There’s something wonderfully comforting about sinking your teeth into a donut that’s both soft and spiced to perfection. These Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Applesauce Donuts bring together the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite. Instead of frying, we bake them to golden perfection, which means they’re lighter but still deeply satisfying. You’ll notice the gentle sweetness from the unsweetened applesauce balancing the warm embrace of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Each mouthful is tender, slightly cakey, and redolent of fall’s favorite notes—without ever feeling heavy. It’s that magical combination where every ingredient plays its part, delivering just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and moisture.
Even if you’ve never made donuts at home, these are a total breeze. With a total cook time of just 12 minutes and minimal hands-on prep—about 10 minutes—you’ll have a tray of freshly baked treats ready before your coffee even cools down. There’s a lovely little rest period of 5 minutes, so while you’re waiting you can prep a quick cinnamon-sugar dip or brew a fresh pot of tea. At around 160 calories per donut, you can feel a little less guilty indulging. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or simply craving a cozy breakfast companion, these donuts fit the bill. They’re perfect warm out of the oven, but just as inviting when lightly refreshed in a toaster oven the next day.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLESAUCE DONUTS
To make these spiced applesauce donuts, we rely on pantry-friendly staples that each bring unique texture, flavor, and structure. Below are the heroes of this recipe and why they matter.
- All-purpose flour
The backbone of our donuts, providing structure and a tender crumb. Its moderate protein content helps balance chewiness with softness.
- Baking powder
A primary leavening agent that gives the donuts lift and lightness, ensuring they puff up perfectly in the oven.
- Baking soda
Works in tandem with the brown sugar and applesauce to create a slight rise and tender texture, neutralizing acidity.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses every bite with warm, sweet spice and the signature cozy flavor that defines these donuts.
- Ground nutmeg
A delicate complement to cinnamon, adding depth and a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the spice blend.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and reinforcing the spices’ brightness.
- Granulated sugar
Provides sweetness and browning, contributing to the donut’s tender texture.
- Packed brown sugar
Adds moisture, a hint of caramel flavor, and works with the baking soda for lift.
- Large egg
Binds ingredients together, adds moisture, and contributes to the donuts’ soft, cohesive crumb.
- Unsweetened applesauce
Delivers natural sweetness, keeps the donuts moist, and cuts down on added fat for a lighter treat.
- Milk
Hydrates the dry ingredients, helping to form a smooth batter and ensuring tender results.
- Unsalted butter, melted
Imparts richness and flavor, making these donuts feel indulgent while still being baked.
- Vanilla extract
Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the flavors, giving the donuts a warm, homey finish.
HOW TO MAKE WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLESAUCE DONUTS
Let’s bring together these flavorful ingredients in simple, beginner-friendly steps. By following a few key techniques—preheat, whisk, beat, and bake—you’ll achieve perfectly tender pastries that taste like fall in every bite.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your donuts release easily once baked.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until the blend is uniform and free of lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and the large egg together until the mixture is pale and creamy. Stir in the unsweetened applesauce, milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, homogenous batter.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a gentle folding motion. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dense donuts.
5. Fill each well of your greased donut pan about three-quarters full with the batter. A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off can help you get clean, even rings.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optionally, while the donuts are still slightly warm, you can dip them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of sweetness and spice that highlights their cozy flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLESAUCE DONUTS
When these baked donuts emerge warm and aromatic, you’ll want to serve them in ways that elevate their cozy charm. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating the family, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet snack, these suggestions will showcase the donuts at their best.
- Serve them warm right out of the oven with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. The gentle heat helps the sugar stick and creates a slight glaze that melts into the donut’s tender surface.
- Pair your donuts with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or spiced tea. The complementary flavors of apple and cinnamon enhance each other, making every sip and bite feel like a hug in autumn form.
- Drizzle the cooled donuts with a simple vanilla icing. Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth, then spoon over the tops. The glossy finish adds sweetness and a touch of elegance.
- Arrange the donuts on a brunch board alongside fresh fruit slices, crunchy nuts, and a selection of cheeses. This creates a colorful spread perfect for sharing, where guests can graze and mingle.
HOW TO STORE WARM CINNAMON-SPICED BAKED APPLESAUCE DONUTS
Preserving these spiced delights so they stay moist and flavorful is straightforward. Follow these tips to keep your donuts tasting freshly baked, even days after you first mix the batter.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation and soggy spots.
- For longer keeping, place donuts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave before eating to revive their softness.
- To freeze individually, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and arrange them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then warm gently.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes, or pop in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This restores that just-baked warmth and texture.
CONCLUSION
These Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Applesauce Donuts bring together the ultimate cozy flavors of fall in a light, baked format that’s easy for any home cook—beginner or veteran—to master. We’ve covered everything from pantry-friendly key ingredients to detailed step-by-step instructions, plus tips for serving, storing, and even glamming them up with icing or a cinnamon-sugar dip. With a quick 10-minute prep, 12-minute bake, and just 5 minutes of cooling time, you can whip these up any morning or for a relaxed weekend brunch. Each donut clocks in at about 160 calories, so you can indulge without overthinking it. Feel free to experiment with spice variations like cardamom or ginger, or swap in whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose to add more fiber. This recipe lives at the intersection of comfort food and convenience—perfect for a chilly day treat, a festive gathering, or simply a sweet pick-me-up.
Go ahead and print this article or save it for later reference, so you can pull it out whenever a craving for soft, spiced donuts strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below, covering common questions like troubleshooting batter consistency, ingredient swaps, and more. If you give the recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave your comments, questions, or any creative twists you discover in the kitchen. Whether you need help with a step or just want to share your favorite way to serve these treats, drop a note—I’m here to chat and make your baking as joyful as possible. Happy baking!
Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Applesauce Donuts
Description
These delightful donuts are soft, spiced, and sweetened with applesauce, making them the perfect treat for a chilly day. Enjoy them warm with a sprinkle of sugar!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
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In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until creamy. Stir in the applesauce, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
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Carefully fill each section of the greased donut pan with the donut batter, filling each about 3/4 full.
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Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optionally, while the donuts are still slightly warm, you can dip them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
Note
- These donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Try using different spices like cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Consider glazing with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for added sweetness.
- These donuts are perfect for a cozy fall brunch or as a sweet treat with a hot cup of cider.
- For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour.
