Baked Applesauce Chocolate Chip Donuts: Wholesome, Spiced & Simply Irresistible
Get ready for more delightful fun with your baked donut pan! These incredible chocolate chip donuts are not only incredibly easy to make but also feature a unique and surprisingly delicious blend of applesauce, warm spices, and miniature chocolate chips. Forget the mess and grease of traditional fried donuts; this baked version offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying, experience that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of homemade donuts, this recipe promises a delightful result. I’m still exploring the wonderful possibilities of baked donuts, and this particular creation has quickly become a favorite. If you give them a try, I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts!
Why Choose Baked Donuts? The Magic of the Donut Pan
Baked donuts offer a fantastic alternative to their fried counterparts, providing all the delicious flavor and tender texture without the heavy oil and deep-frying hassle. They’re quicker to prepare, healthier, and significantly less messy, making them an ideal choice for a homemade treat. The secret to their success lies, of course, in a good quality baked donut pan. If you’re considering purchasing one, or already own one, here’s a crucial tip: **buy a pair rather than just one.**
While I initially only bought a single pan because I often bake small batch recipes, for practical purposes and efficiency, you’ll genuinely benefit from having two. This particular recipe yields a baker’s dozen (12 donuts), meaning if you only have one 6-count pan, you’ll have to wait for the first batch to bake, cool slightly, remove them, and then refill the pan for the second batch. This waiting period can sometimes lead to the batter sitting too long, potentially affecting the final texture. Having two pans allows you to bake all 12 donuts seamlessly, often within the same baking time, ensuring a consistent rise and perfect texture for every single donut. Look for non-stick pans or even silicone versions for easy release and cleanup.
Using a donut pan is incredibly straightforward. A light spray with cooking oil or a brush with melted butter ensures your donuts pop out perfectly every time. Filling the wells properly is key – aim for about two-thirds full to allow for a beautiful rise without overflowing, creating that classic donut shape.
Chocolate Chip Donuts & The Enchanting Apple Spice Flavor
This recipe truly shines with its thoughtfully curated flavor combination. If you appreciate the comforting warmth of applesauce and spices, harmoniously blended with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips, then you’re in for a treat. The synergy between these ingredients creates a donut that is both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Many people might hesitate at the thought of chocolate paired with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but trust me when I say this combination is a revelation.
The **applesauce** plays a crucial role here, contributing a subtle, natural sweetness and an incredible moistness to the donut batter. It also acts as a fantastic fat substitute, keeping these donuts lighter than many traditional recipes. The apple flavor itself is not overpowering; rather, it provides a pleasant background note that enhances the spices without dominating the overall taste profile. For best results, I recommend using unsweetened applesauce, which gives you more control over the sugar content in the recipe.
The **spices** – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – are the heart of the warmth and coziness in these donuts. Cinnamon is a classic partner to apple, while nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, pungent aroma. Cloves bring a deep, almost peppery sweetness that rounds out the spice blend beautifully. Together, they evoke the comforting essence of autumn and holiday baking, making these donuts perfect for any time of year when you crave a little warmth. For those who love experimenting, a pinch of allspice or even a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend could also work wonderfully in place of some individual spices.
Finally, the **miniature chocolate chips** are the delightful finishing touch. Their smaller size ensures that every bite contains a perfect distribution of melty chocolate, adding pockets of sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast to the soft, cake-like donut. While any chocolate chips will work, mini chips prevent the donuts from becoming too heavy or dense. Dark chocolate chips would add a more robust, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness, while milk chocolate would lean into a sweeter, more classic profile. The combination of apple, spice, and chocolate might sound unconventional to some, but it creates a truly memorable and highly addictive flavor.
These donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful experience that challenges preconceived notions about flavor pairings. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fruit, spice, and chocolate, making them a unique and highly enjoyable addition to your baking repertoire. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal start to your day or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Mini Muffins
- Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnuts
- Baked Cake Doughnuts
- Loaf Pan Applesauce Cake or Instant Pot
Recipe: Baked Applesauce Chocolate Chip Donuts
Baked Applesauce Chocolate Chip Donuts
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (160 grams)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (140 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (or cardamom for a twist)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray one or two 6-count regular donut pans with cooking spray, ensuring all donut rings are well-greased.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined.
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Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet ingredients: applesauce, vanilla extract, lightly beaten egg, vegetable oil, and melted butter.
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Using a mixing spoon or a sturdy rubber scraper, gently mix everything together just until the ingredients are blended and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Spoon approximately two generous tablespoons of batter into each donut ring in the prepared pan. The batter should fill each cavity about two-thirds full, not quite reaching the top edge, to allow for proper rising.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched.
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Remove the pan from the oven and carefully flip the donuts out onto a wire rack while they are still warm. This helps prevent them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.
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Allow the donuts to cool completely on the wire rack. Once cooled, sift a generous amount of powdered sugar over them for a classic finish. Alternatively, you can glaze them or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!
These baked applesauce chocolate chip donuts are truly a delightful experience. They’re not just a quick and easy recipe; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. The subtle sweetness of the applesauce, combined with the warming spices and delightful bursts of chocolate, makes each bite a small moment of joy. They are perfect for a cozy morning breakfast, an afternoon snack with coffee, or even a light dessert. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these wholesome treats as much as we do!
Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add. Happy baking!