Name: Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pancake mix; 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup milk (1%); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 cup apple, finely diced; ¼ cup butter, softened (for crumb topping); ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for crumb topping); ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping); ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping); 1 teaspoon nutmeg (for crumb topping); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sprinkling)

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These baked apple crumb donuts are soft, moist, and filled with warm fall flavors. I love how the sweet cinnamon-nutmeg crumb topping adds a perfect crunch, while the powdered sugar gives them a bakery-style finish. They make a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.

Easy Baked Apple Crumb Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe uses pancake mix, which makes it quick and easy to prepare without needing lots of extra ingredients. The diced apples keep the donuts tender and moist, while the crumb topping adds texture and extra flavor. I also enjoy that these donuts are baked instead of fried, so they feel a little lighter but still taste indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Donut:

2 cups pancake mix
3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup milk (I used 1%)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup apple, finely diced

Crumb Topping:

¼ cup butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray the donut pans generously with nonstick spray.
In a bowl, I whisk together the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then I add the milk, egg, and melted butter, stirring until smooth. Finally, I fold in the diced apples.
I transfer the batter into a piping bag (or a plastic zipper bag with the tip cut off) and pipe into each donut mold about ¾ full.
For the crumb topping, I mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until crumbly. I sprinkle this mixture over the donuts.
I bake the donuts for 10–12 minutes, until cooked through and the topping is set.
After cooling them in the pan for 5 minutes, I gently remove the donuts and dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts. The prep time is around 10 minutes, the baking time is 10–12 minutes, and the total time is about 20–22 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use pears instead of apples for a different fruity twist.
I like adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
For a caramel flavor, I drizzle the baked donuts with a little caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar.
I’ve also swapped in whole wheat pancake mix for a slightly heartier texture.

Storage/reheating

I keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When I want to reheat, I warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, I’ve used a muffin tin instead and baked them as mini muffins. The flavor is just as good, though the texture is a little different.

Can I use fresh apple puree instead of diced apples?

I prefer diced apples for texture, but apple puree can work. It will make the donuts more moist and cake-like.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making the batter too far in advance because the pancake mix can lose its rise. Instead, I prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

I like using firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and don’t get mushy.

Do I need to refrigerate these donuts?

No, I keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them instead of refrigerating, since refrigeration can make them dry.

Conclusion

These baked apple crumb donuts are one of my favorite cozy recipes. I love how simple they are to put together, yet they taste like something special from a bakery. The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apple pieces make every bite comforting and delicious. Whether I serve them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they always disappear quickly.