Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat

Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts – There’s simply nothing quite like the crisp kiss of autumn air, ushering in that irresistible craving for the warm, comforting embrace of baked goods wafting from the kitchen. For me, it’s a cherished signal to embark on another exciting ‘clean eating’ adventure, transforming a beloved classic into something truly wholesome and guilt-free, much like how we love to lighten up treats like our healthy strawberry banana donuts.

These Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze truly came to life on one such morning, when I found myself gazing at a jar of rich, homemade apple butter and yearning for that distinct donut shop magic, but without all the usual heavy ingredients. What unfolded was pure bliss: tender, warmly spiced donuts, baked to perfection, and kissed with a simple, sweet maple glaze that utterly melted in my mouth, becoming an instant family favorite.

They’re more than just a treat; they’re a cozy hug on a plate, a delightful rebellion against unhealthy indulgences, and a recipe that quickly earned a permanent spot in our family’s cherished fall rotation. For more wholesome baking inspiration, or to explore another take on these delightful treats, you might also enjoy checking out similar clean eating recipes over at Bakemode.

Why You’ll Love This Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts

These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a testament to how wholesome can still mean incredibly delicious. You’ll love them because they perfectly capture the comforting flavors of apple butter and warm spices without any refined sugars or heavy oils. They’re baked, not fried, making them lighter and easier to whip up on a busy morning. Plus, that maple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, turning a healthy breakfast into a truly special occasion. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel good from the inside out.

The Secret to Great Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts

The real magic in these clean eating apple butter baked donuts lies in the quality of your apple butter. Using a good, unsweetened apple butter is key – it provides all that rich apple flavor and natural sweetness without adding extra sugar. Another secret is not overmixing the batter. A light touch ensures your donuts stay tender and moist, not dense and chewy. And don’t forget the spices; a generous blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves truly elevates the apple flavor, making each bite burst with autumn warmth.

Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time

To get perfectly puffed Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts, fill your donut pan cavities about two-thirds full; an overfilled pan can lead to messy, overflowing donuts. A piping bag (or a ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) is your best friend here, making it super easy to get the batter neatly into the molds. For the maple glaze, ensure your donuts are completely cooled before dipping them. If they’re warm, the glaze will melt right off, and we want that lovely, slightly crisp coating. Lastly, don’t be shy with the apple butter; it’s the star of the show!

Fun Variations to Try Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts

While these clean eating apple butter baked donuts are perfect as is, there’s always room for a little kitchen creativity! You could try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty crunch. For an extra boost of spice, a pinch of ground ginger would be lovely. If you want to skip the maple glaze, a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar (made with coconut sugar) is also a fantastic option. And for a more indulgent twist, a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a little maple syrup and vanilla makes a lovely, tangy topping.

Final Thoughts

These Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze have truly become a staple in our kitchen, especially when the leaves start to turn. They’re a wonderful reminder that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or the joy of a homemade treat. Each bite is a blend of comforting spice and natural sweetness, making them perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a healthier mid-week pick-me-up. I hope they bring as much warmth and happiness to your home as they do to mine. Happy baking, my friends!

Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat

Recipe by SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Wholesome and deliciously spiced baked donuts featuring apple butter and a naturally sweetened maple glaze. A perfect clean eating treat for any day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, finely ground into flour (or oat flour)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple butter

• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or powdered sugar)

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6-cavity donut pan and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, apple butter, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
• Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the donuts cool, prepare the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered erythritol, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Add more almond milk, half a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
• Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack for the glaze to set.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Clean Eating Apple Butter Baked Donuts!

Notes

• Batch Size Secret: This recipe makes exactly 6 donuts. If you only have one donut pan, you can bake them in two batches. Just make sure the pan is cooled slightly and re-greased before the second batch.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! A tiny pinch of ground ginger can add another layer of warmth, or you can lean heavier on the cinnamon for a classic apple pie vibe. Always taste your batter (before adding egg, if you’re sensitive!) to get a feel for the spice blend.
• Glaze Control: For a thinner, more subtle glaze, add a touch more almond milk. For a thicker, more opaque coating, use less liquid. If your glaze becomes too thin, whisk in a little more powdered erythritol. Precision is key for that perfect donut finish!