Apple Pie Donut Holes

Name: Apple Pie Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 190 grams self-rising flour; 180 millilitres cinnamon applesauce; Canola oil or vegetable oil, for deep frying; Cinnamon sugar, for rolling

Author: Olivia

Published: November 12, 2025

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Introduction to Apple Pie Donut Holes

As a busy mom, I know how hectic life can get, and sometimes, you just need a little sweetness to brighten your day. That’s where these delightful Apple Pie Donut Holes come in! Imagine indulging in the warm, familiar flavors of apple pie, all packaged in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a special dessert, they’re quick to whip up and sure to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you’ve made a batch, your kitchen will smell like autumn, and your family won’t be able to resist reaching for just one more!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Donut Holes

These Apple Pie Donut Holes are not just delicious; they’re straightforward and quick to make. In under 30 minutes, you can create a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings. Plus, the cozy cinnamon and apple flavors make every bite feel special. Whether you’re surprising the kids after school or enjoying a treat on a busy weekend, these donut holes will surely warm your heart and home!

Ingredients for Apple Pie Donut Holes

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we need to make these delectable Apple Pie Donut Holes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Self-rising flour: This ingredient gives our donut holes that fluffy, airy texture. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
Cinnamon applesauce: It adds both moisture and flavor to the dough, creating that warm apple pie essence. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought versions, depending on your schedule.

Canola oil or vegetable oil: The heart of our frying method! This oil provides the perfect medium for cooking the donut holes to golden perfection. Choosing oils with high smoke points helps ensure they’re crispy and not greasy.
Cinnamon sugar: This mixture takes our donut holes to the next level! Rolling the warm treats in cinnamon sugar gives them a sweet, spice-kissed finish. You can adjust the sweetness to fit your personal preference—go wild with it!

For exact measurements of these ingredients, check at the bottom of the article for a handy printable version. Now that we have our ingredients sorted, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Apple Pie Donut Holes

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Apple Pie Donut Holes! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, fluffy treats in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First things first, grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the self-rising flour with the cinnamon applesauce. Stir them together gently. You want the dough to come together but be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to heavy donut holes, and we want them light and fluffy!

Step 2: Heat the Oil

While the dough rests, it’s time to heat up the oil! Pour at least 5 centimeters of oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat it to 175°C (that’s about 350°F). Use a thermometer to check the temperature—this step is crucial. If the oil is too hot, your donuts will burn. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. We want crispy, golden goodness, so patience here is key!

Step 3: Form the Donut Holes

Once the dough is ready and the oil is hot, it’s time for shaping. Grab your small cookie scoop or a spoon, and scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough. Carefully drop them into your hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches of 3 to 4, allowing space for them to puff up beautifully as they cook.

Step 4: Fry the Donut Holes

Now for the fun part—frying! Let each batch fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them, ensuring that all sides achieve a lovely golden brown color. You’ll know they’re done when they look fluffy and perfectly round, and your kitchen starts smelling like a dream come true!

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

As soon as you remove the donut holes from the oil, place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for just 1 to 2 minutes—enough time to avoid a burnt tongue! While they’re still warm, roll each donut hole generously in cinnamon sugar. Make sure to coat them evenly for that sweet, comforting finish. You won’t regret this step!

Tips for Success

Keep the dough mixture light—overmixing is a no-no!
Check oil temperature regularly to ensure proper frying.
Fry in small batches to prevent crowding and achieve even cooking.
Use a slotted spoon to remove donut holes for less oil absorption.

Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating—it’s a game changer!

Equipment Needed

Medium mixing bowl: You can use any bowl you have on hand.
Small cookie scoop or spoon: A spoon works just as well for portioning the dough.
Deep skillet or heavy pot: A Dutch oven is a fantastic alternative for frying.

Thermometer: If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil to check temperature.
Slotted spoon: A regular spoon can work, but a slotted one makes draining easier.

Variations of Apple Pie Donut Holes

For a caramel twist, drizzle melted caramel sauce over the cooled donut holes before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Feeling adventurous? Try using pumpkin spice applesauce instead of cinnamon applesauce for a twist on fall flavors!
For a gluten-free option, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains a leavening agent.

If you want a lighter version, bake the donut holes instead of frying them. Scoop the dough into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Donut Holes

Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy experience.

Arrange them on a decorative platter, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar for a lovely presentation.
These donut holes also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread!
Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor!

FAQs about Apple Pie Donut Holes

In my journey of perfecting these Apple Pie Donut Holes, I’ve often come across some common questions. Let’s tackle a few of them here to help you in your cooking adventure!

Can I use different types of applesauce?
Absolutely! While cinnamon applesauce gives a lovely flavor, you can experiment with regular applesauce or even flavored varieties like caramel or pumpkin spice for a twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer a baked option, scoop the dough into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They may not puff up quite the same but still taste fantastic!

How do I store leftover donut holes?
To keep these little treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for about a week. Just ensure they come to room temperature before serving!

What can I serve with Apple Pie Donut Holes?
These sweet bites pair beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Coffee or apple cider also complements their flavors perfectly!

Are Apple Pie Donut Holes a suitable dessert for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love these sweet, bite-sized treats. They’re great for parties, after-school snacks, or just a fun family dessert. Plus, you can easily customize them to match your child’s taste!

Final Thoughts

Making Apple Pie Donut Holes is like wrapping your family in a warm, cinnamon-coated hug. These delightful treats bring the cozy essence of apple pie into a fun, bite-sized form that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weekday afternoon or a leisurely weekend, this recipe adds a touch of joy to your kitchen. Plus, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they taste these little gems are absolutely priceless. So, gather your ingredients and let the delightful aroma whisk you away to a world of sweet memories. Trust me, they’re worth every moment in the kitchen!