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Baked Applesauce Donuts

Close-up of a freshly baked, golden brown applesauce donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, resting on a wire cooling rack.
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Make these easy baked applesauce donuts in a donut pan for a quick, lighter weekend treat. This recipe focuses on simple steps for reliable flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the topping: 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup donut pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the egg until combined.
  4. Whisk in the applesauce, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the donuts bake, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Place the 1/4 cup melted butter in a separate shallow bowl.
  9. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  10. Gently remove the warm donuts from the pan and immediately dip the tops into the melted butter, then dredge them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  11. Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a slightly healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • If you do not have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin for 15-18 minutes, yielding about 8 muffins.
  • You can use store-bought applesauce or homemade applesauce for this recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/baked-applesauce-donuts-guilt-free/