Save Fluffy pancake-inspired donuts infused with warm chai spices, studded with tender apple pieces, and topped with a luscious caramel glaze offer a delightful twist on classic autumn flavors.
I first made these donuts on a crisp fall morning and was amazed at how they filled the kitchen with the aroma of chai and caramel. Everyone asked for seconds!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cardamom: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/8 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/8 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g), plus 1/2 cup (100 g) for glaze
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (110 g)
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Apple: 1 large, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
- Pinch of salt: For glaze
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar until smooth. Add milk, oil, vanilla; combine.
- Combine Wet & Dry:
- Stir dry mixture into wet just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Apple:
- Fold in diced apple gently.
- Fill Donut Pan:
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut wells, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake 15–18 min until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 min, then move to rack.
- Make Caramel Glaze:
- Combine sugar and water in saucepan on medium. Cook until amber, swirling as needed (5–7 min). Remove from heat, whisk in cream (it will bubble), then add butter and salt. Whisk smooth.
- Dip Donuts:
- Cool glaze 5 min. Dip tops of donuts into caramel and set on rack.
Save This recipe is now a weekend favorite that the kids help decorate with extra caramel. Every bite brings smiles and sticky fingers!
Required Tools
Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, wire rack, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 260 calories, 7 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein
Save Serve warm with a cup of tea for the full cozy experience. These donuts capture autumn in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What is the best apple type to use?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully, offering both sweetness and structure in each bite.
- → How do I enhance chai flavor?
Steep a chai tea bag in the milk before mixing for an even bolder, aromatic profile.
- → Are these donuts baked or fried?
They're baked in a standard donut pan for a lighter texture and simple preparation.
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Absolutely! Pears offer a mellow sweetness and harmonize well with chai spices.
- → How do you make caramel glaze?
Cook sugar and water until amber, then whisk in cream, butter, and salt for a smooth, tasty finish.
- → What is the best way to serve these donuts?
Enjoy warm, freshly glazed donuts with a cup of chai or coffee for a perfect autumn treat.