Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

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🍎 Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts – Soft, Cozy & Irresistible

🍁 Introduction

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and warm spices baking in the oven. These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts bring together soft, fluffy texture with a sweet crumb topping that melts in your mouth. They’re lighter than fried donuts, super simple to make, and perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy dessert.

If you love comforting homemade treats, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites — especially during cooler days when you want something warm and satisfying.

📜 A Little History of Apple Donuts

Apple-based baked goods have long roots in European and American kitchens, especially in autumn harvest seasons. Donuts themselves were traditionally fried, but baked donuts became popular as a healthier and easier alternative.

Apple crumb donuts are inspired by classic apple crumb cakes — combining soft batter with a buttery streusel topping. Over time, home bakers simplified recipes using pantry staples like pancake mix, making them accessible for everyone.

🍩 Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts Recipe

🧾 Ingredients

For the Apple Donuts:

  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely chopped or grated apple

For the Crumb Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup cold butter (cubed)

Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Method & Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a donut pan well or use a silicone mold.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  • In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Fold in the chopped or grated apples.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

  • Spoon or pipe batter into donut molds, filling about ¾ full.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

  • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Add cold butter and rub with fingers until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle generously over each donut.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and set.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Step 6: Add Glaze (Optional)

  • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
  • Drizzle over cooled donuts for extra sweetness.

🍎 Formation & Texture

These donuts form:

  • Soft, fluffy interior thanks to pancake mix
  • Moist texture from fresh apples
  • Crunchy, buttery crumb topping
  • Light golden color with a bakery-style finish

Each bite gives you a balance of softness and crunch — truly comforting.

💡 Baking Tips & Methods

  • ✔ Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for better flavor contrast
  • ✔ Do not overmix batter — it keeps donuts light
  • ✔ Chill crumb topping for extra crunch before baking
  • ✔ Pipe batter for neat, even donut shapes
  • ✔ Add chopped nuts for extra texture

❤️ Why People Love These Donuts

  • Quick and beginner-friendly
  • No frying = less mess and healthier
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
  • Smells absolutely amazing while baking
  • Kid-friendly and great with tea or coffee

If you enjoy simple homemade desserts, these donuts are a must-try — easy, cozy, and full of flavor.

🌟 Conclusion

Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are the perfect mix of comfort and simplicity. With warm spices, soft apple-filled centers, and a crunchy topping, they bring bakery-quality results right from your oven — no special skills required.

Make a batch once, and you’ll find yourself craving them again and again… especially on cozy mornings 🍁🍎

Would you like me to give you a filled apple donut version (with caramel inside)? 😍

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