Baked Apple Sauce Doughnuts: A Delicious and Healthy Treat
Are you craving a sweet treat but want to avoid the guilt of deep-fried doughnuts? Look no further! These baked apple sauce doughnuts are the perfect solution. They’re moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, using apple sauce adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps keep them wonderfully tender. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just a simple afternoon treat. We will explore everything from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking technique, including variations, storage tips, and how to make them gluten-free or vegan. Get ready to embark on a doughnut-making adventure that will leave you and your loved ones delighted.
Why Baked Doughnuts?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why baked doughnuts are a great alternative to their fried counterparts. The most obvious reason is that baking significantly reduces the fat content. Instead of soaking in oil, these doughnuts get their moistness from apple sauce and other ingredients. Baking also gives you more control over the texture. You can achieve a light and fluffy doughnut without the risk of it becoming greasy or heavy. Furthermore, baking is generally less messy and requires less cleanup than deep-frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need for these delightful baked apple sauce doughnuts:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The foundation of our doughnuts. You can also use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. Make sure to measure it correctly (spoon and level method is recommended) to avoid dry doughnuts.
* **Apple Sauce:** Unsweetened apple sauce is preferable, as it allows you to control the amount of sugar in the recipe. It adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle apple flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** For sweetness and to help create a tender crumb. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
* **Eggs:** To bind the ingredients together and add richness. If you are vegan, you can use flax eggs or apple sauce as an egg replacer.
* **Butter:** Melted butter adds flavor and moisture. You can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan option.
* **Baking Powder:** The leavening agent that makes the doughnuts rise and become light and fluffy.
* **Baking Soda:** Works in conjunction with the apple sauce to create a chemical reaction that contributes to the rise and texture of the doughnuts.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Nutmeg:** A subtle spice that complements the apple flavor. A little goes a long way.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of flavor complexity.
**Optional Glaze Ingredients:**
* **Powdered Sugar:** The base of the glaze.
* **Milk or Apple Cider:** To thin the glaze to the desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Adds flavor to the glaze.
* **Cinnamon:** For a spiced glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment:
* **Doughnut Pan:** A must-have for baking doughnuts. You can use a standard-sized doughnut pan or a mini doughnut pan.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cooling Rack:** To cool the doughnuts after baking.
* **Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag:** To easily fill the doughnut pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: baking the doughnuts! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Doughnut Pan:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the doughnuts bake evenly.
* Grease the doughnut pan with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the doughnuts from sticking and make them easy to remove.
**2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure there are no lumps.
**3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:**
* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the apple sauce, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Ensure the ingredients are well combined.
**4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough doughnuts. Mix until just combined.
**5. Fill the Doughnut Pan:**
* Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a Ziplock bag. If using a Ziplock bag, snip off one corner.
* Pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Avoid overfilling, as the doughnuts will rise during baking.
**6. Bake the Doughnuts:**
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the doughnut pan.
**7. Cool the Doughnuts:**
* Remove the doughnut pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let the doughnuts cool completely.
**8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):**
* While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add cinnamon for a spiced glaze, if desired. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
**9. Glaze the Doughnuts:**
* Dip each doughnut into the glaze, coating it evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the doughnuts using a spoon or fork.
**10. Let the Glaze Set:**
* Place the glazed doughnuts back on the cooling rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Sauce Doughnuts
Here are some tips to ensure your baked apple sauce doughnuts turn out perfectly every time:
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Overmeasuring flour is a common mistake that can lead to dry doughnuts. Use the spoon and level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough doughnuts. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Grease the Doughnut Pan Thoroughly:** This will prevent the doughnuts from sticking and make them easy to remove. You can use cooking spray, butter, or shortening.
* **Fill the Doughnut Pan Evenly:** Use a piping bag or Ziplock bag to fill the doughnut pan evenly. This will ensure that the doughnuts bake uniformly.
* **Check for Doneness:** Insert a toothpick into the center of a doughnut to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the doughnuts are done.
* **Cool Completely Before Glazing:** Glazing warm doughnuts can cause the glaze to melt and run off. Let the doughnuts cool completely before glazing.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to get creative with your apple sauce doughnuts? Here are some variations and add-ins to try:
* **Chocolate Chip Doughnuts:** Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nut Doughnuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the glaze.
* **Spice Cake Doughnuts:** Add extra spices, such as ginger, cloves, and allspice, for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Caramel Apple Doughnuts:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the glazed doughnuts for a decadent treat.
* **Maple Glazed Doughnuts:** Substitute maple syrup for the milk or apple cider in the glaze for a maple-flavored glaze.
* **Lemon Glazed Doughnuts:** Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the glaze for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts:** Instead of glazing, brush the warm doughnuts with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.
* **Apple Cider Doughnuts:** Replace the apple sauce with apple cider concentrate for a more intense apple flavor.
* **Mini Doughnuts:** Use a mini doughnut pan to make bite-sized doughnuts.
Making Gluten-Free Apple Sauce Doughnuts
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, you can easily adapt this recipe to make gluten-free apple sauce doughnuts. Here’s how:
* **Use a Gluten-Free Flour Blend:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which acts as a binder and helps to create a good texture.
* **Check for Cross-Contamination:** Be careful to avoid cross-contamination by using clean equipment and ingredients.
Making Vegan Apple Sauce Doughnuts
It’s also possible to make vegan apple sauce doughnuts by substituting the eggs and butter with vegan alternatives. Here’s how:
* **Egg Replacer:** Use flax eggs or additional apple sauce as an egg replacer. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
* **Vegan Butter:** Substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
* **Vegan Glaze:** Use plant-based milk in the glaze and ensure that the powdered sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char in the refining process).
Storage Tips
To keep your baked apple sauce doughnuts fresh, follow these storage tips:
* **Store at Room Temperature:** Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerate:** For longer storage, you can refrigerate the doughnuts for up to 5 days. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can dry them out slightly.
* **Freeze:** To freeze the doughnuts, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These baked apple sauce doughnuts are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your doughnut experience:
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Fruit Salad:** Pair them with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and healthy snack.
* **For Brunch:** Include them as part of a brunch spread with other breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, and bacon.
* **As a Gift:** Package them in a cute box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for these baked apple sauce doughnuts will vary depending on the specific ingredients and variations you use. However, here is an approximate estimate per doughnut:
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 5-10g
* Saturated Fat: 3-6g
* Cholesterol: 20-40mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 2-3g
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary. For more accurate information, you can use a nutritional calculator.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common problems you might encounter when making baked apple sauce doughnuts and how to fix them:
* **Doughnuts are Dry:** This is usually caused by overmeasuring the flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the doughnuts.
* **Doughnuts are Tough:** This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined.
* **Doughnuts are Sticking to the Pan:** Make sure to grease the doughnut pan thoroughly before filling it with batter.
* **Doughnuts are Not Rising:** This could be caused by old or inactive baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh.
* **Glaze is Too Thin:** Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze.
* **Glaze is Too Thick:** Add more milk or apple cider to thin the glaze.
Conclusion
These baked apple sauce doughnuts are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a weekend brunch recipe, or a homemade gift, these doughnuts are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, delicious, and guilt-free apple sauce doughnuts!
Enjoy this baked apple sauce doughnut recipe. Share it with your friends and family, and be sure to let us know how they turn out in the comments below! Happy baking!