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
For the Batter
• All-purpose flour – This provides the structure for your donut holes, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Baking powder – Essential for giving your donut holes a light and fluffy rise.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and that classic apple pie taste in every bite.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Whole milk – Contributes moisture and creates a tender crumb for your donut holes.
• Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – The star ingredient; finely chopped apples bring juicy flavor and texture to the mix.
• Large eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the batter.
• Melted butter – Adds a lovely buttery taste and keeps the donut holes moist.
For Rolling
• Powdered sugar – Dusting the donut holes with powdered sugar gives them a sweet touch and an irresistible finish.
How to Make Apple Pie Donut Holes
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare a pot for frying. This essential step ensures that your donut holes will bake or fry perfectly golden and delicious.
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute flavors evenly, setting the stage for your scrumptious donut holes.
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Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl: eggs, milk, melted butter, and the finely chopped apples. Stir until smooth, and let those lovely apple flavors shine through the mixture!
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Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, gently stirring until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! This will ensure your donut holes have a soft and tender texture.
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For baking: Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. For frying: Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, cooking until they are golden brown on all sides. Both methods bring out delightful flavors, so choose your favorite!
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Cool slightly on a wire rack before rolling in powdered sugar. This will ensure the sugar sticks nicely, giving your donut holes that beautiful sweet finish!
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Donut Holes?
These delightful treats can brighten any meal, enhancing your dining experience with their irresistible flavors and comforting warmth.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly against the soft donut holes, creating a luxurious dessert combo that’s hard to resist.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Add a drizzle of rich caramel sauce to elevate the sweetness, making each bite a little more indulgent and delightfully sticky.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy contrast, allowing the donut holes' rich flavors to shine through beautifully.
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Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the apple pie essence beautifully, wrapping your taste buds in cozy autumn vibes.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For an extra kick, toss your donut holes in cinnamon sugar after frying. This garnish adds a delightful crunch and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of brightness, balancing the sweetness with fresh, juicy flavors that invigorate the palate.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai blend harmoniously with the flavors of apple pie in the donut holes, creating a soothing pairing perfect for cozy afternoons.
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Milk: A classic glass of cold milk rounds out your treat, balancing the sweetness and making every bite rich and satisfying.
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Chocolate Sauce: For those who love a twist, dipping your donut holes in silky chocolate sauce offers a rich decadence that pairs wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
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Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the sweetness, bringing breakfast vibes to your delectable dessert experience.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Donut Holes
Room Temperature: Store leftover Apple Pie Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you prefer to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving!
Freezer: Freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm before enjoying.
Reheating: Reheat your donut holes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their taste and texture.
Apple Pie Donut Holes Variations
Mixing things up with your Apple Pie Donut Holes can take these delightful treats to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe and scrumptious alternative.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and almond milk in place of eggs and whole milk for a plant-based twist. This will keep the delicious flavor intact while catering to a vegan diet.
- Spiced Variation: Add nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra depth of flavor. A pinch of these warm spices can elevate the apple pie essence beautifully.
- Fruit Fusion: Try using different fruits like pears or berries instead of apples for a fun, fresh twist. Each fruit brings its own unique taste, making these donut holes versatile for any season!
- Maple Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a mixture of maple syrup and melted butter over the warm donut holes for a sweet, sticky finish that enhances their apple flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: Mix in walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The added texture complements the softness of the donut holes, creating a pleasing contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate for a delightful dessert twist. A rich chocolate coating will take your apple pie experience to a luxurious level.
- Heat It Up: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or jalapeño powder to the batter for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apple pie flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Pie Donut Holes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weekdays! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply whisk together the dry ingredients and mix the wet ingredients separately, then combine and store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, it’s best to bake or fry the donut holes right before serving. If you prefer, you can also bake them ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days—just reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back that delightful, soft texture. Roll them in powdered sugar right before enjoying for that extra touch of sweetness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Apple Pie Donut Holes, be sure to finely chop your apples so they mix evenly into the batter and distribute their juicy flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough donut holes.
- For perfect frying, ensure your oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.
- If baking, check your donut holes at the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as they should be golden brown and moist inside.
Apple Pie Donut Holes Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for Apple Pie Donut Holes?
I highly recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Their firm texture holds up beautifully in the batter, ensuring that each bite is packed with juicy apple goodness!
How can I store leftover Apple Pie Donut Holes?
Absolutely! Store your leftover Apple Pie Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember to warm them slightly before enjoying them again!
Can I freeze Apple Pie Donut Holes?
Yes, you can! To freeze your tasty treats, lay the donut holes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 2 hours until they're solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge and warm them up!
What should I do if my donut holes come out dense?
If your donut holes turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Remember, combine the wet and dry ingredients just until mixed—it's okay to have a few lumps! Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents can lead to heavy results and a poor rise in your baked treats.
Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?
Very! To make gluten-free Apple Pie Donut Holes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious! Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to avoid any issues.
Is it safe for pets to have any of these ingredients?
While most ingredients in the Apple Pie Donut Holes are safe for humans, be cautious of sharing with pets. Apples are fine in moderation for dogs, but avoid giving them the powdered sugar or any sugary food. Always consult your veterinarian for the best pet dietary practices!
Apple Pie Donut Holes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare a pot for frying.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl: eggs, milk, melted butter, and finely chopped apples.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, gently stirring until just mixed.
- For baking: Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan and bake for 12-15 minutes. For frying: Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, cooking until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before rolling in powdered sugar.
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