Apple donuts

Apple Donuts are a delicious fall-inspired treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the soft, fluffy texture of a donut. These homemade apple donuts are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Here’s a simple recipe for Apple Donuts that you can bake or fry!

Apple Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)

• 1/4 cup apple sauce (optional for extra moisture)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (optional):

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly butter it. If you’re frying the donuts, heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Donut Batter:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

   • Gently fold in the finely chopped apple (and apple sauce, if using).

3. Fill the Donut Pan:

   • Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about 2/3 full. You can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off for a cleaner fill.

4. Bake the Donuts:

   • Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown on top.

   • Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Optional: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

   • While the donuts are cooling, melt the butter in a small bowl.

   • In another small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.

   • Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip them into the melted butter, then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. You can coat both sides for extra sweetness.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the apple donuts warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They’re great with a cup of coffee or hot cider!

Tips:

• If you want a richer donut, you can add a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the donuts after they cool.

• For extra apple flavor, you can sauté the apples in a little butter and cinnamon before adding them to the batter.

• These donuts can be fried instead of baked if you prefer a traditional fried donut texture. Simply form the dough into rings and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

These Apple Donuts are soft, moist, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweet apples and warm spices. Enjoy!