Name: Apple Pie Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup apple pie filling (homemade or store-bought); 4 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon apple pie spice

Jump to Recipe

Imagine the scent of fresh-baked donuts swirling together with warm spiced apples and buttery sweetness—the magic of classic comfort treats meeting the joy of a homemade pastry. That’s exactly what Apple Pie Donuts deliver: perfectly soft, golden donuts bursting with tender chunks of apples and a blend of cozy spices, all finished with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating that will take you straight to autumn fairgrounds no matter the season. Whether you’re looking for a fun brunch idea or simply want to perk up your coffee break, you’re in for a treat with these Apple Pie Donuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of pantry staples and a scoop of apple pie filling can transform into something spectacular. Each ingredient in these Apple Pie Donuts plays its part—lending flavor, tenderness, and golden color to create irresistible bites. Let’s see what you’ll need and why it matters!

All purpose flour: This is the essential structure-builder for our donuts, giving just the right amount of cake-like softness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping achieve a tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings a gentle molasses depth and extra moisture to the donuts.
Apple pie spice: The secret for that classic autumnal flavor—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in every bite.
Baking powder: The leavener that ensures your donuts bake up light, fluffy, and never dense.
Milk: Provides moisture and a rich mouthfeel, helping everything combine smoothly.
Large egg: Helps bind the batter and adds luxurious texture.
Melted butter: For that unmistakable richness and soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic sweetness.
Apple pie filling: The heart of these donuts—soft apples and syrupy goodness in every bite. Homemade or store-bought both work!
Melted butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick for an extra decadent finish.
Granulated sugar (for coating): A sweet, sparkly layer on the outside of the donuts.
Apple pie spice (for coating): Adds that irresistible aroma and extra hit of spice to the final touch.

How to Make Apple Pie Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Grab your donut pan and give it a good coating with cooking spray; this makes sure the donuts pop out easily and keeps clean-up a breeze. Setting up the pan first ensures you can move quickly when your batter is ready!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and apple pie spice. Whisk everything together to evenly distribute the spices and baking powder—this way, you won’t get any little pockets of flour or spice in your finished donuts.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the apple pie filling. If your apple pie filling has big apple pieces, give them a quick chop so the apples are evenly distributed throughout your donuts. Mixing these wet ingredients ensures a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and gently mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine—overdoing it could make your Apple Pie Donuts tough instead of soft and cakey.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. If you want, you can transfer the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it neatly into the pan for less mess.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your donut pan into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts are puffed and lightly golden. Try not to overbake, as this can dry them out.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm (but not hot), brush each donut with melted butter, then toss or dip them in the cinnamon-sugar-apple pie spice mixture. This final coating adds a sparkling layer of flavor and aroma that makes every bite extra special.

How to Serve Apple Pie Donuts

Garnishes

These Apple Pie Donuts are delightful with a simple dusting of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re feeling festive, top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a tiny extra sprinkle of apple pie spice for cafe-style flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a mug of hot apple cider, a robust coffee, or a chai latte to stir up all those cozy fall vibes. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh berries, scrambled eggs, or even a handful of roasted pecans for a bit of crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Apple Pie Donuts on a rustic cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy display, or tie a little twine around a stack of two or three for charming edible gifts. For parties, skewer mini donuts on sticks or serve with small jars of dipping sauces like caramel or sweet cream cheese frosting. They’re always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Apple Pie Donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two days. After that, they’re still tasty, but may lose some of their tender, fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

Apple Pie Donuts freeze beautifully! Simply cool the donuts completely, skip the final butter-sugar coating, and freeze them in a single layer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, brush with melted butter, and finish with the cinnamon-sugar spice blend.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm individual donuts in the microwave for a few seconds, or pop larger batches in a low oven (about 325 degrees F) for 5 to 7 minutes. A quick reheat helps restore their delightful softness and brings back that lovely aroma.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling for these donuts?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling will add a touch of personal flair. Just make sure the filling isn’t too watery, and chop the apples into small bits so they distribute evenly.

Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?

A donut pan makes shaping and baking easy, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for “donut muffins.” The taste is just as magical, though the shape will be slightly different.

Can I make these Apple Pie Donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for the best, fluffiest results.

How do I keep the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your pan generously with cooking spray, even if it’s non-stick, is the best way to prevent sticking. Letting the donuts cool just a bit before removing them also helps.

Will these donuts taste good the next day?

Definitely! While Apple Pie Donuts are freshest the day they’re baked, they still taste wonderful the next day, especially with a quick warm-up and dusting of extra sugar or spice.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of warm, homemade Apple Pie Donuts with family or friends. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining all the charm of classic apple pie with the easy indulgence of donuts. Give them a try soon—you might just find a new favorite tradition!

Apple Pie Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Apple Pie Donuts are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, combining the flavors of a classic dessert with the fun and easy-to-eat style of a donut. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Prepare your donut pan by spraying it with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugars, baking powder, and apple pie spice.
In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and apple pie filling.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures just until incorporated.
Fill the donut pan with the batter.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Transfer the donuts to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American