Name: Apple Pie Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice; 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; 1 cup white granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a delightful treat, then this Apple Pie Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut bursting with warm apple pie filling and coated in a cinnamon sugar crust that perfectly balances sweet and spice. It’s the best of apple pie and classic donuts combined into one irresistibly scrumptious snack or dessert that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you take your first bite, these donuts will have you hooked for good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Multiple small clear glass bowls and two small brown wooden bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface. The clear bowls hold different ingredients: a yellowish liquid, a light orange chunky mixture, a transparent liquid, granulated white sugar, a white powder, an egg, a light beige paste, and a mixture that looks like flour. The wooden bowls contain a dark brown powder, white powder, and some coarse salt or small grains. A larger clear bowl at the bottom right contains a white powder, likely flour, with a small crater in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Apple Pie Donuts Recipe starts with a few simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the spices that bring warmth, the apples that provide sweet moisture, or the flour that ensures a tender crumb. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

3/4 cup apple cider/juice: Adds fruity moisture and flavor to the dough while keeping it light.
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your donut dough.
2/3 cup dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and a touch of moisture.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and get fluffy.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream for that perfect lightness.
1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 tsp nutmeg: Gives a subtle nutty warmth that complements the apple filling.
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon: The quintessential spice tying the whole apple pie flavor together!
6 tsp melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
1/4 cup applesauce: Keeps the donuts moist and intensifies the apple taste.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and makes for a soft texture.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together and adds structure.
20 ounce can apple pie filling, rinsed and diced: Your sweet, cinnamony apple center.
1 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 2 tbsp water + 1 tsp lemon juice: These ingredients combine to make a luscious spiced filling glaze.
1 cup white granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon: For the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.

How to Make Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by whisking all your dry ingredients together in one bowl: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing these thoroughly ensures that the flavors and leavening agents are evenly spread throughout the dough. In a separate bowl, mix together your melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, and egg until smooth. Slowly stir in the apple cider or juice to add moisture and a hint of apple flavor. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until the dough just comes together—overmixing here would make the donuts dense, so keep it soft and slightly sticky. Afterward, cover and chill the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to make it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

While the dough chills, it’s time to make the flavorful apple filling that makes these donuts so special. Drain and rinse the canned apple pie filling to remove excess syrup, then dice the apples into small pieces. Simmer them gently with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small pot until the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency. This warm, gooey filling will nestle inside each donut, giving that authentic apple pie surprise in every bite. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Donuts

Flour your rolling surface lightly and roll out the chilled dough to about half an inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to create the shaped dough pieces—remember, you need two per donut, one for the base and one for the top. Place the bottom halves on a parchment-lined sheet and add about a teaspoon of the cooled apple filling to the center of each. Top with the second dough circle and press the edges firmly to seal, then stamp the edges with your cutter again to clean up the shape and lock in the filling.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

Heat two inches of oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry just a few donuts at a time to avoid crowding, flipping once the first side turns golden and puffed. Each side needs about 3 to 5 minutes, giving you that perfect golden-brown crust outside with a tender, fluffy inside loaded with apple filling. Once cooked, transfer them to paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep that light, airy texture.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, roll them generously in the classic mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This coating adds a delightful sweet crunch that perfectly complements the soft dough and warm apple filling. It’s the final touch that makes these donuts unforgettable!

How to Serve Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

A pile of nine round doughnuts with a golden-brown crispy outside covered evenly with white sugar grains, placed closely together on a simple round wooden board, against a clean white marbled background, showing a cozy homemade feel, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Apple Pie Donuts Recipe is how well it stands alone, but if you want to dress it up a bit, try sprinkling some powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce on top. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts also adds a lovely texture contrast and a hint of extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced apple cider for a truly autumn-inspired treat. If you want to make it a bigger meal, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of warm cinnamon-spiced oats can complement the donuts wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Apple Pie Donuts Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small jars of apple butter, honey, or cinnamon sugar. You can also thread them onto skewers for a playful “donut kebab” or arrange them with fresh apple slices and sprigs of mint for a colorful fall-themed dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be tough to achieve!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and flavorful, but it’s best to enjoy these donuts fresh to savor that crisp cinnamon sugar coating and warm apple filling.

Freezing

You can freeze uncoated, assembled donuts before frying—place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, fry them straight from frozen; just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy homemade Apple Pie Donuts Recipe anytime!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the donuts in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh the crispy outside and melt the filling. Microwaving is possible but may soften the coating. Reheating is a quick way to bring back that just-fried magic if you’re having leftovers.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! While frying gives these donuts a classic crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375°F for around 12-15 minutes until golden. They’ll be a bit softer and less crunchy, but still delicious and much easier if you want to avoid hot oil.

What kind of apple pie filling works best?

Use a good-quality canned apple pie filling with firm apple chunks. If you prefer, homemade filling works great too—just dice apples and cook with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice until tender before filling the donuts.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, and bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cutting out your donuts.

Why is the dough slightly sticky?

The dough is meant to be soft and a bit sticky to keep your donuts tender once fried. Don’t add too much extra flour, or the final texture can become tough rather than light and fluffy.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

If you have a thermometer, aim for 350°F. Without one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles up quickly and floats, the oil is ready for frying your donuts.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Pie Donuts Recipe enough if you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of spiced apple filling wrapped in tender, fluffy dough and finished with cinnamon sugar is pure magic. Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend mornings, give it a try—I promise it’ll bring a smile and maybe even a little happy dance around your kitchen!