Does Dunkin’ Donuts have apple pie?

While Dunkin’ doesn’t typically serve full apple pies, they’ve released limited-edition apple crumb donuts and apple cider flavors during fall promotions.

What is so special about apple cider donuts?

Apple cider donuts are known for their warm spices, dense cake texture, and deep apple flavor derived from reduced cider in the batter.

What is the apple donut filling?

Apple donut fillings can range from spiced apple compote to classic apple pie filling. Some even use apple butter or cinnamon apples for extra flavor.

Where does Trader Joe's get their apple cider donuts?

Trader Joe’s sources their popular apple cider donuts seasonally, and while exact bakeries vary by region, they use a preserve-packed batter that mimics fresh apple cider flavor.

Apple Donuts Recipe: 7 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Fall

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the cozy combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and just the right amount of indulgence, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, you’ll learn how to make irresistibly soft and sweet apple donuts from scratch, explore fun ways to customize them, and understand what makes apple cider donuts so beloved in fall recipes. Plus, we’ll dig into some popular questions about apple donuts, including where Trader Joe’s gets their famous donuts and what goes inside that delightfully fruity filling. Whether you’re baking your first batch or becoming a donut pro, you’re about to fall head over heels for the magic of apple donuts.

Memories in Every Bite: Why Apple Donuts Matter

A Childhood Memory, Reinvented

I still remember the smell of fried apples and cinnamon wafting through my grandma’s Georgia kitchen. She’d peel the orchard-fresh apples by hand, humming something soulful while dusting each donut with sugar. Back then, fall desserts meant warm pies and bundt cakes, but after moving to Austin and playing around with my own recipes, I realized the donut form brings a fun spin to one of my favorite nostalgic flavors—apple. That’s where this apple donuts adventure began.

What I love about apple donuts is that they don’t follow just one path. You can fry or bake them; add spice or keep it mellow; glaze them or go classic with powdered sugar. That versatility fits right in with how I cook—lively, curious, and a little rebellious. And whether you’re making apple cider donuts or riffing off TikTok trends, the heart of the dish remains the same: comfort. This donut is where crisp autumn memories meet golden-fried love.

During testing, I explored the different textures of fried vs. baked and swapped in ingredients like oat flour or even a cinnamon crumb topping from my cinnamon-apple bread recipe. I’ve even topped a few batches with a glaze inspired by the one I used in my gluten-free cinnamon rolls.

No matter where your flavor preferences land, apple donuts are more than just food—they’re the kind of eat-with-your-hands treat that brings people together. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find excuses to whip them up long after fall leaves disappear. As long as apples are around, so are these classic, crave-worthy donuts.

A Southern Fall Favorite Gets a Makeover

Southern kitchens, especially during apple season, come alive with recipes that showcase this humble fruit. But where pies and crumbles once ruled, apple donuts now take center stage. With more people baking at home and experimenting through Instagram reels and Pinterest boards, this dessert has found a sweet spot between versatility and visual appeal.

These donuts don’t just shine for their flavor—they’re a visual stunner too. That golden brown crust dusted with cinnamon sugar calls to mind cinnamon roll casserole or a warm batch of cinnamon raisin bread, evoking the same sense of fall coziness.

Whether you’re pairing them with coffee for a weekend brunch or packing them as a fall-themed lunchbox treat, apple donuts offer a warm hug in edible form. And unlike mass-produced versions, homemade apple donuts bring out texture and flavor combinations that can’t be replicated in a factory line. Let’s dive into how to make them from scratch. You’re going to love every gooey, cinnamon-spiced bite.

How to Make Apple Donuts at Home

Ingredients List: What You’ll Need For Apple Donuts

These homemade apple donuts are soft, warm, spiced just right, and perfect for any season. Here’s what goes into them:

Ingredient	Suggested Substitute
2 cups all-purpose flour	Gluten-free flour blend
1 tsp baking powder	½ tsp baking soda + lemon juice
½ tsp baking soda	N/A
1 tsp cinnamon	Pumpkin spice mix
½ tsp nutmeg	Allspice
¼ tsp salt	Sea salt
¾ cup packed brown sugar	Coconut sugar
2 large eggs	Flax eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce	Mashed banana from [easy banana bread recipe](https://flavivotrends.com/quick-viral-eats/easy-banana-bread-recipe/)
¼ cup milk	Almond or oat milk
Oil for frying (e.g. canola)	Avocado oil

