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To kickstart your baking adventure, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your donuts bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture. While the oven is heating up, prepare your donut pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or brushing it with melted butter. If you have a silicone donut pan, there's no need for greasing, but for metal pans, a light coating prevents sticking and makes for easy removal after baking.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts

Discover the heartwarming delight of Cinnamon Bliss Baked Apple Donuts, a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. With a perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples, these homemade treats are easy to make and bring a cozy vibe to any occasion. Enjoy their light texture and rich flavors while embracing the joy of baking from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’ll impress family and friends alike. Indulge without the guilt!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apples

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by greasing it with non-stick spray or a light coat of butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and set this mixture aside for later.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Finally, fold in the finely diced Granny Smith apples and the chopped nuts, if you’re using them.

          Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity approximately ¾ full, avoiding overfilling. For a neat and easy filling process, you might consider using a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with one corner snipped off.

            Bake the Donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.

              Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the donuts are baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl, mixing well to ensure even distribution.

                Coat the Donuts: Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully lift them out and transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture until each one is fully coated.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Let the donuts cool slightly before indulging. These delightful treats are best enjoyed warm, paired with a cozy cup of coffee or a refreshing apple cider!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes 12 donuts.

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the donuts on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar, and add a small bowl of apple slices for a fresh touch!