Apple Slice Donuts
Let’s talk about something sweet, simple, and secretly kinda healthy… Apple Slice Donuts! These are not your usual deep-fried donuts, nope! We’re taking fresh apples, slicing them into rings, slathering them in peanut butter (or any other nut butter), and topping them with all sorts of fun goodies like sprinkles, fruit, and even chocolate drizzle. They’re colorful, crunchy, and the perfect mix of sweet and satisfying.
Whether you’re making a snack tray for the kids, planning a birthday brunch, or just need something quick that doesn’t require turning on the oven, these apple donuts are a total win.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Toppings of your choice – go wild! Here are some ideas:
Yep, that’s it! Just a handful of simple ingredients that come together in the cutest way possible.
How to Make Apple Ring Donuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Wash those apples
Slice the apples into ½-inch thick rounds. Discard the top and bottom slices (those ones are always a bit too wobbly for donut duty).
Remove the cores using a small biscuit or cookie cutter. A melon baller works too! This is how you get the “donut hole” effect.
Spread peanut butter generously on top of each apple slice. This is your “frosting.”
Top them with your favorites – sprinkle on roasted coconut, pop on some berries, go crazy with sprinkles, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve right away and watch those smiling faces appear!
Tips for Apple Ring Donut Success
- Don’t skip the lemon juice trick if you’re slicing apples in advance! Just brush or sprinkle a little lemon juice over the slices to keep them from browning.
- Pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel before decorating, especially if you used lemon juice. It helps the peanut butter stick better.
- Use different apple types for variety, Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp brings the sweetness!
- Chill your chocolate drizzle slightly before using if it’s too runny. You want it to stay in place and look pretty!
- Set up a topping station if you’re making these with kids. It’s like a little apple donut decorating party!
FAQs – You Asked, I’ve Got Answers!
Q: Can I use something other than peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cream cheese spread works great. You could even do Nutella if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Q: What apples are best for this?
Totally up to you! I like using Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for a tart kick. Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala work great too.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Sort of! You can slice the apples and core them in advance, just remember the lemon juice trick to stop browning. But I’d wait to decorate until just before serving so everything stays fresh and crisp.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Honestly, these are best eaten fresh. If you must store them, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours. Just know that the apples might soften a bit.
Q: Are these lunchbox friendly?
They sure are… with a couple of notes! Skip any toppings that get messy, like chocolate drizzle, and maybe pack the butter separately to avoid soggy slices. Then your kids can “build their own” at lunchtime. Keep in mind any allergy prevention rules your school has. You may need to swap the nut butters for seed butter.
Fun Variations to Try
These apple donuts are totally customizable! Here are a few fun twists to keep snack time exciting:
Chocolate Lovers’ Apple Donuts
Swap the peanut butter for a thin layer of Nutella, then top with mini chocolate chips and a dark chocolate drizzle.
Tropical Apple Donuts
Use almond butter, then top with dried pineapple bits, shredded coconut, and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt.
Classic PB&J Style
Stick with peanut butter and top with sliced strawberries or a spoonful of your favorite jam. PB&J, but make it fancy!
Fall Vibes Donuts
Use apple slices with almond butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon and granola. Optional: a teensy bit of maple syrup drizzle!
Berry Beautiful
Add sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of peanut butter, with a white chocolate drizzle. It’s a fruit fiesta!
Candy Coated Kids’ Dream
Okay, this one’s a treat: peanut butter, rainbow sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and maybe a gummy bear or two. Perfect for parties!
Why We Love These
Let’s be honest, as Moms, we’re always on the lookout for snacks that feel fun and sneak in a bit of nutrition. These apple slice donuts check all the boxes:
- Fruit? Check.
- Protein from peanut butter? Double check.
- No baking? Big win!
- Customizable and cute? Sign us up.
Plus, they’re perfect for:
- After-school snacks
- Playdate treats
- Birthday party food
- DIY snack bars
- Weekend breakfast fun
My kids love getting in on the action, too. We’ve turned apple donut making into a little family activity, kind of like cookie decorating, but with less sugar and more crunch!
So, next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what on earth to feed the tiny snack monsters, remember this sweet little trick. Apple ring donuts are the kind of snack that feels special but takes zero effort.
Make a big colorful tray of these, snap a pic (because they’re that cute), and enjoy every bite.
Check Out More Apple Recipes
Apple Slice Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 apples I used Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, but any type will do!
- 1 ⅓ cups peanut butter or any nut/seed butter you like!
Toppings of your choice – go wild! Here are some ideas:
- Roasted coconut
- Blueberries
- Strawberries sliced
- Sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
- Dark chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Wash those apples
- Slice the apples into ½-inch thick rounds. Discard the top and bottom slices (those ones are always a bit too wobbly for donut duty).
- Remove the cores using a small biscuit or cookie cutter. A melon baller works too! This is how you get the “donut hole” effect.
- Spread peanut butter generously on top of each apple slice. This is your “frosting.”
- Top them with your favorites – sprinkle on roasted coconut, pop on some berries, go crazy with sprinkles, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
- Serve right away and watch those smiling faces appear!
