Paleo Apple Cinnamon Donut Holes

These paleo apple donut holes are a fun and delicious autumn treat! They are cakey on the inside with an irresistible crispy cinnamon sugar coating. Made with all gluten-free, grain-free and nut free ingredients!

GUYS! I am overly excited about sharing this recipe with you guys today.

You know those Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes that we have all been loving and eating for the past few months? We’ll let me introduce you to their sibling – paleo APPLE CINNAMON DONUT HOLES BABY!

Who doesn’t love a warm cinnamon donut?! We are huge apple cinnamon fans over here – like high. These apple donut holes are perfectly cakey on the inside and dunked in a delicious cinnamon sugar coating for a crispy exterior that’s so addictive! They are baked instead of fried and made with all gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo ingredients too. A lot of the pantry staples that are in most of my recipes.

Ingredients you’ll need

In this recipe, applesauce is mixed with cinnamon, eggs, coconut flour and a little maple syrup then baked and rolled in a simple cinnamon sugar coating to create the dreamiest gluten-free apple donut holes!

• Eggs –you’ll need 2 eggs in this apple donut recipe to give it the proper texture. I have not tested it with vegan eggs (such as flax eggs) so I’m not sure how it would turn out. Let me know if you try it!
• Coconut flour –a great gluten free and grain free flour that creates the perfect cakey consistency. A little goes a long way so be careful to not pack it. I don’t have a sub for this as it works very different in recipes.
• Unsweetened applesauce – I like to make my own or use a jar of apple puree baby food as it made from 100% apples without any added sugar.
• Cinnamon + vanilla
• Maple syrup – just a little to sweeten the actual donut. You can use honey.
• Baking powder 
• Coconut sugar – the donut holes are rolled in coconut sugar and cinnamon. A mix of cane and brown sugars would work well.

How to make the most delicious paleo apple cinnamon donut holes: 

These easy and delicious paleo apple donut holes only require 7 simple ingredients, a bowl and mini muffin tin!

1. Preheat oven to 160C/ 350F and grease a mini muffin tray with coconut oil/ spray.
2. Wet ingredient: whisk together eggs, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla in a medium bowl.
3. Dry ingredients: Mix in the coconut flour, cinnamon and baking powder until smooth.
4. Fill muffin tin: Fill 16 mini muffin holes with batter (about 3/4 full) then bake in oven for about 15 minutes.
5. Cinnamon sugar: Meanwhile, make the cinnamon sugar mixture by combining the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Coat: Let donuts cool for a few then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Dust some with extra coconut flour (or powdered sugar) then enjoy

Notes on these paleo apple donut holes:

• I have only tested these with coconut flour so cannot recommend other flour substitutes. You could try 1/2 – 3/4 cup almond flour but I cannot guarantee results.
• I usually let these cool completely before dunking them, but they are fine to coat while still warm as well.
• Making these baked donut holes for a party? You can bake the mini donut muffins in advance then dunk them into the cinnamon-sugar coating on the day you serve them. 
• If you want to keep them low in sugar for little kids, you can leave off the cinnamon sugar coating and have a healthier apple mini muffin for them. Coconut flour has a lovely natural sweet flavour so they are perfect as is.

How to store leftovers

• Refrigerator: you can store the apple cinnamon sugar donut holes in an airtight container, for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).
• Freezer: Store the donut holes wrapped in a freezer bag or zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Defrost: When ready to eat, defrost in the microwave for about 30 seconds OR put on a plate on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour.

Apple health benefits

Apples are an excellent source of

• Dietary fibre. One medium-sized, unpeeled apple contains almost 5 grams of fibre, which is 17% of your daily fibre needs.
• Micronutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
• Rich in various plant compounds like polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Many of these are concentrated in the peel.

Other paleo desserts to try out:

Chocolate Beetroot Muffins (Grain Free + Paleo)

Dreamy Mini Paleo Pumpkin Pies

Healthy Pumpkin Mug Cake (Gluten-Free + Paleo)

If you try this paleo apple cinnamon donut holes recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make

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