Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

These easy baked apple crumb donuts are warm, soft, and filled with cozy fall flavors. They have a tender apple-spiced base and a buttery crumb topping that bakes to perfection, making them a delightful treat to enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a sweet breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick to put together with simple ingredients, yet it tastes bakery-quality. I don’t need to fry anything, which makes it lighter and easier. I also enjoy how the cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple flavor shine through, creating a nostalgic fall comfort in every bite. The crumb topping adds a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft donuts.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Donut:

• 2 cups pancake mix

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 cup milk (1%)

Crumb Topping (typical for apple crumb donuts):

• ½ cup flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Optional glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 teaspoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a donut pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk until smooth.

3. I spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

4. For the crumb topping, I mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

5. I sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each donut.

6. I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. I let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

8. If I want glaze, I whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled donuts.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 donuts. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, so I can enjoy them in under 30 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add finely chopped apples to the batter for extra apple flavor.

• I swap nutmeg with allspice or cloves for a different spice profile.

• I make them without the crumb topping and just glaze them if I want a lighter version.

• I use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk when I want a non-dairy option.

storage/reheating

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 5 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, I can use a muffin tin instead and make them into apple crumb muffins. The baking time will be slightly longer, around 18–20 minutes.

Can I freeze baked apple crumb donuts?

Yes, I freeze them without glaze for up to 2 months. When I want one, I thaw it at room temperature and warm it slightly before eating.

Can I use fresh apples in the batter?

Yes, I like adding about ½ cup finely chopped apples to the batter. They add more texture and flavor.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the pancake mix with a gluten-free pancake mix and they turn out just as delicious.

Do I need to peel apples if I add them?

No, I don’t always peel them. If the skin is tender, I leave it on for extra fiber and flavor.

Conclusion

These easy baked apple crumb donuts are one of my favorite quick fall treats. I love how the warm spices, soft donut texture, and crunchy topping come together in every bite. Whether I serve them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they always disappear fast.

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