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- A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite: Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. These Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts capture that essence perfectly, transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and homemade. Unlike their fried counterparts, these donuts are baked, making them lighter, easier to make, and a touch healthier. Topped with a buttery, spiced crumb topping and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are the ultimate cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or cider.
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Ingredients
For the Apple Donut Base:
· 2 cups all-purpose pancake mix
· 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
· 1 cup milk (1% or your preferred variety)
· 1 large egg
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 1 cup finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
For the Crumb Topping:
· ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
· ½ cup brown sugar, packed
· ½ cup all-purpose flour
· ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Final Dusting:
· 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The One-Bowl, Minimalist Approach
This method focuses on simplicity and quick cleanup,perfect for a speedy morning bake.
1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a standard donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. This is crucial for easy release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk, add the egg, and drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a spatula to mix until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing will lead to tough donuts.
4. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely diced apples into the batter until they are evenly dispersed.
Method 2: The Separate-Bowls, Perfect-Emulsion Method
This method is for the baker who wants maximum control over the texture,ensuring a perfectly tender crumb.
1. Prep: Preheat and grease your donut pan as in Method 1.
2. Dry Mix: In a large bowl, whisk the pancake mix, brown sugar, and spices together.
3. Wet Mix: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, vigorously whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter together until the mixture is completely homogenous and slightly frothy.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Using a folding motion with a spatula, mix until the batter just comes together. This prevents gluten development.
5. Add Apples: Fold in the diced apples gently.
Creating and Baking the Donuts:
1. Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup flour, and the remaining cinnamon and nutmeg. Use a fork, a pastry cutter, or your fingertips to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse, wet sand and forms clumps.
2. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each one about ¾ full. Do not overfill.
3. Add the Topping: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in each cavity, pressing down lightly so it adheres.
4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the crown comes out clean.
5. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve: Once cooled, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the donuts with powdered sugar just before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal:Approximately 220 kcal per donut | Servings: 12 donuts
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A Brief History of the Donut
The donut’s history is a rich tapestry, with its origins often traced back to Dutch settlers in New York (then New Amsterdam) who made “olykoeks,” or “oil cakes.” These early treats were balls of cake fried in pork fat. The classic ring shape is popularly credited to a New England sea captain, Hanson Gregory, who in 1847 allegedly punched a hole in the center of his fried cake to ensure it cooked evenly. The baked donut is a more modern innovation, born from a mid-20th century desire for convenience and perceived healthier alternatives to frying. This recipe is a contemporary fusion, combining the homey, spiced flavor of apple crumble with the convenient form of a baked donut.
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Nutrition & Benefits
While a treat, these baked donuts offer some nutritional advantages over traditional fried donuts:
· Baked, Not Fried: By baking them, you significantly reduce the fat content absorbed during frying.
· Fruit Inclusion: The addition of a full cup of apples provides dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
· Controlled Ingredients: Homemade baking allows you to control the quality of ingredients and avoid the preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup often found in store-bought versions.
· Energy Source: The carbohydrates from the pancake mix and apples provide a quick source of energy, making them a great pre- or post-activity snack when enjoyed in moderation.
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For the Donut Lovers: Serving & Enjoyment
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, but it holds a special place in the hearts of certain groups:
· The Home Baker: It’s an accessible, satisfying recipe with impressive results that build confidence.
· The Busy Parent: A quick way to create a special, homemade breakfast that kids will adore.
· The Autumn Enthusiast: Anyone who lives for the flavors of fall will see this as the ultimate seasonal treat.
· The “Health-Conscious” Indulger: Perfect for those seeking a lighter, less greasy alternative to a classic donut without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
· Enjoy them warm from the oven with a cold glass of milk.
· Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
· Package them beautifully as a heartfelt homemade gift for neighbors or friends.
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Conclusion
In the world of baked goods, few things are as universally loved as a warm, spiced donut. This recipe for Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts successfully bridges the gap between simple home cooking and a decadent bakery-style treat. It’s a testament to how a few classic flavors—sweet apple, warm cinnamon, and buttery crumb—can come together to create something truly magical. Easy enough for a weekday morning yet special enough for a weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire, bringing joy to bakers and eaters alike.
