These Apple Donuts with Crumb Topping are a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy donuts with the tart sweetness of apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe brings the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen.

Why Apple Donuts Are a Timeless Treat

Apple-based desserts have a long-standing tradition in American baking. The natural tartness of apples, especially Granny Smith, balances the sweetness in baked goods, making them perfect for donuts. Apples provide moisture, ensuring the donuts remain soft and tender even after cooling.

Adding warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor profile, evoking cozy memories of home baking and seasonal festivities. This combination of soft cake-like texture with apple pieces makes each bite aromatic and comforting. The donut format offers a fun, snackable twist on classic apple bread or muffins, perfect for sharing or gifting.

How the Crumb Topping Elevates Flavor

The crumb topping is key to turning ordinary donuts into an indulgent treat. A mix of butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a crisp, sweet layer that contrasts with the soft interior. When baked, the butter melts slightly, binding the crumbs while allowing some crunch to remain.

Sprinkling powdered sugar on top adds visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness. This topping not only enhances texture but also intensifies the apple-spice flavors throughout each bite. It’s a simple step that transforms homemade donuts into bakery-style perfection without complicated techniques.

Tips for Perfectly Moist Donuts

Choosing the right pancake mix as the base ensures a consistent, easy-to-make batter. Combining it with milk, eggs, and melted butter provides richness and structure while keeping the donuts light. Finely diced apples distribute evenly without creating soggy pockets or dense bites.

Baking at 350°F (175°C) allows the donuts to cook evenly, developing a light golden exterior. Cooling them in the pan briefly prevents breakage, while transferring to a wire rack preserves crisp edges. Following these simple techniques guarantees donuts that are soft inside, crunchy outside, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 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 finely diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)

For the 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 dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Environment

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan. This ensures easy removal and even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the finely diced apples to ensure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until crumbly and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spoon batter into donut cavities, filling ¾ full, and top with the crumb mixture. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts

Nutrition Information (Per Donut)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Apple Donuts with Crumb Topping

1. Can I use other apple varieties?

Yes! Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work well, but Granny Smith provides the best tart contrast against the sweet crumb topping.

2. Can I use a muffin tin instead of a donut pan?

Absolutely. Fill muffin cups slightly less than full and increase baking time by 2–3 minutes.

3. How do I keep donuts soft?

Avoid overmixing the batter, and store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly for a fresh-baked feel.

4. Can I add nuts?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumb topping add extra crunch and nutty flavor.