Apple Fritter Donuts With Crispy Bacon Topping

Name: Apple Fritter Bacon Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz applesauce; 1 apple, peeled and chopped (Approximately 1 cup); 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla; ¼ cup milk; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp bourbon-maple syrup; 2 tbsp milk; 2 cups confectioners sugar; cooked bacon, chopped, for topping

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These Apple Fritter Bacon Donuts are like a bakery apple fritter and a maple bacon donut teaming up in one pan. You get soft, cinnamon-spiced donuts packed with fresh apple, dipped in a maple glaze, and finished with salty, crisp bacon on top. They bake in about 20 minutes, which makes them very dangerous in the best way.

Gluten and Dairy Free Apple Fritter Bacon Donuts

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The Apple Bacon Donuts That Never Make It To The Counter

I love these donuts because every flavor actually comes through. You get the real apple from the applesauce and fresh chopped apples, the warmth of cinnamon, the depth from brown sugar, and that soft, tender crumb that doesn’t feel heavy. I love a good fried donut too, but these baked donuts hold their own. They’re light but still satisfying, and once you add the maple glaze and that salty bacon on top, it all just works. Sweet, salty, cozy, and easy enough to make without pulling out a pot of hot oil.

Apple Fritter Bacon Donuts

Apple Fritter Bacon Donuts bake into soft, cinnamon-spiced rings filled with apples, dipped in a maple glaze, and topped with crispy bacon for a sweet-meets-savory breakfast treat. They come together quickly in donut pans and are perfect for brunch or a fun weekend bake.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Course Breakfast

Servings

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl
2 donut pans

Ingredients

Gluten Free Donuts

8 oz applesauce
1 apple, peeled and chopped Approximately 1 cup
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar

Bourbon-Maple Glaze

2 tbsp bourbon-maple syrup
2 tbsp milk
2 cups confectioners sugar
cooked bacon, chopped, for topping

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Instructions

Donuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 donut pans with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
Add the butter, sugars, oat milk, and eggs to a mixing bowl and mix on high for 3 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter between the prepared donut pans.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing them.

Maple-Bourbon Glaze

Add the milk, maple syrup, and confectioners sugar to a bowl and mix until smooth.
Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze.
Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top of the donuts.
Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these donuts gluten free?

Use a quality 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend in place of all purpose flour, measuring it the same way you would regular flour. Mix the batter just until combined so the donuts stay soft and not dense.

How can I make them dairy free?

Swap the butter for a dairy free butter alternative and use an unsweetened dairy free milk you like in both the batter and the glaze. The method stays the same, and the donuts will still bake up tender.

Do I have to use bacon on top?

No. You can skip the bacon completely, or replace it with toasted pecans or walnuts if you want crunch without the savory flavor. The maple glaze and apple filling still give you plenty of flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can bake the donuts a day ahead, let them cool, and store them covered at room temperature. Glaze and add the bacon closer to serving so the topping stays crisp and the glaze looks fresh.

Can I turn this into a muffin recipe instead of donuts?

Yes. Bake the batter in a greased muffin tin, filling each well about two-thirds full. The bake time will be a bit longer, so start checking with a toothpick after the 20 minute mark and glaze them the same way once they are cool.