Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

why make this recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. These Baked Apple Crumb Donuts bring all that cozy warmth straight to your table. Soft, fluffy, and packed with comforting apple spice flavor, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a hug with every bite.

Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked — making them lighter yet just as satisfying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, each donut is topped with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fall comfort food moment.

Soft baked apple crumb donuts with cinnamon streusel topping on a cooling rack
Warm, fluffy donuts topped with buttery cinnamon crumble — a cozy fall favorite.
Table of Contents

how to make Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Making these donuts is simple and quick. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have a yummy batch ready to eat in no time!

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk (1%)

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Stir in the milk until just combined.
  4. Fill each donut pan cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
  7. Enjoy your delicious baked apple crumb donuts!

how to serve Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts taste incredible whether you serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust them with cinnamon sugar or drizzle a light vanilla glaze on top. They pair perfectly with a cozy cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea — making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon treat.

Close-up of soft baked apple donuts topped with golden brown cinnamon crumb and glaze
Warm baked apple donuts coated with sweet cinnamon crumble and drizzled glaze — a cozy homemade treat.

how to store Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Store your Baked Apple Crumb Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days to keep them soft and moist. For longer storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

tips to make Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy.

Add real apple flavor: Fold in finely chopped apples or a spoonful of applesauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Boost the crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or oats on top before baking for a satisfying crumb texture.

Use fresh spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg make a big difference in flavor — don’t skip them!

Let them cool slightly: Allow the donuts to rest for a few minutes before removing them from the pan to prevent breaking.

variation

Give your Baked Apple Crumb Donuts a fun twist by mixing in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. For a cozy seasonal spin, swap the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin spice or apple pie spice. You can even drizzle caramel or maple glaze on top for an irresistible fall-inspired treat.

FAQs

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk?
Yes! You can use almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative you prefer. For the best texture and balanced sweetness, choose an unsweetened variety. Whole milk or 2% milk will make the donuts slightly richer and softer.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No problem! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. Fill each cup about two-thirds full and bake for a few extra minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. They’ll turn out like soft, fluffy donut muffins.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the donuts the night before and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for 3–4 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Can I freeze baked apple crumb donuts?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
You can replace the pancake mix with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or a gluten-free pancake mix. Be sure to check that your mix contains xanthan gum for proper structure and softness.
Can I add real apples to the batter?
Definitely! Fold in about ½ cup of finely chopped fresh apples or sautéed apples for added texture and natural sweetness. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work great for baking.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you loved these Baked Apple Crumb Donuts, you’ll enjoy more cozy treats from My Flavor Recipes. Try the No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Truffles, Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Donut Holes, or Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll for more sweet inspiration. For fall flavors, check out the Pecan Pie Dump Cake, Lemon Fluff, and Magic Lemon Cobbler.

You can also try easy no-bake favorites like the No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies, Pineapple Christmas Balls, or Chocolate Chip Biscoff Cookies.

For more cozy dessert ideas, follow me on Pinterest for trending recipes and seasonal inspiration, and join our foodie community on Facebook to stay connected and share your creations!

Soft baked apple crumb donuts with cinnamon streusel topping on a cooling rack

Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are a delightful, healthier treat that brings the cozy flavor of apples into a soft and delicious donut, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 donuts
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Donuts

  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed Use light or dark brown sugar as per preference.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk (1%) Can substitute with almond milk or soy milk.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Stir in the milk until just combined.
  • Fill each donut pan cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.

Baking

  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving

  • Serve warm or at room temperature. Consider sprinkling with cinnamon sugar or drizzling with icing.

Notes

Store baked apple crumb donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze them. Avoid overmixing the batter for softer donuts, and feel free to add chopped apples or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
Keyword Apple Donuts, Baked Donuts, Dessert Recipes, Easy Donuts, Healthy Treats
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

  • chef Amelia from my flavor recipes
    Founder & Recipe Developer | Food Blogger & Home Cooking Expert

    A home cook and food blogger, she creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients and reliable techniques. Every recipe is developed in her own kitchen to help home cooks feel confident and inspired.

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