Maple Glazed Apple Fritter Donut Holes

If there is one thing I will never turn down, it is a warm, soft donut hole. But what I love even more is a version that skips the heavy deep frying without losing the flavor or that cozy apple fritter vibe. These Apple Fritter Donut Holes give you everything you want in an apple fritter donut recipe in a lighter, easier baked form.

Each bite is tender, packed with juicy cinnamon apples, and finished with a glossy maple glaze that settles into every little crack. It is the kind of donut holes recipe you can throw together on a busy morning and still feel like you made something special. No oil, no fuss, just simple apple fritter holes that taste like a weekend treat any day of the week.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

There is something nostalgic about biting into warm Apple Fritter Donut Holes, and this recipe gives you that same classic flavor without the heaviness of deep frying. The method keeps the cinnamon apples soft, juicy, and evenly distributed so every bite tastes like a tiny apple fritter.

What really sets these apple fritter holes apart is the maple glaze. It melts into the warm dough and forms a glossy shell that tastes like it came from a bakery. The batter mixes quickly, the donuts bake fast, and the entire donut holes recipe gives you impressive flavor with very little work. It is a smarter, simpler way to enjoy apple fritters anytime.

What Goes Into Apple Fritter Donut Holes

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These Apple Fritter Donut Holes use simple pantry staples that turn into soft, bakery style bites packed with warm apple flavor.

• Apples: Finely diced apples create the classic apple fritter texture and add natural sweetness and moisture to the donut holes. Choose a firm variety so the pieces hold their shape as they bake.
• Sour Cream: This adds richness and helps keep the interior tender instead of dry. It gives the donut holes that soft bite you expect from a great apple fritter donut recipe.
• Cinnamon: A full teaspoon gives the batter warmth and depth, which pairs perfectly with the maple glaze and the fresh apples.
• Maple Syrup: Used in the glaze, it creates a glossy finish that seeps into the warm apple fritter holes and makes the flavor feel balanced and cozy.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Apple Fritter Donut Holes

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 176°C or 350°F and lightly coat a cake pop pan or mini muffin pan with cooking oil spray so the donut holes release easily after baking.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sweetener or sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until everything looks evenly mixed.

3. Create Base: Make a well and add the oil, egg, sour cream, vanilla and cider. Whisk wet ingredients before slowly pulling in the dry mixture.

4. Fold in the Apples: Gently stir the diced apples right into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.

5. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into each mold right up to the top so the donut holes bake up full and round.

6. Bake Donut Holes: Place pan in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Make the Maple Glaze: In a bowl combine the powdered sugar and maple syrup, then add the milk until the glaze is smooth. Add a little more milk only if it feels too thick.

8. Glaze the Donut Holes: Dip each warm donut hole into the glaze and turn it gently to coat. Let the excess drip off and set them on a parchment lined tray until the glaze firms up.

Apple Fritter Donut Holes shine even brighter when you pair them with something comforting and a little surprising. Try serving them with a mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate, which gives you that rich, creamy contrast alongside the cinnamon apples. A slice of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread brings a soft and slightly nutty element that matches the maple glaze beautifully. If you want something on the lighter, fresher side, whip up a quick Honey Dijon Apple Bacon Cranberry Salad, which adds a crisp balance that keeps the whole plate from feeling too sweet.

Tips For Making Apple Fritter Donut Holes

• I like to dice the apples really small so they soften quickly and stay evenly spread through the donut holes. Bigger chunks tend to sink.
• Let the donut holes cool for a few minutes before dipping so the glaze sticks without sliding right off.
• If the glaze feels too thick, I usually add just a splash of milk at a time. It is easier to thin it than to fix a watery glaze.
• Filling the molds all the way to the top gives you rounder, bakery style apple fritter holes.
• I find that mixing the batter gently keeps the texture soft. Overmixing can make the donut holes tough.

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