Apple Doughnuts - a delicious treat for apple and doughnut lovers. They are perfect as an autumn dessert, as apples are in season. Kids and parents alike will love them, as they are a healthier replacement for all those nasty sugars out there.
On top of that, this easy apple dessert recipe uses simple ingredients found easily in your cupboard. Give them a try and enjoy a bite of autumn in every doughnut!
With fall in full swing and apples in season, it's the perfect time for baking! You can whip up treats like an apple and raisin bundt cake with caramel drizzle or my fresh apple cake, a soaked sponge topped with Nutella cream. And it doesn't get much easier than my super simple one-egg lemon milk cake or my mocha cake recipe topped with coffee icing and dusted to perfection with dark cocoa powdered.
These Tasty Apple Doughnuts are a tasty fall dessert! A quick and easy delicious recipe, family-friendly and perfect for any occasion!
Why you'll love these apple doughnuts
These Apple Doughnuts offer comforting cinnamon flavours and the natural sweetness of apples in one bite. It's a seasonal treat that the whole family will enjoy! It uses simple ingredients that can be easily found at your local supermarket and it takes minutes to make. It will become a favourite once you make it! Plus, kids will enjoy being part of the baking process as well.
Ingredients to make Apple Doughnuts
You probably have most of the ingredients needed to make this family-friendly dessert. Here are the ingredients necessary to make these warm and spiced homemade doughnuts:
- Eggs - is the ingredient that holds everything together and acts as a binding agent.
- Salt - Enhances the taste of the doughnuts and adds a touch of flavour.
- Sugar - Provides sweetness against the tartness of the apples- any type of sugar is as good.
- Yoghurt - Contributes to the texture of the doughnuts and brings moisture to the recipe.
- Orange zest - This adds a citrus aroma to the overall taste.
- Vegetable oil - Contributes to the moisture of the doughnuts, making them soft and tender.
- Apples - These are the recipe's star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and fruity flavour.
- Flour - Gives structure to the batter and helps in the rising process during frying or baking.
- Baking powder - It is a raising agent, helping the doughnuts to puff up and become light and airy.
Substitutions
I often find myself wanting to make a certain recipe, but I soon realise that I don't even have the necessary ingredients! It's important to know which ones can be adapted to your pantry availability. So here are a few suggestions:
- Sugar - If you don't have white sugar, any sugar would work: coconut, brown, etc.
- Yoghurt - I used Greek yoghurt, but any type of yoghurt is fine, even fat-free plain yoghurt or kefir.
- Orange zest - Due to their similarities, you could substitute the orange zest with lemon zest, or you can even skip it as it is optional.
- Vegetable oil - I used sunflower oil, but it can be replaced with melted butter or coconut oil.
- Flour - Plain flour is good but you can substitute with gluten-free if you'd like.
How to make apple doughnuts
You’ll love these homemade apple doughnuts! This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. In no time, your kitchen will fill with the delicious aroma of apples and cinnamon.
Check out our quick guide for handy tips to make baking these apple doughnuts a breeze!
- Combine the wet ingredients: Start by adding all wet ingredients to a bowl with the sugar, salt and orange zest (if used). Mix everything using a hand mixer or a balloon whisk, for about 2-3 minutes. Then, set it aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the flour and the baking powder and stir them so the baking powder is well combined with the flour. This helps the doughnuts become more fluffy and airy. Set aside.
- Prepare the apples: Chop the apples into small pieces and add these apple bits to your batter. Incorporate to the mix of flour and baking powder, until a smooth dough forms.
- Fry or bake: Fry or bake the apple doughnuts, give them a nice coating of cinnamon sugar and serve.
I baked these apple doughnuts, and while they’re a bit denser, they’re still really tasty!
Golden fried apple doughnuts, crisp outside and soft inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Leftovers and storage
These homemade Apple Doughnuts will stay fresh very well in a bowl covered with cling film for up to 2 days at room temperature or you can refrigerate them, this way you'll add more days to their lifespan.
Room temperature: You can keep them in your pantry, in a cool and dry place, or on the counter away from direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for up to two days.
In the Refrigerator: Store the remaining doughnuts in an airtight container and enjoy within a week. You can warm them up for a few seconds in the oven or microwave to revive them.
Recipe FAQs
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Easy Apple Doughnuts
Equipment
- 2 bowls
- 1 hand mixer or balloon whisk
- 1 deep pan frying or baking pan for baking
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup yogurt
- Grated orange zest optional
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 or 2 apples chopped in small cubes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying I used sunflower oil
- Cinnamon sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel and core the apples, then dice or grate them. If grated, squeeze out the excess juice before adding them to the batter. Set aside.1 or 2 apples
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, sugar, yoghurt, orange zest (if using), and vegetable oil until smooth.1 egg, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon sugar, ½ cup yogurt, Grated orange zest, 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Add the apples to the batter and mix well. Shape the dough into small rounds or oval shapes by scooping small amounts with a spoon and dusting them in flour.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot, enough to submerge the apple doughnuts. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).Vegetable oil for frying
- Fry the doughnuts: Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove the fried apple doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar to coat.Cinnamon sugar for garnish
- Alternatively, you can drop scoops of batter onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each scoop for even baking. Pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until they're golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Enjoy your warm apple doughnuts as a cozy fall treat!
Nicole says
Such a fun treat! Sometimes we even have it for breakfast!
Stephanie says
Not much better than apple donuts - add to that how easy these are to make! Thanks for such detailed instructions.
Gloria says
These donuts remind me of when my baba made homemade donuts when I was a child. So good. A simple toss in sugar is all they need.
Liz says
Oh, my gosh, these are addictive!! So yummy that I had to hide them so I didn't eat them all myself!!!
Alena says
Love apple donuts, I’m glad that I added orange zest, though it was optional, so much flavor!!
Padma says
I am a huge fan of apple desserts! This one looks just perfect for the time of the year.
Jess says
So delicious and easy to make!