Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

The smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the house on a crisp morning is pure comfort. That nostalgic aroma takes me right back to fall weekends at my grandmother’s house, where she’d make apple pies and coffee cake from scratch. But these days, I’m always looking for easier ways to capture those same cozy flavors with a bit less fuss. That’s exactly why I love making these Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts.

These donuts bring together the heartwarming taste of spiced apples and the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon crumb topping, all in a tender baked treat. No frying, no complicated steps, and best of all — they’re ready in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just because you have apples on hand, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

• No Frying Needed: These donuts are baked, not fried, which makes them quicker, cleaner, and a bit healthier.
• Fall Flavors Anytime: Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they deliver autumn coziness in every bite.
• Kid and Family Friendly: Soft, sweet, and fun to eat. Great for lunchboxes or family breakfasts.
• Quick and Easy: Made with pancake mix and pantry staples.
• Customizable: Swap in different fruits, toppings, or glazes to make them your own.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Store well and can be reheated for a fresh-baked feel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Donuts:

• 2 cups pancake mix
  Use a complete pancake mix like Krusteaz or Bisquick for best results.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  Adds caramel depth and balances the spice.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  Warm and fragrant, a classic pairing with apples.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  Adds depth and that true "apple pie" taste.
• 1 cup milk (1%)
  Feel free to use any milk you have on hand, including non-dairy.
• 1 large egg
  Helps bind and structure the donut.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 cup apple, finely diced
  Tart apples like Granny Smith are best for a flavor contrast.

For the Crumb Topping:

• ¼ cup butter, softened
  Room temperature makes it easy to blend.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  Gives that classic crumb topping sweetness.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
  Creates the crumbly texture.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  Extra spice to echo the donut base.
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  Gives warmth and pairs beautifully with the apples.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
  A light finish that makes these look bakery-perfect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your oven and pans.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Combine the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until fully combined.

4. Make the donut batter.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix. Gently fold in the finely diced apples.

5. Prepare the crumb topping.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Fill the donut pan.
Spoon the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a generous amount of crumb topping over each donut.

7. Bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.

8. Cool.
Let the donuts rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack.

9. Finish with powdered sugar.
Once completely cooled, sprinkle each donut lightly with powdered sugar.

Serving and Storage Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, paired with a cup of coffee, chai, or spiced cider. They make a beautiful addition to brunch spreads, bake sales, or cozy autumn mornings.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate if needed, but warm slightly before serving to refresh the texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the oven or microwave and dust with powdered sugar after thawing.

Helpful Notes

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith is ideal, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well. Just avoid overly soft varieties.
• Batter Consistency: It should be thick but spoonable. If too thick, add a tablespoon more milk.
• No Donut Pan? Use a muffin tin instead. They’ll be more like apple crumb muffins, but still delicious!
• Add a Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or apple cider for a sweet drizzle.
• Make It Healthier: Swap in whole wheat flour for part of the crumb topping or use coconut sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pancake mix for baking donuts?
Absolutely! Pancake mix already includes leavening agents, making it a great shortcut for baked goods like these donuts.

2. Do I need a donut pan?
It helps, but you can use a muffin tin or even mini bundt pans. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

3. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and use vegan butter for both the batter and crumb topping.

4. How do I keep the crumb topping from falling off?
Gently press it into the batter before baking. The moisture helps it adhere as it bakes.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. This recipe easily scales up if you’re baking for a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts are the perfect combination of quick, cozy, and delicious. They capture everything you love about classic apple desserts in a soft, fluffy donut topped with a spiced crumb that adds just the right crunch. I've made these dozens of times, and they never fail to bring smiles to the breakfast table.

Whether you’re baking for a crisp fall morning or just craving something sweet and spiced, these donuts are a reliable, delightful treat. Be sure to share your creations, and don’t forget to sprinkle that extra bit of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch. Happy baking!