Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples, cinnamon, and maple filling the kitchen on a crisp morning. These Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts combine all the cozy flavors of a homemade apple crisp with the soft, tender texture of baked cake doughnuts. Each doughnut is packed with fresh shredded apples, topped with a buttery oat streusel, and finished with a sweet maple glaze that makes every bite taste like fall.

Unlike traditional fried doughnuts, these baked apple doughnuts are light, easy to make, and ready in just over 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon coffee break, or a festive holiday gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress family and friends.

If you’re searching for the ultimate Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts recipe, these bakery-style treats deliver incredible flavor, a moist crumb, and irresistible maple sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist cake doughnuts loaded with fresh apples.
• Crunchy cinnamon oat streusel topping.
• Sweet homemade maple glaze in every bite.
• Baked instead of fried for an easier recipe.
• Perfect for fall breakfasts, brunches, and holiday baking.

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter while keeping it tender.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds rich buttery flavor.
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil – Keeps the doughnuts moist for days.
• 2 large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the warm flavors.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Creates a soft, fluffy crumb with a slight tang.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the doughnuts rise.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm fall spice.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the buttermilk for a tender texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the doughnuts.
• ¾–1 cup peeled, shredded apple – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.

For the Apple Crisp Streusel

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats – Creates a crunchy topping.
• 2 tablespoons cold butter – Holds the streusel together.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Adds structure.
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar – Brings rich caramel flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Complements the apples beautifully.

For the Maple Glaze

• 1 tablespoon melted butter – Adds richness.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Gives the glaze its signature flavor.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.

Optional: Add a few drops of milk if the glaze needs thinning.

How to Make Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Grease two doughnut pans generously with butter or nonstick spray.

Make the Doughnut Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk until well combined.

Gradually add the flour, mixing only until incorporated.

Fold in the shredded apple.

The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want.

Prepare the Streusel

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

The mixture should hold together slightly when squeezed.

Fill the Doughnut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Pipe the batter into each doughnut cavity, filling each about three-quarters full.

Sprinkle the streusel generously over the tops and gently press it into the batter.

Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.

Make the Maple Glaze

Whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth.

If needed, stir in a few drops of milk until the glaze reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency.

Finish the Doughnuts

Once the doughnuts have cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the tops.

Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Peel the apple before shredding to ensure a soft texture.
• Use freshly shredded apples for the best flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the doughnuts light and tender.
• A piping bag makes filling the doughnut pan quick and mess-free.
• Press the streusel gently into the batter so it stays in place while baking.
• Let the doughnuts cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

Equipment Needed

• Doughnut baking pans
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Box grater
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Wire cooling rack
• Pastry cutter or fork (for the streusel)

Recipe Variations

Caramel Apple Doughnuts

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the maple glaze for extra indulgence.

Apple Cinnamon Walnut Doughnuts

Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.

Vanilla Glazed Doughnuts

Replace the maple syrup with vanilla extract for a classic vanilla glaze.

Pumpkin Apple Doughnuts

Add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and extra pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal twist.

Gluten-Free Apple Doughnuts

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts pair wonderfully with:

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Maple latte
• Chai tea
• Hot apple cider
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Vanilla yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Warm caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

They’re perfect for cozy breakfasts, brunch buffets, holiday mornings, bake sales, or afternoon snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the doughnuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Add the maple glaze a few hours before serving for the freshest texture.

What type of apple works best?

Firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala all work well because they hold their texture during baking.

How should I store Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze the unglazed doughnuts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze before serving.

Can I make these without buttermilk?

Absolutely. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and use it as a homemade buttermilk substitute.

Why is my batter so thick?

That’s completely normal. A thick batter helps the doughnuts bake up fluffy and prevents them from spreading too much in the pan.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Doughnuts are everything you love about fall wrapped into one irresistible homemade treat. With soft apple-filled cake doughnuts, buttery cinnamon oat streusel, and a rich maple glaze, they’re the perfect balance of comforting flavors and textures. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple enough for busy mornings while still looking and tasting like they came straight from your favorite bakery.

Bake a batch of these easy homemade Apple Crisp Doughnuts and enjoy the cozy flavors of apple, cinnamon, and maple with every bite. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and share your favorite variation—we’d love to hear how you made these delicious doughnuts your own!

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