These Cinnamon Apple Donuts are a warm, sweet treat packed with bits of juicy apples and topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. They’re like a hug for your taste buds!
Baking these donuts at home is a fun way to fill your kitchen with sweet smells. I love serving them warm, with a hot cup of coffee. Who can resist a donut like that? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the structure of the donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both help the donuts rise. Make sure they are fresh for the best results. If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar.
Apples: I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and firmness. If those aren’t available, you can use Granny Smith for a tart kick or any other sweet apple you prefer!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re keeping dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work just fine in the same amount.
Buttermilk: This adds a nice tang and helps with the texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
How Can I Fry Donuts Without Issues?
Frying can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll achieve perfectly golden donuts every time. Here are my tips:
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate readings; hot oil will cook the outside too quickly, while cool oil will lead to greasy donuts.
- Carefully shape the dough. If it’s sticky, lightly flour your hands or the dough to avoid mess.
- Do not overcrowd the pot! Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.
- Once done, let the donuts drain on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
Following these steps will help you create perfectly fried and fluffy apple donuts that everyone will love!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Donuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peeled, finely chopped apples (a sweet, firm variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In total, you can have delicious cinnamon apple donuts ready in around 35-40 minutes. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will give the donuts their warm flavor. Set this bowl aside for later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well blended. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t over-mix, or your donuts might not be as fluffy.
4. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the finely chopped apples. This adds a delightful juiciness to each bite, so make sure they’re evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as this is key for frying crispy donuts.
6. Shape the Donuts:
Lightly dust your hands or a donut cutter with flour. Shape the dough into rounds, making sure to create holes in the middle, or use a donut cutter if you have one.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop the shaped donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot—give them space to puff up!
8. Drain the Donuts:
Once golden and cooked through, remove the donuts using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. This gives them a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s simply irresistible!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the donuts cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with a nice cup of coffee or milk. Savor the sweet, spiced flavors and enjoy your freshly made treats!
These Cinnamon Apple Donuts are tender with pieces of fresh apples and covered in delicious cinnamon sugar—perfect for any time of day! 🍏✨
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Keep in mind that the donuts may be denser, so you might want to start with about 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and add more if needed until the batter is the right consistency.
How Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the donut dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before frying for the best results. Enjoy fresher, warm donuts whenever you want!
