Baked apple Matcha donuts

If you’re looking for donuts without the guilt, these baked apple matcha donuts are just the ticket. With matcha green tea, almond meal, coconut oil and pureed apple, they’re treats with benefits. And what’s a donut without a decent dunking?

Each year we see new and exciting food trends emerging. Of course taste and flavour are equally important considerations as the true essence of food lies in the pleasure eating. Some of these trends rarely make it to the table, whereas others become firmly entrenched as modern day heroes. Today we’re talking tea. Originating from Japan, Matcha green tea has the culinary world a-buzz with its extensive list of health boosting properties. Aiding detoxification, increased concentration and a host of other benefits, this antioxidant rich tea is clearly #theonetofollow.

Although I’m sure green tea was intended mostly for drinking, it can be woven into all manner of foods, savoury or sweet. Food is quite clever that way. In the hands of food alchemists, matcha adapts easily. Heston Blumenthal’s snail porridge is evidence of unusual combinations and ingenious cooking. Today’s recipe however is far less challenging and doable by most. We’re going the rounded sweet route – donut style.

When offered the opportunity to develop a recipe for the passionate team at Just Matcha using this superior tea, I was excited to explore the possibilities. Aside from adding a cup of matcha to your morning tea ritual, this fine powdery green tea is also ideal to incorporate into bakes. The possibilities are endless. After much deliberation, I finally decided on these baked donuts. I also wanted to find a way of including fruit into the bake without large, chunky bits interfering with the texture. To keep the crumb light, as all good donuts should be, I pureed the apples in a processor along with all the wet ingredients. Quick, easy and simple.

If your stock pile of baking tins does not extend to a donut pan, a muffin tin is a good substitute. For the muffin version, remember to increase the cooking time to about 20 – 22 minutes. Incorporating the tea into the bake itself yields a pistachio coloured crumb. The taste is surprisingly subtle and pairs beautifully with the apple and ground almonds. As an alternative to dunking in chocolate, toss the warm donuts in matcha or cinnamon sugar if you prefer. I would however strongly recommend the chocolate ganache. It’s dark, rich and decadently good.

This post was sponsored by Just Matcha using Matcha superior grade green tea. Their easy on-line ordering makes life altogether simpler and will ensure you get your daily dose of green delivered directly to your door. Keep and eye on this space for next week’s green success story with a Sticky Date and ginger matcha fudge. In the meanwhile, why not try this gluten-free matcha granola? It’s a simple and addictively good way to add health benefits to your everyday diet.

Baked apple matcha donuts