Baked Apple Butter Donuts

We swapped apple cider for apple butter in these baked donuts and we may never go back. These donuts have a more concentrated apple flavor, cozy fall spices, and no cider reduction is required. mix, bake, and let your kitchen smell like October!

A stack of apple donuts on a metal tray with apples in the background.

More apple flavor, less fuss

We can't tell you how many times we've tested these apple donuts. The recipe started with apple cider. Then we moved to pure concentrated, boiled cider (one of our favorite secret ingredients), and we still couldn't nail the apple flavor and texture.

Then, we bought apple butter for our apple croissants and was reminded how good it is. We found myself eating it straight out of the jar, and immediately wanted to find more ways to use it. Finally, something that tasted like apples without that fake flavor and didn't require peeling apples or reducing cider on the stove for hours.

If you've been paying attention, we're talking about store-bought apple butter (although you can totally make your own). This recipe skips boiling down the cider on the stove, and did we mention these are baked, not fried? That means apple donuts on the table in less than an hour (and no oil splatters)!

Key ingredients

To make these apple donuts as easy as apple pie, we are turning to our fall friend, apple butter. The rest of the ingredients are similar to all our baked breads and muffins, with the addition of warm, cozy spices and a cinnamon-sugar topping.

An overhead shot of apple donuts on a metal tray with sugar.

Apple butter. Apple butter is basically applesauce cooked far down until it resembles a thick spread. It has a more concentrated apple flavor, but despite its name, it contains no butter. Apple butter will have a deeper, more caramelized color than applesauce. You can easily make it yourself, but it does require a decent amount of time on the stove or in a slow cooker. For this recipe, we use store-bought apple butter, and boy, have we found a good one (not sponsored; we love it)! Look for apple butter without added sugar, or else the donuts will be too sweet.
Buttermilk. We love adding buttermilk to baked goods for a little tang and to keep them light and fluffy.
Spices. Our apple butter is made with spices, but adding a little more never hurts. Plus, it will drive home the fall flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

The only catch is you will need a donut pan. Whether silicone or metal, these pans have circular wells to form the donuts. If you don't have a donut pan, you can turn these into muffins or donut "holes". More on that below.

A six picture collage showing how to mix donut batter and place in a pan.

Step 1. Mix the dry ingredients. Step 2. Mix the wet ingredients. Step 3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Step 4. Pipe or spoon the batter into donut pans. Step 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Step 6. Cool completely, then butter lightly and dip in sugar.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Expert Donut making tips

Use a piping bag or make your own. Transfer the batter to a large Ziploc bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it directly into your greased donut pan. It's easier, neater, and saves you from trying to spoon sticky batter into those little donut wells.
Let them cool before decorating. Give the donuts a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cinnamon sugar from melting.

Swaps

Here are 3 variations, using the same technique that will give you similar, tasty results:

Pumpkin Butter Donuts. as thick and as tasty, pumpkin butter will give these donuts an orange glow and taste like fall once you add the spices.
Pear Butter Donuts. The underrated pear butter doesn't get as much love, but it's another fall spread that tastes like happiness in a jar.
Peach Butter Donuts. Not quite a fall flavor, but you can still sometimes find a jar of peach butter on grocery shelves or at farmers' markets.

Close-up of a sugared apple donut on a tray with a cinnamon stick behind it.

More than breakfast

Sure, donuts make a good morning pick-us-up, along with a good ol' cup of joehot chocolate or a seasonal latte but it's fall, and we all deserve a little treat. Did you do a load of laundry? Great, have a donut. Did you make it through the day without having a crash out? We applaud you- have a donut!

But seriously, these apple donuts make a great treat for fall brunch a Thanksgiving breakfast or a Tuesday night dessert. Lastly, put a few donuts in a decorative box, and you've made the cutest hostess gift.

Storage and prep

These apple butter donuts are best the day they are baked, especially because the sugar topping maintains the solid sand-like texture. They can, however, be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. note the sugar coating will become a bit mushy.

To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and, if you'd like, warm them briefly in the microwave before serving. For the best texture, add any glaze or cinnamon sugar after thawing.

A bite of an apple donut taken out on a tray.

No donut pan? no Problem!

Don't have a standard donut pan? You can make these as donut holes using a mini muffin pan. fill the cups about ⅔ full and bake until puffed and lightly golden. Plus, you can eat a few without the added guilt.

Kitchen questions

Can we use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought apple butter works beautifully. make sure it's thick and spreadable rather than runny, so you get that concentrated apple flavor and the right texture.

Can we make apple butter donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can bake the batter in a muffin pan instead. They won't have the classic donut shape, but they'll still be soft, spiced, and good. Keep an eye on the baking time, as muffins may need a few extra minutes.

Love apple flavor? So do we!