Go Back
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 large eggs - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup whole milk - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Vegetable oil (for frying) - ½ cup additional granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) I love using fresh apples in my donuts. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great because they are tart and sweet. Start by peeling and grating the apples. This gives the donuts a nice texture and flavor. Next, you need applesauce. This adds moisture and helps keep the donuts soft. The two eggs will bind everything together. Make sure they are large eggs for the right consistency. Now, let's talk about the dry ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These create the light and fluffy base for the donuts. Finally, for cooking, use whole milk and melted butter for richness. You will also need vegetable oil for frying. The oil must be hot to create that perfect crispy outside. Don't forget the cinnamon-sugar coating! You will mix extra sugar with ground cinnamon for a sweet finish. This makes each bite a tasty treat! - First, combine the grated apples, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure to mix them well. This adds flavor and texture. - Next, in another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, milk, and melted butter. This creates a smooth, wet mixture that helps bind everything. - Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. It’s okay if there are small lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. - Now, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying. To check if it’s ready, drop in a small spoonful of batter. It should sizzle and float. - Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Make small donut shapes. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this helps them cook evenly. - Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This means they are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain the oil. - While the donuts are frying, mix the additional sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be your sweet coating. - Roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture right after frying. Make sure each donut is fully coated for that sweet crunch. - Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to eat. To get the best donut texture, avoid overmixing the batter. When mixing wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. A few lumps are okay. This will keep the donuts light and airy. Using a thermometer for the oil temperature is key. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn. If it's too cool, the donuts will soak up oil. Serve these donuts warm with fresh apple slices. The tartness of the apples pairs well with the sweet donuts. You can also drizzle them with caramel sauce. This adds a rich flavor and a fun touch for dipping. You can make healthier swaps in this recipe. Substitute applesauce for butter to cut calories and fat. This keeps the donuts moist and delicious. Using whole wheat flour is another great option. It adds fiber and nutrients. Your donuts will still taste amazing while being a bit more wholesome. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your donuts. For a fun twist, add nutmeg. Just a half teaspoon gives a warm, cozy taste. It pairs well with apples. Another idea is to mix in chocolate chips. They melt when cooked and add a sweet surprise. If you want to try something new, consider a glaze. A maple glaze adds a sweet, rich flavor. It’s simple to make. Just mix maple syrup with powdered sugar. For a lighter taste, go for vanilla icing. A simple blend of powdered sugar and milk gives a nice finish. Want a healthier option? You can bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Use a donut pan for fun shapes. Another great method is using an air fryer. It cooks the donuts fast and keeps them crispy without all the oil. You can keep your cinnamon sugar apple donuts at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate your donuts. They will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze them. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy your donuts again, warm them in the microwave. Heat them for a few seconds until they feel warm. If you want a crispy texture, re-crisp them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh taste and texture. Yes, you can! Some apples work better than others. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples give a nice sweetness and crunch. Other good options include Fuji and Gala. Each type adds its own flavor. Just avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious. They won’t give the right texture. To make fluffy donuts, follow a few simple tips. First, don't overmix your batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. This helps keep air in the batter. Second, make sure your oil is hot enough. It should be 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up grease and become heavy. Finally, fry small batches so they cook evenly. If your donut batter is too thick, don’t worry! You can add a little more liquid. Start with a tablespoon of milk. Gently stir it in until the batter reaches a better consistency. If it stays too thick, add more milk slowly. Just be careful not to make it too runny. You want it to hold its shape when you drop it in the oil. This blog post covered how to make delicious apple donuts. We discussed fresh and dry ingredients, along with cooking essentials. I shared step-by-step instructions for batter preparation, frying, and coating. You learned valuable tips for texture, presentation, and healthier options. Variations let you customize flavor and cooking methods. Store your treats properly to enjoy them longer. Remember, making donuts can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor each bite!

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cinnamon Sugar Apple Donuts that are easy to make and even easier to love! With fresh grated apples and a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating, these treats are a must-try for any dessert lover. Discover the step-by-step recipe that will guide you in creating these delicious donuts at home. Click through now to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to something sweet!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely grated

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Vegetable oil (for frying)

½ cup additional granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apples, flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.

      Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spatula until just combined – take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.

        In a deep pot or fryer, heat approximately 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small spoonful of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

          Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the donut batter into the hot oil, forming small donut shapes. Fry only a few donuts at a time to give them space to cook evenly.

            Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a delightful golden brown color. Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

              In a shallow bowl, mix together the additional granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating.

                While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated and deliciously sweetened.

                  Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving to achieve the perfect texture.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the warm donuts on a decorative serving platter. For an elegant touch, lightly dust with additional cinnamon-sugar and accompany with fresh apple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy!