There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and these Apple Pie Donuts bring that warmth to life in the most delicious way! Picture this: fluffy brioche donuts filled to the brim with a spiced apple filling that perfectly echoes the flavors of a classic apple pie. When I first took a bite, I was instantly transported to cozy fall days, feeling the crisp air and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Each donut is a little treasure, featuring warm spices and sweet, juicy apple notes that are sure to delight dessert enthusiasts of all ages.
Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these soft and fluffy delights are a far cry from the usual fast-food fare. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or shared among friends, they’re a reminder that homemade indulgence is always worth the effort. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delectable Apple Pie Donuts that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Apple Pie Donuts a must-try?
Heavenly aroma: The scent of warm spices and sweet apples fills your kitchen, making them irresistible.
Unique twist: These donuts combine the beloved taste of apple pie with soft brioche, creating a one-of-a-kind treat!
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, everyone will be clamoring for a taste of these delightful goodies.
Versatile filling: Feel free to customize the apple filling or even try different fruit combinations for added excitement.
Easy to make: Despite their gourmet appearance, the step-by-step instructions make these donuts accessible for home bakers of all levels. Enjoy these donuts fresh for a comforting experience, and consider serving them warm with a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat!
Apple Pie Donuts Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- Tart Apples – Adds natural sweetness and tartness for flavor; use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the filling and adds depth of flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling; arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides warm, sweet spice flavor; adjust amount for personal taste.
- Water – Helps cook the apples and create the filling’s consistency.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the filling; optional but recommended to cut sweetness.
For the Brioche Donut Dough
- Warm Water – Activates yeast for the brioche dough; ensure it’s about 110°F.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the dough and for rolling the finished donuts.
- Instant or Active Dry Yeast – Leavens the dough; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the donuts; bread flour can also be used for a chewier texture.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
- Large Eggs – Adds richness and aids in dough structure; use room temperature eggs for easier mixing.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds tenderness and flavor; should be softened to room temperature for easier incorporation.
For Frying & Coating
- Oil – Used for frying the donuts; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.
- Granulated Sugar – Roll warm donuts in sugar for a sweet coating; ensures the sugar sticks better when the donuts are still warm.
With all these fresh ingredients, you’re sure to create the most delightful Apple Pie Donuts that will have everyone raving!
How to Make Apple Pie Donuts
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Prepare the Apple Filling: In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice. Boil for a few minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
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Make Brioche Dough: In a bowl, activate the yeast by mixing with warm water and granulated sugar. Stir in flour, eggs, and salt, kneading until the dough is smooth. Gradually incorporate softened butter until evenly mixed.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a puffy appearance.
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Shape & Second Rise: Gently punch down the risen dough, then portion and shape it into balls. Allow them to rest and rise again, covered, until puffy, which will take another 1-2 hours.
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Fry Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 356°F (180°C). Carefully lower each donut into the oil, frying until golden brown on each side. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side.
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Coat & Fill: Once fried, roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar. Using a piping bag, fill each donut with the cooled apple filling, ensuring a delightful surprise in every bite!
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Donuts
- Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 356°F; this prevents greasy donuts and ensures a perfect golden-brown finish.
- Fresh Yeast: Always check the freshness of your yeast to get the best rise in your brioche dough. Dormant yeast means flat donuts!
- Avoid Overworking: If your dough becomes sticky, add flour sparingly. Over-kneading can develop gluten, leading to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy apple pie donuts.
- Coat While Warm: Roll donuts in sugar immediately after frying while still warm; this helps the sugar stick and enhances flavor.
- Piping Technique: Use a piping bag with a small tip to fill the donuts precisely, ensuring an even distribution of the sweet apple filling throughout.
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Donuts
Room Temperature: Unfilled donuts can be stored at room temperature for up to 1-2 days in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Fridge: Filled Apple Pie Donuts should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days to preserve the flavorful filling and optimal texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfilled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, simply warm the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their fluffy texture.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Donuts?
Pair these delightful treats with a variety of tasty options to create a full meal experience that dazzles the senses.
- Coffee: The bitter notes of a freshly brewed cup enhance the sweet flavors of the donuts, making for a perfect morning treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Scooping a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside elevates the dessert experience, adding a delightful contrast.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of this classic combo can intensify the cake-like donut’s flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the filled donuts to add an indulgent layer of sweet richness and make them a true showstopper.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoying these apple pie donuts with a cozy cup of hot chocolate creates a sweet symphony that warms both heart and soul.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy topping brings a touch of elegance, balancing the rich apple pie filling for a delightful contrast in textures.
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea perfectly complements the cinnamon filling, embracing the comforting essence of autumn in every sip.
Apple Pie Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on your apple pie donuts!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends without losing fluffiness.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for a satisfying crunch and additional depth of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice; perfect for cozy nights!
- Berry Delight: Swap the apple filling for mixed berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to create a fruit-forward variation.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the warm donuts post-frying for a sweet, seasonal twist that’ll make breakfast feel special!
- Pumpkin Spice: Substitute the apples with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired filling that’s equally delicious and festive.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter in the brioche dough with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan-friendly option.
- Choco-Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the filling or melt chocolate to drizzle over the cooled donuts for a rich and indulgent treat.
Whichever variation you choose, these apple pie donuts will always be a beloved treat!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Apple Pie Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the apple filling up to 3 days in advance; simply cool it completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the brioche dough, you can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise—just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping to ensure it rises properly. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry the donuts and fill them with the prepared apple filling for a fresh, warm treat just like they were made that same day! By prepping ahead, you’ll save precious time while still delivering delectable, homemade desserts that everyone will love.
Apple Pie Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their natural sweetness and tartness provide a perfect balance in the filling, ensuring your Apple Pie Donuts taste just like a warm slice of apple pie!
How should I store my Apple Pie Donuts?
You can store unfilled donuts at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container to keep them soft. However, filled donuts should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days to maintain the delicious texture and flavors of the apple filling.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Donuts? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze unfilled Apple Pie Donuts, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, just reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
What if my donut dough is too sticky?
I often find myself in this situation too! If your dough feels sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. However, be cautious not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to dense donuts. Aim for a smooth and slightly tacky consistency for the best results!
Can I use different fruits in the filling for my Apple Pie Donuts?
Very! Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the apple filling with other fruits like berries or pumpkin puree. If using berries, you might want to add a bit more sugar, as they’re often less sweet than apples. Mixing in some chopped nuts or raisins can also add exciting textures to your filling!
Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, but make sure to consider individual dietary needs! These donuts contain eggs, dairy, and gluten from all-purpose flour. If you’re looking for allergy-friendly alternatives, you can use egg replacers and gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Always check with guests if you’re unsure about specific allergies!
Irresistibly Soft Apple Pie Donuts to Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice. Boil for a few minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
- In a bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and granulated sugar. Stir in flour, eggs, and salt, kneading until the dough is smooth. Gradually incorporate softened butter until evenly mixed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours.
- Gently punch down the risen dough, then portion and shape it into balls. Allow them to rest and rise again, covered, until puffy, which will take another 1-2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 356°F (180°C). Carefully lower each donut into the oil, frying until golden brown on each side, about 1-2 minutes.
- Once fried, roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar. Using a piping bag, fill each donut with the cooled apple filling.