Irresistible Baked Apple Donuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe

There’s something about waking up on a crisp autumn morning to the warm aroma of baked apple donuts with glaze that instantly feels like coming home. Growing up in that white farmhouse nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, mornings like these were my favorite kind. Mama Lu would be in the kitchen, her hands steady and sure, coaxing simple ingredients into comforting treats that tasted like love and memories. These baked apple donuts carry that same spirit — a little bit of sweetness, a hint of spice, and a whole lot of heart. They’re soft, tender, and just right for sharing on a porch swing while the world wakes up slow and gentle.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze

From my earliest days with flour-dusted aprons to now sharing recipes across the country, I’ve learned that the best food is food that feels like a warm embrace. These baked apple donuts with glaze aren’t just a treat; they’re a celebration of simple, honest ingredients and the joy of baking without fuss. Unlike their fried cousins, these donuts are lighter but still tender, studded with fresh apple bits that add a natural sweetness and moisture. The glaze, glossy and just sweet enough, brings everything together with a little shimmer of nostalgia.

What makes these donuts special to me is how they remind me of Mama Lu’s kitchen — where measurements were more about feel than precision, and every bite held a story. Whether you’re baking with kids, making a weekend brunch, or just needing a little comfort on a tough day, these donuts will wrap you in that same warmth and familiarity.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute half with whole wheat for a heartier texture)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but adds a warm depth)
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 3/4 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (I like a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 210 per donut
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 34 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 15 grams (including glaze)
• Sodium: 210 milligrams

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Steps to Create Your Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan but the shape will differ.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of warm spices always takes me back to the kitchen windowsill where Mama Lu kept her jars of cinnamon and cloves, ready for whatever magic she was about to whip up.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until combined. The batter should be thick but smooth — be careful not to overmix. Back home, Mama Lu would say, “Stir it enough to say hello, then stop.”
5. Fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These little bursts of apple will keep the donuts moist and give them that fresh, orchard-picked taste.
6. Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter. Don’t overfill, or the donuts might lose their shape.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling like a fall morning on the mountain, and you’ll know it’s nearly time.
8. Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This pause is important — rushing the glaze on while the donuts are hot can make it runny.
9. While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.
10. Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze or spoon it over each one. Let them sit a few minutes to set before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze

Growing up, I learned that the secret to any great recipe isn’t just the ingredients but the love and attention you put into it. Here are a few tips from my years of baking alongside Mama Lu and my own kitchen adventures: Learn more: Ultimate Comfort Food Ground Beef Hash Recipe You Need to Try

• Use fresh apples: The texture and flavor of the apple make a big difference. Crisp, tart apples add brightness, while sweeter varieties lend a softer taste.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking flour can make baked goods tough. Stir just until the ingredients come together for tender, light donuts.
• Let the donuts cool before glazing: This keeps the glaze from melting off and becoming a sticky mess.
• For extra flavor: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter — it’s a little nod to those Blue Ridge spice blends Mama Lu always kept handy.
• Swap buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, using milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works just fine. It’s what we always did when the fridge was bare.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These baked apple donuts with glaze are naturally a morning star, but they shine any time of day. I often find myself enjoying them with a strong cup of black coffee or a warm mug of spiced tea. When my cousins come over for Sunday brunch, we pile these donuts on a big plate, alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs — comfort and indulgence all at once.

For a sweeter touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cold butter. If you want to turn them into a more festive treat, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze before it sets for a bit of crunch and that earthy mountain flavor we all cherish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Like most things made with love in a farmhouse kitchen, these donuts are best enjoyed fresh. That said, life doesn’t always allow us to eat them all at once. Here’s how to keep them tasting just right:

• Storage: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these donuts without glaze for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm donuts gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If glazed, warm them without glaze first, then add the glaze after reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze?

The main ingredients for Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze?

The total time to make Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze ahead of time?

Yes, Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze?

Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Baked Apple Donuts with Glaze may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

There’s a quiet kind of magic in baked apple donuts with glaze — the way they bring out the flavors of fall and family in every bite. They remind me of Mama Lu’s kitchen, where cooking was about more than just feeding bodies; it was about feeding souls. These donuts are a little taste of that mountain home, a recipe passed down not just in words, but in heartbeats and smiles.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who just wants to try something new, these donuts offer a gentle invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and share a bit of sweetness with the people you love. After all, that’s what food was always meant to be in the Blue Ridge: a language of love, healing, and togetherness.