Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut hole that bursts with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon, then gets drizzled with a luxurious honey glaze that will make your mouth water instantly! These baked apple donut holes are not just a dessert - they're a magical experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these little bites of happiness are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 donut holes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy donut hole removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, fill each mini muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This will help the donut holes rise evenly and create a nice rounded shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the donut holes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the honey glaze, whisk together the honey and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and glossy. If the glaze is too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin it out.
- Once the donut holes are completely cooled, dip the top of each donut hole into the honey glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Optional: Sprinkle with additional cinnamon or finely chopped nuts if desired. Serve and enjoy the donut holes at room temperature.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Do not overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense donut holes.
- Invest in a good quality mini muffin pan for evenly shaped donut holes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Let donut holes cool completely before glazing to prevent the honey glaze from becoming too runny.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or replacing some applesauce with grated fresh apple.
- Store donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
