Healthy Apple Donuts

Fresh apple donuts with various toppings in a white serving dish.

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Get ready to treat yourself with these irresistible apple donuts! Whether you’re topping fresh apple slices with cinnamon and nuts or dipping them in batter for a crispy, baked or fried twist, they’re pure snack-time magic. Sweet, crunchy, and totally fun to make, these apple donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little fruity indulgence.

Prep Time2

Assemble Time3

Total Time5

Course: Breakfast or Snack, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: - 2 people

Calories: 289kcal

Author: Michelle Cehn

Ingredients

1 apple
2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
½ teaspoon spices such as cinnamon or vanilla bean

Optional Toppings:

chopped nuts
chopped dried or freeze-dried fruit
chocolate chips
vegan sprinkles
vegan caramel
vegan frosting
lemon juice for keeping fresh if storing for later

Instructions

Give your apples a good wash and dry them well. Slice them into thick, even rounds (about ¼–½ inch thick) so they hold up nicely as “donuts.”
Use an apple corer or a small knife to carefully cut out the middle of each slice. This gives you that fun donut shape and makes them easier to eat.
If you’re not eating them right away, lightly brush both sides of the slices with a little lemon juice. This helps slow browning and keeps them looking fresh longer.
Spread or sprinkle your favorite toppings onto one side of each apple slice. Enjoy them right away for the best crunch, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Double or triple recipe for more servings!

Notes

How Long Do Apple Donuts Last? Fresh apple donuts (just apple slices with toppings) are best eaten right away, but they can last about 1 day in the fridge before they start to brown and soften. Deep-fried apple donuts will stay good for about 1–2 days at room temperature, though they’re crispiest on the first day. Baked apple donuts with puff pastry can last around 2–3 days in the fridge, but the pastry is best when fresh and flaky.
Storing Tips: For fresh apple donuts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Deep-fried apple donuts can be kept in a loosely covered container at room temperature, or refrigerated if you want them to last a bit longer—just reheat to bring back some crispiness. For puff pastry apple donuts, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Deep-Fried Option: In a bowl, mix ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in about ½ cup of water until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter that can coat your apple slices. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat, dip your apple slices into the batter, and fry them for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and enjoy warm!
Puff Pastry Version: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut vegan puff pastry sheets into squares or strips and wrap them around apple slices, leaving the edges sealed. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Let them cool slightly, then enjoy your warm, crispy apple pastries!

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