As the leaves start to crunch beneath my feet and the air turns crisp, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. My grandmother would whip up her famous apple pie every fall, filling the house with the warm scents of cinnamon and baked apples. Over steaming cups of cider, we’d listen to her stories, her laughter mingling with the sweet aroma that enveloped the kitchen. This memory inspired me to create something a little different, yet just as comforting: Apple Pie Donuts! These delightful treats capture all the flavors of classic apple pie but in a fun, donut shape.

Trust me, they’re a treat that’s perfect for brisk mornings or crisp afternoons, making them the ultimate fall indulgence. Let me take you along on this delightful baking adventure, and I promise you’ll be gifting your loved ones the most delicious experience this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in just under 30 minutes!
• Perfectly fluffy with a crispy exterior, just like your favorite apple pie!
• Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert—who can resist a donut?
• Filled with warm spices and fresh apples, it captures the essence of fall!
• Fun for the whole family to make together; kids will love to help!

Ingredients

Okay, let’s gather what we need. This simple list will have you diving into donut heaven in no time!

• For the donuts:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 yellow apple, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Fuji work great)
• For the topping:
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Quick Tip: Freshly grated nutmeg is super fragrant and elevates the flavor—one little twist of that nutmeg grater and you’re in for a treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get that kitchen filled with sweet apple pie aromas! Here’s how to whip up these glorious Apple Pie Donuts:

1. Preheat your oven: Get it warm and cozy at 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. The spices should be aromatic already!
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the milk and melted butter. You want everything blended beautifully.
4. Mix the two: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. (Don’t overmix! You want fluffy donuts, not dense ones.)
5. Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the finely chopped apple until evenly distributed. Think of those delicious apple chunks melting into every bite!
6. Prepare the donut pan: Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin pan; just know they won’t be as donut-shaped—more like delicious little cakes!
7. Fill the pan: Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. Watch out—overfilling will create a donut explosion!
   
8. Bake: Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
9. Cool the donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar! Get creative—make sure every nook and cranny gets covered!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic, let’s shake things up a bit! Here are a few creative twists:

• Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices! A dash of allspice or cardamom can add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Apple alternatives: Swap the apple for pears, or even use a mix of both for a different flavor experience!
• Glaze it: If you’re feeling fancy, whip up a sweet glaze using powdered sugar and milk for a smooth finish—drizzling it over the warm donuts is just heavenly.
• Healthier swaps: For a lighter version, use almond milk instead of whole milk, and try coconut oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free!

Serving Suggestions

These lovely Apple Pie Donuts are perfect on their own, but imagine serving them warm, dusted with that cinnamon sugar goodness, alongside a steaming cup of coffee or cider! They’re also wonderful for a fall gathering—slice them in half and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat. Oh, and don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a delightful crunch!

You could also pack them into a cozy basket for a picnic or a brunch party. Trust me, they’ll steal the show and warm hearts all at once.

Storage Tips

Now, if you find yourself with leftovers (which I seriously doubt you will, but just in case!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying—so good!
• Freezing: If you want to stock up, freeze them! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Defrost on the counter, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for that freshly-baked taste.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness and great texture, or Fuji apples for their sweetness. Both really elevate that classic apple pie feel, but feel free to experiment with whatever makes your heart sing!

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin instead—just note they’ll be fluffy muffin-cakes instead of classic donuts. They’ll still be delicious, so no worries there!

How can I make these donuts vegan?

To make these Apple Pie Donuts vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and butter. They’ll be just as delightful!

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

While fresh apples give that lovely texture, you can certainly use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re in a pinch. Just be cautious with sugar levels since it can be sweeter than fresh apples!

Conclusion

Ah, there you have it—your very own batch of Apple Pie Donuts that will surely bring warmth and joy to your kitchen! I can already envision you sharing them with family, friends, or maybe even sneaking one for yourself while they cool off. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop a comment below or share your favorite twist on this recipe. Let’s embrace the flavors of fall together! Happy baking!

Irresistible Apple Pie Donuts: The Ultimate Fall Delight!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x

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Description

Discover Apple Pie Donuts, a must-try fall treat! Indulge in this ultimate sweet delight packed with seasonal flavors. Perfect for autumn cravings!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 yellow apple, peeled and finely chopped

½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

In another bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the milk and melted butter.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Gently fold in the finely chopped apple until evenly distributed.

Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Delightful Apple Pie Donuts that capture the flavors of classic apple pie in a fun donut shape. Perfect for fall!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 donuts
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Apple Pie Donuts, Fall Dessert, Easy Donuts, Homemade Donuts, Apple Recipe, Baking, Cinnamon Donuts