These warm cinnamon apple donuts are like a hug in dessert form! They’re soft, sweet, and packed with tasty apple bits that make every bite extra special.
Making these donuts is a fun activity! I often whip them up with my kids, and we can’t help but sneak a few while they’re still warm. Who can resist that? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap them with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option. Just make sure they’re firm to maintain texture in the donuts.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the donuts may turn out denser. Consider adding a bit more baking powder to help with rise when using whole wheat.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute to keep the texture similar.
Buttermilk: If you’re out of buttermilk, mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice works perfectly. Just let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up!
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil is the best choice for frying due to their high smoke point. You could also use peanut oil for added flavor if you’re not allergic!
How Do You Get the Perfect Fry on Your Donuts?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! The key is to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and they’ll soak up extra oil, becoming greasy.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
- Fry in small batches, so the donuts have room to float and cook evenly.
- Once they’re golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side), remove them carefully with a slotted spoon.
- Allow them to drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of frying, and your donuts will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium apples: peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: plus extra for coating
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: or whole milk with 1 tsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying: vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: for coating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes for frying. Including the cooling time, you’ll be savoring these warm cinnamon apple donuts in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Begin by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your apples. In a small bowl, toss the apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, ensuring they’re well-coated. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is combined well!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and eggs using a hand mixer. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold the cinnamon-coated chopped apples into the batter.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for the best frying results!
6. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
If you have a donut pan, fill each mold with the batter. If you don’t, you can use a piping bag or simply drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil to form rings. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally until they are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
7. Drain and Coat:
Carefully remove the hot donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, roll each donut in a mix of sugar and cinnamon to coat them evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the donuts cool slightly, then enjoy them warm. These cinnamon apple donuts are perfect for sharing with friends—or for treating yourself!
Enjoy your warm, freshly made cinnamon apple donuts, packed with sweet apple flavor and a cozy touch of cinnamon! 🍏✨
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of apples you prefer. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are sweeter and very flavorful. Just ensure the apples are firm to hold their shape in the donuts.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing them; just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! Simply pour the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking will create a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Alternatively, yogurt can also be thinned with a little water to work in place of buttermilk.