These warm Cinnamon Apple Donuts are a sweet treat that brings joy in every bite. With soft dough and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, they’re impossible to resist!
Picture this: fresh donuts right from the oven, filling your kitchen with that heavenly smell. I can’t help but sneak a couple before they cool down! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet dough. If you want something sweeter, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well. If fresh apples aren’t available, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce—about 1/2 cup should do.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes and you’ll have a great substitute!
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure. You can swap each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) if you’re avoiding eggs.
How Do You Get The Perfect Donut Texture?
Getting the donut texture just right is key! Here’s how to ensure they come out fluffy and delicious:
- Don’t overmix: Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can’t see dry flour. Overmixing makes the donuts dense.
- Chill the dough: If time permits, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps them hold shape while frying.
- Correct oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F (190°C). Too hot and they will burn outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they will absorb too much oil.
Happy frying and enjoy those deliciously warm Cinnamon Apple Donuts! They truly are a special treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry. After making the donuts, you’ll want to enjoy them fresh and warm, so they’re best served right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping the apple into small pieces. Set the chopped apples aside for later. This will add a delicious apple flavor to your donuts!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cloves (if using) until everything is well combined. This will be the base of our donut batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the chopped apples, creating a thick batter.
5. Heat Oil for Frying:
In a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer handy, a small drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the oil.
6. Shape the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the batter to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller for the hole) to cut out the donuts. Gather any scraps of dough, reroll, and repeat until all dough is used.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully lower a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.
8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts are still warm, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each warm donut in this cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated.
9. Serve Warm:
These cinnamon apple donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm! Gather your friends and family, grab a plate, and dig in!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon Apple Donuts with their soft, moist interior and sweet, cinnamon-sugar crust. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just pull it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and frying.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results!
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
For a fun twist, add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel on top. You could also experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
