Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple Pie Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the fun, handheld form of a donut. Crispy on the outside and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these donuts make a perfect cozy snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 6 teaspoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 20-ounce can apple pie filling, rinsed and diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (for filling)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons water (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for filling)
• 1 cup white granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and break up any lumps.
2. Step 2: In a second bowl, combine the melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, and egg. Stir until smooth, then gradually add the apple cider or juice, mixing well.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Rinse the apple pie filling to remove syrup, then dice the apples. In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened into a jam-like consistency. Let cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out circles—two per donut.
7. Step 7: Place half the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet as donut bottoms. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling onto each bottom circle.
8. Step 8: Top each filled circle with a second dough circle and gently press the edges to seal, then use the cutter to trim and seal the donuts completely.
9. Step 9: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time, cooking 3–5 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Adjust heat as needed to cook through without burning.
10. Step 10: Drain donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
11. Step 11: While still warm but cool enough to handle, roll the donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon to coat evenly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
• Try using fresh diced apples cooked down with the spices for a homemade filling instead of canned.
• If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two different sized round cookie cutters to create the donut shape.
• Swap apple cider for maple syrup in the wet mix for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave to restore softness before coating with cinnamon sugar again if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While this recipe is designed for frying to achieve a crispy exterior and soft inside, you can bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. The texture will be different—less crisp—but still delicious.

Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and chilled overnight in the refrigerator. The filling can also be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble and fry the donuts when ready.

Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

These Apple Pie Donuts combine the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie with the irresistible texture of fried doughnuts, filled with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for a cozy fall treat or any time you’re craving a delightful twist on traditional desserts.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dough

• 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 6 tsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

Apple Pie Filling

• 20-ounce can apple pie filling, rinsed and diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

For Frying

• About 2 inches canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In one large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until evenly mixed and free of lumps. In another bowl, mix melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, and egg until smooth. Gradually stir in the apple cider or juice to the wet mixture.
2. Combine Components: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix and gently fold together until the dough just comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet or runny. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up the dough for easier handling.
4. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: Drain and rinse the apple pie filling to remove syrup and dice the apples. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jam-like. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour a work surface. Roll chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to cut out circles (bottoms and tops). Place bottom circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Fill and Seal: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling onto each bottom circle. Top with a second dough circle and press edges together gently to seal, then use the cutter to trim and smooth edges for a neat seal that prevents leaking.
7. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep frying pan to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping a small piece of dough; it should bubble and rise quickly.
8. Fry the Donuts: Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, lowering them carefully into the hot oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Adjust heat as needed to ensure they cook through without burning.
9. Drain Excess Oil: Remove fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plates to absorb extra oil.
10. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While still warm but cool enough to handle, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated, creating a sweet, crunchy exterior.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to keep your donuts light and fluffy.
• Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
• Allow the apple filling to cool before filling to prevent leaking during frying.
• If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two different-sized round cookie cutters to form the donuts.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimum freshness.

Keywords: apple pie donuts, fried donuts, apple filling, cinnamon sugar donuts, fall desserts, homemade donuts