This Apple Cinnamon Mini Donut Bake is a cozy, oven-baked treat that brings together tender apples, warm spices, and soft mini donuts in one comforting dish. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert when you want something sweet, fragrant, and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick to assemble with simple, everyday ingredients
The apples add natural sweetness and moisture
Cinnamon and warm spices make it ideal for fall and winter mornings
Great for serving a crowd or preparing ahead of time
Delicious on its own or with a drizzle of glaze or scoop of vanilla ice cream
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mini plain cake donuts, 12 pieces, cut into halves
apples, 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced small
unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons, melted
granulated sugar, 1/3 cup
brown sugar, 1/4 cup
milk, 1/2 cup
large eggs, 2
vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons
ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon
ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon
salt, 1/4 teaspoon
optional topping
powdered sugar, 1/3 cup
milk, 1 to 2 tablespoons
Directions
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish, about 20 x 20 cm.
Spread the cut mini donuts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the diced apples over the donuts, making sure they are evenly distributed.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the mixture and whisk again until well combined.
Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the donuts and apples. Gently press down with a spoon so the donuts absorb the custard.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
If using the optional topping, mix the powdered sugar with milk until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over the warm donut bake before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Variations
You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Swap apples for pears for a slightly different flavor.
Add raisins or chopped dates for added sweetness.
Use apple juice instead of milk for a stronger apple flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or place the dish in a low oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use flavored donuts instead of plain ones?
Yes, cinnamon or vanilla-flavored donuts work well, but plain donuts let the apple and spice flavors shine.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape when baked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely. It works perfectly as a sweet breakfast or brunch dish.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce both sugars if you prefer a less sweet result.
Can I freeze this donut bake?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the donuts may become soggy when thawed.
What can I serve with this?
It’s delicious with tea, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
The center should be set and no longer liquid, and the top should be lightly golden.
Can I add more spices?
Yes, adjust the spices to your taste or add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom.
Does this need a glaze?
No, it’s flavorful on its own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Mini Donut Bake is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. With soft donuts, tender apples, and fragrant spices, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want a simple yet special treat to share.
This Apple Cinnamon Mini Donut Bake combines tender apples, warm spices, and soft mini donuts in a cozy, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s sweet, comforting, and simple to make.
Ingredients
12 mini plain cake donuts, cut into halves
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional glaze:
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 20 x 20 cm baking dish.
Arrange halved donuts evenly in the dish. Scatter diced apples over top.
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisk again until well combined.
Pour custard evenly over donuts and apples. Press down gently so donuts absorb the liquid.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and center is set.
For glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm bake if desired.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Swap apples for pears or add raisins for variation.
Use apple juice instead of milk for stronger apple flavor.
Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Serve with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
