These warm cinnamon apple donuts are a perfect treat for any time of day! Soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet apple flavor, they are rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Honestly, they’re so good that you might just want to keep them all to yourself! I like to enjoy mine fresh out of the oven with a cozy cup of coffee—it’s a real comfort moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives the donuts structure. You can swap it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser.
Applesauce: It adds moisture and sweetness. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, use unsweetened applesauce or replace it with mashed bananas for a different flavor.
Apple: Use any sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. If fresh apples aren’t available, consider using store-bought apple pie filling for a quick option.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but feel free to use almond or oat milk if you’re lactose intolerant.
Egg: If you need an egg substitute, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to help bind the ingredients together.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Donuts?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it right. The oil temperature is key—make sure it’s around 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps with accuracy!
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry just a few at a time to maintain oil temperature.
- Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. If they darken too quickly, lower the heat.
- Drain the donuts on paper towels and coat them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for the best stickiness.
Once you master these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious cinnamon apple donuts at home!
Delicious Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any preferred milk)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely grated or chopped very small
For Frying and Coating:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling the dough and then about 15 minutes for frying. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy these yummy donuts from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until they are well mixed. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are combined evenly and ready for the wet ingredients.
2. Mixing Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy; this will give your donuts their delicious moisture and flavor!
3. Combining Mixtures:
Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make your donuts tough. Finally, fold in the finely grated or chopped apple pieces for a burst of natural sweetness.
4. Chilling the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape later on.
5. Shaping the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (a larger one and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out your donut shapes. Aim for a light touch to keep the donuts fluffy!
6. Heating Oil:
In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature reading—this is key for crispy donuts!
7. Frying the Donuts:
Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
8. Draining and Coating:
Once fried, remove the donuts using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. While they are still warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
9. Serving:
Allow the donuts to cool slightly, then serve them warm. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Pair them with a cozy beverage for a lovely treat!
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon apple donuts and share the joy with family and friends!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour to help with the structure.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
To store leftover donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake these donuts! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a donut pan, and fill each cavity about halfway with dough. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. You can still toss them in cinnamon sugar before serving for that delightful coating!
What’s a Good Apple Variety to Use?
For the best flavor, opt for sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These varieties balance sweetness with a hint of tartness, making your donuts delicious. Avoid very tart apples such as Granny Smith, unless you prefer a more tangy flavor in your donuts!
