Paleo Apple Cinnamon Donut Holes Recipe

These paleo apple cinnamon donut holes are a cozy autumn treat with a soft, cakey center and a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. They are baked instead of fried and made with gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and nut-free ingredients.

If you love warm cinnamon donuts and simple fall baking, these paleo apple donut holes are a recipe worth making. They have all the comforting flavor of apple cinnamon donuts, but they are prepared in a mini muffin tin, which makes them quick, easy, and perfect for sharing.

The texture is soft and tender on the inside, while the outside gets rolled in a light cinnamon sugar coating for a sweet, slightly crisp finish. Because they are baked rather than fried, they feel lighter than traditional donut holes while still tasting like a special treat.

This recipe uses pantry-friendly paleo ingredients, including coconut flour, eggs, applesauce, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, and baking powder. The applesauce adds natural apple flavor and moisture, while the coconut flour creates a delicate, cake-like crumb. These healthy apple cinnamon donut holes are great for dessert, an afternoon snack, lunchboxes, or a festive fall brunch.

Ingredients you’ll need

These gluten-free apple donut holes are made with a short list of simple ingredients. Applesauce is combined with eggs, coconut flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little maple syrup, then baked until fluffy and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

• Eggs: You will need 2 eggs to give these paleo donut holes structure and a soft, cakey texture. This recipe has not been tested with flax eggs or other egg replacements.
• Coconut flour: Coconut flour is naturally gluten-free and grain-free. It absorbs a lot of moisture, so measure it carefully and avoid packing it tightly into the measuring cup. This recipe has only been tested with coconut flour.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce for the best flavor and texture. Homemade applesauce or 100% apple puree both work well, as long as no sugar has been added.
• Cinnamon and vanilla: These add the classic warm apple cinnamon flavor that makes the donut holes taste cozy and fragrant.
• Maple syrup: A small amount of maple syrup lightly sweetens the donut batter. Honey can also be used.
• Baking powder: This helps the donut holes rise and gives them a light texture.
• Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is mixed with cinnamon for the coating. A combination of cane sugar and brown sugar can also work if you are not following a strict paleo diet.

How to make paleo apple cinnamon donut holes

These easy paleo apple donut holes come together in one bowl and bake in a mini muffin tray. They are simple enough for weeknight baking but delicious enough to serve for a fall gathering.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 160C/350F and grease a mini muffin tray with coconut oil or cooking spray.
2. Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Mix in the coconut flour, cinnamon, and baking powder until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4. Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter into 16 mini muffin holes, filling each one about three-quarters full.
5. Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the donut holes are set and lightly golden.
6. Make the cinnamon sugar: While the donut holes bake, stir together the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Coat and serve: Let the donut holes cool for a few minutes, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If desired, dust with a little extra coconut flour or powdered sugar before serving.

Notes on these paleo apple donut holes

• This recipe has only been tested with coconut flour, so other flour substitutions are not guaranteed. Almond flour may work in a different amount, but the result will not be the same.
• The donut holes can be coated while slightly warm or after they have cooled completely. Warm donut holes may hold the coating a little more easily.
• If you are making these for a party, bake the mini donut muffins ahead of time and roll them in the cinnamon sugar coating on the day you plan to serve them.
• For a lower-sugar option, especially for young children, you can skip the cinnamon sugar coating and serve them as mini apple muffins. Coconut flour has a naturally sweet flavor, so they are still delicious without the topping.

How to store leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store the apple cinnamon donut holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Place the donut holes in a freezer bag or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Defrost: When ready to enjoy, microwave for about 30 seconds or leave them on a plate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Apple health benefits

Apples are a naturally sweet fruit that add flavor and moisture to this recipe. They also provide important nutrients.

• Dietary fibre: One medium-sized, unpeeled apple contains almost 5 grams of fibre, which is about 17% of daily fibre needs.
• Micronutrients: Apples contain nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium.
• Plant compounds: Apples are rich in plant compounds, including polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Many of these compounds 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 these paleo apple cinnamon donut holes, leave a rating and share what you think. They are easy, cozy, and perfect for anyone craving a gluten-free apple cinnamon dessert.