The first bite of these Apple Pie Donut Holes is like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. Picture a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon, the inviting scent of baked apples, and the happiness that only comfort food can bring. I created this delight when a craving struck for both the cherished flavors of apple pie and the fun of a donut. It's amazing how easily I transformed those familiar tastes into a treat that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a family brunch, a cozy evening snack, or even a potluck where you'll want to impress.
With just 30 minutes of your time and simple ingredients from your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these scrumptious little bites. Whether you prefer baking them or frying them to achieve that golden-brown perfection, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into a recipe that will fill your home with sweet nostalgia!
Why You'll Love This Apple Pie Donut Holes
- These Apple Pie Donut Holes are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of warm apples and fragrant cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to your favorite fall memories.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, these donut holes can fit perfectly into any occasion, making them a must-try!
- Their charming appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing, ensuring they will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Apple Pie Donut Holes Ingredients
Get ready to create the ultimate homemade treat!
For the Donut Holes
• All-purpose flour – A perfect base that gives structure and fluffiness to your Apple Pie Donut Holes.
• Baking powder – This helps the donuts rise and achieve that soft, pillowy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and enhances the delightful candy-like crust when rolled in powdered sugar.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses a warm, comforting flavor reminiscent of classic apple pie.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Whole milk – Adds moisture and richness to keep your donut holes tender.
• Finely chopped apples – Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart profile, providing delicious bites of freshness.
• Large eggs – Acts as a binding agent, ensuring your donut holes have a lovely, moist texture.
• Melted butter – Adds richness and flavor, making these treats delectable.
For the Coating
• Powdered sugar – Dust these little gems after they cool for that sweet finish, making them absolutely irresistible!
How to Make Apple Pie Donut Holes
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat oil in a deep pan if you prefer frying. This step is crucial to ensure your donut holes achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend these ingredients until well combined, as this is the base for your delightful donut holes.
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Mix in another bowl the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and finely chopped apples until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide the delicious moisture and apple flavor that makes your donut holes so special.
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Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed; it’s okay if there are a few lumps left. Overmixing can lead to denser donut holes, so keep it light and fluffy!
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For Baking: Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For Frying: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil, frying in batches until golden on all sides—about 2-3 minutes per batch. -
Cool the donut holes slightly on a wire rack before rolling them in powdered sugar. This step adds a magical sweetness that perfectly completes your Apple Pie Donut Holes.
Optional: Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Apple Pie Donut Holes Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Apple Pie Donut Holes and make them your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water per egg) and replace milk with almond or soy milk for a plant-based option.
- Spiced Apples: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice that will invigorate your palate.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled donut holes for a decadent twist that satisfies every chocolate lover's cravings.
- Maple Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup instead of water for a beautifully sweet glaze that adds a lovely depth to your donut holes.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with additional cinnamon for rolling, giving each donut hole a delightful crunchy coating.
- Stuffed Delights: Add a spoonful of creamy filling, such as caramel or peanut butter, inside each donut hole before baking or frying for a surprise burst of flavor.
- Berry Blast: Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries along with the apples for a fruity explosion that brightens every bite.
With these variations, you can create a delightful spread that appeals to every taste bud!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Donut Holes
Room Temperature: Keep your Apple Pie Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you plan to enjoy them later, store your donut holes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The chilled environment helps preserve their taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat the frozen Apple Pie Donut Holes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Donut Holes?
Enhance your homemade magic by pairing these delightful treats with something equally delicious!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts with the warm spices and textures of the donut holes, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel on your donut holes adds a luscious sweetness that takes each bite to a new level—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
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Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy cinnamon whipped cream elevates these treats, bringing a little extra comfort and indulgence to your dessert table.
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Hot Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider perfectly complements the flavors of the donut holes, making it a cozy pairing for any autumn day.
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Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donut holes, balancing everything out beautifully for a lighter option.
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Coffee: The rich, robust flavors of coffee are a delightful match for these sweet treats, creating a comforting moment for leisurely afternoons or brunch gatherings.
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Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of silky chocolate sauce adds a decadent twist to the Apple Pie Donut Holes, elevating them into an irresistible dessert.
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Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy nut granola for a contrasting texture and earthy flavor that pops when paired with the soft donut holes.
Each of these pairings ensures a delightful experience that celebrates the joy of homemade treats!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Pie Donut Holes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by combining the dry and wet ingredients separately; keep them covered in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring a delicious treat every time. When you’re ready to indulge, simply mix the two components, and either bake or fry them as directed. Remember, for the freshest taste, roll them in powdered sugar just before serving, to maintain that delightful sweetness. With these prep-ahead tips, you can enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Apple Pie Donut Holes, ensure you don't overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine to keep them fluffy.
- Remember to chop your apples finely so they bake evenly and blend well into the batter.
- If you're frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy donuts and ensure they cook evenly.
- Allow the donut holes to cool for a few minutes before tossing them in powdered sugar for a perfectly sweet coating that sticks beautifully.
Apple Pie Donut Holes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right apples for my donut holes?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, crisp bite. Ensure the apples are firm and free from dark spots, which indicate overripeness. Fresh, quality apples make all the difference in elevating your Apple Pie Donut Holes!
How should I store my Apple Pie Donut Holes?
Very simple! Keep your Apple Pie Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you want to preserve them even longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to seal them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I freeze Apple Pie Donut Holes? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your donut holes, first, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer them into a sealed freezer bag or container. This way, they’ll last up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through!
What should I do if my donut holes turn out dense?
Ah, that can happen! If your Apple Pie Donut Holes are dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Remember to mix until just combined; a few lumps are okay! Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise. If frying, ensure the oil is at the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C), to help them puff up beautifully.
Are Apple Pie Donut Holes safe for pets or allergies?
While these delightful treats are great for humans, they shouldn’t be given to pets, particularly due to the sugar and potential nutmeg in some variations. If there are allergies in your home, be cautious about cross-contamination with gluten and eggs, and consider making a gluten-free batter or using egg substitutes if necessary. Always read labels carefully when making homemade goodies!
Apple Pie Donut Holes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat oil in a deep pan if you prefer frying.
- Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix in another bowl the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and finely chopped apples until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed.
- For Baking: Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- For Frying: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil, frying in batches for about 2-3 minutes per batch until golden.
- Cool the donut holes slightly on a wire rack before rolling them in powdered sugar.
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