Apple pie doughnuts are a delightful twist on the classic American dessert, combining the flavors of apple pie with the fun and indulgence of doughnuts. These doughnuts are typically made with a spiced apple filling and a sweet glaze, making them perfect for a special treat or dessert. Here’s a detailed description of apple pie doughnuts:
The dough for apple pie doughnuts is similar to that of traditional doughnuts, made with flour, sugar, yeast, milk, and butter. However, what sets them apart is the addition of apple pie filling or apple sauce, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to give them that signature apple pie flavor.
Once the dough is mixed and allowed to rise, it is rolled out and cut into doughnut shapes. The doughnuts are then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
After frying, the doughnuts are typically coated in a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Some recipes also call for a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the apple pie flavor.
The end result is a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds – the comforting flavors of apple pie and the satisfying texture of a doughnut. Apple pie doughnuts are perfect for enjoying on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients:
the Doughnuts:
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm apple cider (110° to 115° F)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 cups frying oil, (I used refined coconut oil, but you may use canola or vegetable oil)
Apple Pie Filling:
- 5 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 and 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
For the Doughnuts:
In a small bowl combine the yeast and warm cider; set aside until it foams up, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, combine the melted butter and sugar, and – using a silicon whisk – mix until well combined. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, milk, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, yeast mixture, and 3 cups of flour, and beat on medium-low speed until smooth. Beat in remaining flour just until a soft ball of dough forms around the hook. Don’t knead the dough yet!
Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover tightly with saran wrap and set aside to rise in a warm area until it appears to have tripled in size, about 1 hour.
Gently punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough into a smooth ball, about 7-8 times, or until it’s uniform in texture.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Using a lightly floured round dough cutter, cut an equal amount of circles from the rectangle.
Transfer the cut doughnuts to a large, lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them an inch a part (they will rise). Cover pan lightly with saran wrap and set aside for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the doughnuts have almost doubled in size.
When ready to fry, heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot, to 360°(F). Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Quickly roll the warm doughnuts in the cinnamon sugar and set aside.
For the Apple Pie Filling:
Peel, core, and dice the apples. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-heat, melt the butter and continue cooking until it’s a light golden color; about 3 minutes. Add in the apples, salt, and both sugars. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely softened, about 10 minutes. Add in the cinnamon and apple cider and continue cooking until apples are soft and sticky, 1 to 2 more minutes. Stir in flour, mix well, and allow mixture to thicken; about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside until needed.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a medium-sized shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon and set aside until needed.
Assembly:
Scrape the apple pie filling into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and set aside.
Using the back of a small spoon (or your finger) make a small hole on the side of each doughnut.
Carefully fit the nozzle of the bag into a doughnut and squeeze until you see the center begin to puff up. Repeat with all doughnuts.
Donuts are best served the day they are made, but will keep for 24 hours.