Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple pie and doughnuts are both beloved comfort foods, and when combined, they make an irresistible treat. The doughnuts are soft and airy, while the warm apple pie filling inside adds sweetness and spice. The cinnamon-sugar coating is the finishing touch, providing a delightful crunch and extra sweetness that make these doughnuts truly special. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a cozy indulgence!

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm apple cider (110° to 115° F)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted until browned
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
2 tablespoons whole milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups frying oil (refined coconut oil, canola, or vegetable oil)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

5 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3 and 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 and 1/2 tablespoons apple cider
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Doughnut Dough:

In a small bowl, combine the warm apple cider and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a separate large bowl, combine the browned butter, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, whole milk, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir until combined.
Gradually add in 3 cups of the flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the apple pie filling. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, salt, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider. Stir to combine.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the flour and stir well to thicken the filling. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Shape the Doughnuts:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a round cutter to cut out the doughnuts, and then use a smaller cutter or the edge of a bottle to cut out the centers. You should have about 12 doughnuts.
Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Fry the Doughnuts:

Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. Fill the Doughnuts:

Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill them with the cooled apple pie filling. Insert the tip into the side of the doughnut and fill it with the apple mixture.

6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Roll each filled doughnut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

7. Serve:

Serve the apple pie doughnuts warm, and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12 doughnuts
Prep time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free: To make these doughnuts dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and substitute a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, for the whole milk.
Vegan: To make these doughnuts vegan, use flax eggs in place of the egg and egg yolk, and opt for non-dairy substitutes for the butter and milk.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free.
Baked Doughnuts: If you prefer to bake instead of fry, you can bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Storage/Reheating

These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or heat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples that you like. For a firmer filling, use tart apples like Granny Smith. For a sweeter filling, use Honeycrisp or Gala apples.

2. Can I make the doughnut dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature before frying.

3. How do I know when the doughnuts are fully fried?

The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides and float to the top of the oil. You can also test the temperature with a thermometer, aiming for 350°F (175°C) during frying.

4. Can I fill the doughnuts with something other than apple pie filling?

Absolutely! You can fill these doughnuts with any filling you prefer, such as jam, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting.

5. How can I prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the doughnuts. If the oil is too cold, the doughnuts will absorb more oil and become greasy.

6. Can I freeze these doughnuts?

Yes, you can freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Fill them with the apple pie filling once reheated.

7. Can I make mini doughnuts?

Yes, you can use a mini doughnut cutter or a mini doughnut pan to make smaller versions of these doughnuts.

8. How can I make the doughnuts fluffier?

Be sure to allow the dough to rise properly both before shaping and after cutting. This helps achieve a lighter, fluffier texture. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its airiness.

9. Can I add more spices to the apple filling?

Yes, you can add extra spices such as cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.

10. What can I do if I don’t have a deep fryer?

You can use a large pot or skillet with about 3 cups of oil. Just be sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature using a thermometer to ensure it stays at the right level (350°F or 175°C).

Conclusion

Apple Pie Doughnuts combine two timeless desserts into one delectable treat. With a fluffy doughnut exterior, warm and spiced apple filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these doughnuts are a treat for the senses. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a weekend breakfast to a special fall gathering.