Timing: Prep, Cook, and Enjoy

These apple donuts don’t just taste better than store-bought—they also come together faster than expected.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Frying time: 2–3 minutes per batch
Cooling/glazing: 10 minutes
Total time: ~40–45 minutes

That’s 20% quicker than the average apple donut recipe, making this an easy treat to whip up before a weekend brunch or during a cozy weekday night.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Apple Donut Success

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat brown sugar and eggs until fluffy.
Mix in applesauce and milk, combining until smooth.
Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
Heat oil in a deep pan (350°F test with a pinch of batter—it should sizzle and float).
Using two spoons or a donut dropper, carefully place small rounds of batter into the oil.
Fry until golden (2–3 minutes per side), then transfer to paper towels.
Optional: Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar while still slightly oily for better sticking.
Cool and serve with apple butter or a drizzle of maple glaze.

For a healthier twist, use the same batter and bake in a donut pan at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.

You can even turn leftovers into banana bread muffins by reusing the spiced batter with mashed bananas added.

Why Apple Donuts Stand Out

The Charm of Apple Cider Donuts

Nothing says fall quite like apple cider donuts. Their flavor comes from reduced apple cider, which concentrates sweetness and tang. These donuts are traditionally cake-like (not yeast-raised), dense yet soft, and often coated with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar mix.

According to the USDA seasonal produce guide, apple cider is especially fresh in early autumn, making this the best time to use it in apple donuts. Many homemade bakers reduce cider on the stovetop for a stronger taste. It’s techniques like these that turn a simple treat into something memorable.

I sometimes use cider to replace the milk in my base donut recipe—it adds a robust apple-forward profile that pairs beautifully with fall spices like nutmeg and clove.

Unique Fillings and Flavors

Ever wondered what goes into the filling of an apple donut? While many are plain or glazed, some versions feature a spiced apple compote or apple pie-style filling. This elevates the texture, turning each bite into a surprise of apple chunks or gooey centers.

For something even more adventurous, pair this concept with ideas from my healthy banana bread, swapping out sugar-heavy fillings for fruit purees or nut-based creams. You can also stuff them with caramelized apples for a gourmet touch.

The best ones I’ve baked use a blend of diced apples stewed in cinnamon and brown sugar—tucked inside or added on top. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra prep.

Serving and Storing Apple Donuts

The Best Way to Enjoy Apple Donuts

Serve apple donuts warm, within an hour of frying for peak crispiness. Pair with black coffee or warm cider. You can also serve them with whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or drizzled honey.

And if you’re into bite-sized desserts, this batter works great in mini molds or as donut holes. A style not unlike how I prepare soft cookies for after-dinner treats.

If you like ’em less sweet? Dust with cinnamon and skip the glaze.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead

Apple donuts taste best the same day but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. To revive their crisp, place them in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

You can also freeze them unglazed—just reheat and roll in sugar later.

FAQ: Common Questions About Apple Donuts

Does Dunkin’ Donuts have apple pie?
While Dunkin’ doesn’t typically serve full apple pies, they’ve released limited-edition apple crumb donuts and apple cider flavors during fall promotions.
What is so special about apple cider donuts?
Apple cider donuts are known for their warm spices, dense cake texture, and deep apple flavor derived from reduced cider in the batter.
What is the apple donut filling?
Apple donut fillings can range from spiced apple compote to classic apple pie filling. Some even use apple butter or cinnamon apples for extra flavor.
Where does Trader Joe’s get their apple cider donuts?
Trader Joe’s sources their popular apple cider donuts seasonally, and while exact bakeries vary by region, they use a preserve-packed batter that mimics fresh apple cider flavor.

Conclusion

Apple donuts bring a spark of joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for brunch or indulging in a weekend treat, they combine the best of cozy fall flavors with the fun of handheld desserts. They’re nostalgic yet trendy, simple yet creative—your perfect intro to seasonal baking.

Try out your own batch, experiment with fillings and glazes, and put your own twist on tradition. And don’t forget to share your version—food, after all, is a celebration of connection, just like Sunday dinners back home in Georgia.

Apple Donuts: A Delicious Twist on Fall’s Favorite Fruit