Pin It Soft, baked donuts infused with apple butter and topped with a sweet cinnamon crunch. These are perfect for cozy mornings or fall gatherings with friends or family.
The first time I baked these apple butter cinnamon crunch donuts, my kitchen filled with the scent of fall spices, making the whole morning feel special. Warm, tender, and full of apple flavor, these quickly became a family favorite on chilly weekends.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Light brown sugar, packed: ½ cup (100 g)
- Unsalted butter, melted: ¼ cup (60 ml) plus 2 tbsp (30 g) for topping
- Large eggs: 2
- Apple butter: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml) plus 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) for glaze
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
- Crushed cinnamon cereal or crisped rice cereal: ½ cup (60 g)
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g) for optional glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- Whisk brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth in a separate bowl.
- Blend batter:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill the pan:
- Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 14–16 minutes or until donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow donuts to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make cinnamon crunch topping:
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Brush donuts lightly with melted butter, dip in cinnamon sugar, and sprinkle crushed cereal.
- Optional glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth, drizzle over cooled donuts.
Pin It My kids always jump in to help with topping the donuts. It becomes a fun kitchen tradition, and we love to enjoy them warm while sharing stories from our week.
Required Tools
12-cavity donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, cooling rack, pastry brush.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs. If you use cinnamon cereal, check labels for gluten and dairy ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 3 g (per donut).
Pin It A batch of these donuts makes any morning brighter. Cozy, fragrant, and oh-so comforting!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Yes, store-bought apple butter works perfectly and saves prep time. Choose a variety with no added sugar for a balanced sweetness.
- → How do I keep donuts soft?
Let the donuts cool fully, then store them in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and keeps them tender.
- → Is it possible to add more crunch?
Absolutely! For extra crunch, increase the amount of crushed cereal or use a mix of cinnamon and crisped rice cereal.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for up to half the flour amount. It adds fiber and a subtle nutty flavor.
- → What is a good beverage pairing?
These donuts go well with spiced apple cider, coffee, or chai for a cozy breakfast or snack.