightful combination of tender applesauce, warm spices, and the ease of using a spice cake mix, resulting in a perfectly balanced, lightly sweetened baked good that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet ending to your day, these donuts bring a touch of homemade magic with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work together beautifully to create the soft texture and warm spice flavor that make these donuts so irresistible. Each ingredient plays its part in bringing out the perfect apple and spice harmony.
- Spice cake mix: This is the flavorful base that provides the perfect blend of spices and tender crumb without extra fuss.
- Applesauce (1 1/2 cups): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the donuts wonderfully soft.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): Enhances the warm, comforting spice profile for that classic autumn feel.
- Apple pie spice (1 tsp): Adds a nuanced spice blend that complements the apples perfectly.
- Sugar (1 cup): Helps balance the tartness of the applesauce while adding a touch of sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): For coating the donuts after baking, boosting flavor and adding a lovely texture on the outside.
How to Make Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F to create the perfect environment for the donuts to bake evenly. A well-heated oven is key to achieving that light, fluffy texture without drying them out.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Spray your donut pan generously with a non-stick baking spray. This simple step ensures the donuts will release effortlessly after baking, saving you from any stuck-on mess and preserving their pretty shape.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, applesauce, apple pie spice, and cinnamon. Whisk them together just until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture brings together the sweetness and spices that make these Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe so special.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity to about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Time
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about five minutes. This brief rest lets them set so they don’t break apart when removed.
Step 6: Remove and Coat
Carefully take the donuts out of the pan and while they’re still slightly warm, toss them gently in a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. This coating adds an irresistible sweet and spicy crunch on the outside, making every bite a delight.
How to Serve Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These donuts are perfect as-is with their cinnamon sugar coating, but you can also add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also makes a fantastic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement their warm, cozy flavors. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your serving, stack the donuts in a charming pyramid on a rustic wooden board, or arrange them on a pretty plate garnished with thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You can even skewer small donut holes for a fun party snack presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating may absorb some moisture, but the donuts stay soft and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks on busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy the donuts warm, reheat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them briefly in a toaster oven. This brings back their soft texture and revives that comforting, freshly baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Fresh apples would change the texture and moisture level significantly, so it’s best to stick with applesauce for this recipe to keep the donuts tender and moist.
Do I have to use a spice cake mix?
While spice cake mix adds convenience and great flavor, you can experiment with other cake mixes, but adjusting the spices accordingly is recommended to stay true to the flavor profile.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free will work well for dietary needs, though texture might vary slightly.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Generously spraying the pan with non-stick baking spray and allowing the donuts to cool slightly before removing helps them come out cleanly every time.
What’s the best way to enjoy these donuts?
They’re fantastic fresh and warm, but pairing them with a cozy drink and simple fruit makes for a deliciously satisfying treat any time of day.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe is one of those comforting little joys that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with your favorite cup of tea. I hope you try making them soon and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
Print
Baked Apple Spice Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Baked Apple Donuts, crafted with a spice cake mix and applesauce for a warm autumn-inspired treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and apple pie spices, these donuts bake up tender and are finished with a cinnamon sugar coating for an irresistible sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the donuts.
- Prepare Donut Pan: Lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick baking spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, applesauce, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and form a smooth batter.
- Fill Donut Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to set.
- Remove and Coat Donuts: Carefully remove the donuts from the pan. In a shallow dish, mix together the 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. While the donuts are still slightly warm, gently coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly covered.
Notes
- You can use homemade applesauce or store-bought; unsweetened is best to control sweetness.
- For a different flavor twist, try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Ensure the donuts are slightly warm when coating with cinnamon sugar so the sugar sticks well.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
