As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the scent of cinnamon begins to linger in kitchens, few things capture the spirit of the season quite like fluffy apple donuts. These sugar-dusted pastries combine the comforting warmth of spiced apples with freshly fried dough.
These are perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving as a cozy dessert, or simply enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These donuts embody everything we love about fall, which is comfort, aroma, and a touch of sweetness.
What Are Fluffy Apple Donuts?
Fluffy apple donuts taste like classic yeast donuts and warm apple pie filling. Originating from the European tradition of fruit-filled pastries, these donuts are particularly popular in fall, when apple season is in full swing and kitchens are scented with cinnamon and brown sugar. The dough is soft, enriched with milk, eggs, and a touch of lemon zest. This gives it a tender crumb and light citrus aroma.
Inside, there’s a luscious filling of sautéed apples infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the holy trinity of cozy spices.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Donuts Ever
- Make sure your milk is lukewarm and not hot to activate the yeast properly. If it’s too hot, it’ll kill the yeast, and too cold, your dough will sulk and refuse to rise.
- Let the dough rest, it’s worth it, so don’t rush the proofing step. Letting the dough double in size ensures your donuts are light, not dense.
- Use a round cutter and resist the urge to make them too thick for even cooking.
- Cinnamon sugar sticks best to freshly fried donuts. Cool them too much, and you’ll be left with a patchy coating instead of that dreamy sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Technically yes, but they won’t have the same golden, crisp exterior. For the best texture, frying is the way to go.
How do I know when my oil is ready for frying?
Drop in a small piece of dough, and if it sizzles and rises to the surface in about 2 seconds, your oil is ready.
Why are my donuts oily or dense?
That usually means your oil was too cold or the dough was underproofed. Check your temperature and give the dough more time to rise.
How to Store Fluffy Apple Donuts
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To revive their magic, pop them in a 160°C oven for 5–7 minutes to restore that just-fried warmth.
Ingredients
How to Make Fluffy Apple Pie Filled Donuts
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, brown sugar, and lemon zest.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, brown sugar, and lemon zest.
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In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with sugar, and dissolve it in ¼ cup of milk. Add it to the flour mixture along with oil, beaten egg, and the remaining milk.
In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with sugar, and dissolve it in ¼ cup of milk. Add it to the flour mixture along with oil, beaten egg, and the remaining milk.
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Knead the dough until smooth, cover, and let it rest for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Knead the dough until smooth, cover, and let it rest for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
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In a saucepan, combine apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes until the apples are soft, and transfer to a bowl.
In a saucepan, combine apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes until the apples are soft, and transfer to a bowl.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough.
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Cut the dough into rounds using a 7.5 cm cutter, until all the dough is used. Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Cut the dough into rounds using a 7.5 cm cutter, until all the dough is used. Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rest for 30 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
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Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot and fry until golden brown on one side. Flip, fry on the other side, and drain on paper towels.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot and fry until golden brown on one side. Flip, fry on the other side, and drain on paper towels.
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While still hot, toss each doughnut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and use a skewer to poke a small hole in the side of each donut.
While still hot, toss each doughnut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and use a skewer to poke a small hole in the side of each donut.
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Spoon your cooled apple filling into a piping bag with a plain 9mm tip, and fill the donuts generously with the apple mixture.
Spoon your cooled apple filling into a piping bag with a plain 9mm tip, and fill the donuts generously with the apple mixture.
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