If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the crispiness of golden puff pastry with the cozy sweetness of spiced apples, you are in for a true joy with this Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe. This irresistible recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create doughnuts that are crispy on the outside, tender and fruity on the inside, and completely plant-based. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a unique dessert, these doughnuts are sure to win hearts with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward creating mouthwatering vegan puff pastry apple doughnuts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the flaky puff pastry brings texture, apples add fresh natural sweetness, and the warm spices elevate the flavor profile.
- Vegan puff pastry: This flaky, buttery dough is your base, providing that irresistible crispy and airy texture.
- Large apples: Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced for a tender, juicy filling bursting with natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples and spices.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings that classic apple-pastry flavor we all love.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint to add extra depth and cozy warmth to your filling.
- Lemon juice: A splash to brighten the fruits and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Melted vegan butter: For brushing, enhancing richness and promoting a golden finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sprinkled on top to add a pretty, sweet finishing touch.
- Oil for frying: Neutral oil like canola or vegetable to achieve that perfect golden fry.
How to Make Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your thawed vegan puff pastry gently on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Then, use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out beautiful doughnut shapes. Don’t toss the extra dough; you can repurpose it later for mini tarts or crisps.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss those thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This combination ensures the apples are bursting with flavor and a hint of spice, creating the perfect balance to sweeten and warm up every bite inside the doughnut.
Step 3: Assemble the Doughnuts
Place a small spoonful of your luscious apple mixture on half of your doughnut rounds. Carefully cover each one with a matching round and press gently around the edges to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges, making sure each doughnut stays sealed while frying and baking.
Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. They’ll puff up and develop a gorgeous golden brown crust—just the kind of texture that makes doughnuts unforgettable.
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to transfer your fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate. This step is essential to remove excess oil, leaving you with doughnuts that are crispy but not greasy. Give them a few moments to cool so the filling settles nicely.
Step 6: Bake for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
If you crave a bit more crunch and a perfectly baked finish, transfer the cooled doughnuts onto a baking sheet. Lightly brush them with melted vegan butter and pop them into your preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This extra step elevates the texture to a whole new level of delight.
Step 7: Final Touch
Once your doughnuts are slightly cooled but still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This simple touch beautifully complements the spiced apple filling and adds a snowy, elegant look that makes these doughnuts extra inviting.
Step 8: Serve
Serve these irresistible vegan puff pastry apple doughnuts warm for the best experience. They’re perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert. Feeling fancy? Add your favorite plant-based cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
How to Serve Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To impress your guests or delight yourself, top these doughnuts with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. Fresh mint or a few thin apple slices on the side add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai, herbal tea, or a smooth oat milk latte. If you want a more substantial combination, serve alongside vegan yogurt or a berry compote for a burst of tang and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking these doughnuts on a pretty plate with edible flowers or arranging them in a rustic basket for a brunch spread. Want to make it interactive? Serve with small bowls of cinnamon sugar or vegan chocolate spread for dipping – everyone loves a bit of fun with their food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain delicious when slightly warm or at room temp but best enjoyed quickly for optimal crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled doughnuts by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer into a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time until golden and cooked through.
Reheating
To bring stored doughnuts back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their crisp exterior while warming the apple filling perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors after cooking.
Is it necessary to fry and bake? Can I just bake the doughnuts?
Frying first creates that signature golden puff and fluffiness, but if you prefer, you can bake the assembled doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until golden, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry contains gluten, but there are gluten-free vegan puff pastry options available in some stores. Just be sure to check labels carefully and prepare as instructed by the brand.
What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?
Neutral-flavored oils with high smoke points such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are best. They fry evenly without overpowering the delicate flavors of the doughnuts.
How do I prevent the doughnut edges from opening during frying?
Make sure to press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to seal the dough well. Avoid overfilling with apple mixture and handle them gently when placing into the oil.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe is one of those magical creations that marries simple ingredients with comforting flavors in a way that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these doughnuts bring joy, warmth, and that perfect balance of crisp and tender. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and turning an ordinary day into something deliciously special.
Print
Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 8-10 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Puff Pastry Apple Doughnuts combine flaky, golden puff pastry with a sweet, spiced apple filling, fried to perfection and optionally baked for extra crispiness. They’re a delightful plant-based treat perfect for breakfast or dessert, featuring warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors balanced with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Doughnuts
- 1 package vegan puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- Oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Set aside any excess dough for other uses.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the thin apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Assemble Doughnuts: Place a small amount of the apple filling on top of half of the puff pastry rounds. Cover with another round, and press gently around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are tightly sealed.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few doughnuts into the hot oil, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffy.
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil, and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness (Optional): Transfer the fried doughnuts to a baking sheet and lightly brush with melted vegan butter. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
- Final Touch: Once the doughnuts are cool enough, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
- Serve: These doughnuts are best enjoyed warm, but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed for easier handling and better puff.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for better balance against the sweetness.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Optionally bake after frying to make doughnuts crispier rather than soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
