Dessert

Apple Cinnamon Donuts Recipe

ByCleo Brixton December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

These Apple Cinnamon Donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly balances warm spices with fresh apple flavors. Baked, not fried, they offer a lighter yet satisfying twist on a classic favorite. Ready in just minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The image shows four round donuts with a light brown color, each covered with a layer of crumbly cinnamon sugar dust on top. The donuts have a rough, slightly uneven texture and small holes in the center. They are arranged closely together on a white plate, all touching each other. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Cake Flour
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Egg
1/3 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup Apple, diced
1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray your donut pan and set it aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cake flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add the apple cider vinegar, egg, and almond milk, then mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Gently fold the diced apple into the batter to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan wells. In a small bag, mix 1 teaspoon granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of the donuts.
Step 5: Bake the donuts in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

For an extra moist texture, consider adding a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter.
You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, including dairy or oat milk.
Try using different apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varied sweetness and crunch.
Dust the finished donuts with powdered sugar or a light glaze for added sweetness.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain softness before serving.

How to Serve

Four baked doughnuts rest on a large white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each doughnut has a rough texture with a light brown color and is covered with a grainy coating of cinnamon sugar, giving a slightly uneven, crumbly look. The doughnuts are close together, showing their soft and dense baked texture with small air pockets visible on their surface. The lighting highlights the sugar crystals and the golden-brown tones of the doughnuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the donuts may be slightly denser. For best results, use cake flour for a lighter texture.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking flour blend that is suitable for baking, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.