There’s something about fall baking that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the scent of apples and spice in the kitchen—it’s pure comfort. If you’re like me, you crave those nostalgic flavors that remind you of afternoons in grandma’s kitchen, when the oven warmed the whole house and a sweet treat was always waiting on the counter. These Caramel Apple Baked Donuts capture that feeling in every bite.

They’re soft, tender, and perfectly sweet thanks to apple butter and a swirl of creamy caramel. Even better, they’re baked—not fried—so they’re easy to make at home without the fuss of oil or frying. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a special fall gathering, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Donuts

Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples with a seasonal twist—apple butter and caramel—come together in minutes.
Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are light and tender, baked to perfection in the oven.
Perfect Fall Flavor: The combination of rich caramel and spiced apple butter tastes like autumn in every bite.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a no-stress treat that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp neutral oil
1 large egg
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
⅓ cup heavy cream
¼ cup apple butter
¼ cup canned caramel or dulce de leche

Yield: 10 donuts

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-well donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, egg, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add Flavor: Stir in the apple butter and caramel (or dulce de leche) until fully combined.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Combine: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then pour in the heavy cream. Gently fold together until just combined. The batter will be thick—don’t overmix!
Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Cool: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Optional Glaze: Warm extra caramel or dulce de leche and drizzle over the cooled donuts. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for that bakery-style finish.

Tips for the Best Baked Donuts

Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter will make the donuts dense instead of light and tender.
Pipe the Batter: Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off) to easily fill your donut pan without mess.
Add a Topping: Donuts are dipped into a mixture of sugar and cinamon get
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

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Donut Pan – Essential for achieving that perfect round shape.
Mixing Bowls – A sturdy set makes prep simple.
Whisk – For smooth batters and blending wet ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy is key in baking.
Piping Bags or Zip-Top Bags – Makes filling the donut wells neat and easy.
Cooling Rack – Keeps donuts from getting soggy while cooling.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can also dress them up depending on the occasion. For a cozy brunch, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. If you’re serving them at a fall gathering, drizzle each donut with warm caramel and add a sprinkle of sea salt for that irresistible salty-sweet combo. For kids (or the kid in all of us), a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra fun.

Bringing Comfort Into Your Kitchen

There’s a special joy that comes from baking something homemade and seasonal. These Caramel Apple Baked Donuts aren’t just a recipe—they’re a way to bring a little warmth and comfort into your day. As the scent of apple and caramel fills your kitchen, you’ll be reminded that simple moments, like pulling a tray of fresh donuts from the oven, are what make the season so memorable.

So go ahead—grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and bake up a batch of these cozy fall treats. Your home will smell amazing, your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll have a new autumn tradition to cherish.