Apple Pie Donuts

Directions

  1. 1In a small saucepan, stir together the diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice.
  2. 2Cover and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, letting it boil for about 5-10 minutes or until the apples are tender.
  3. 3Uncover and let most of the liquid cook off until the juices have thickened and the apples are coated in a glossy jam.
  4. 4Transfer the apple filling to a bowl to cool completely.
  5. 5In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
  6. 6Stir the yeast mixture together and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy.
  7. 7Add the flour, eggs, and salt to the stand mixer and mix on low speed for 1 minute until the dough comes together.
  8. 8Turn the mixer up to medium speed and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes.
  9. 9With the mixer running, add the softened butter a few cubes at a time until combined into the dough.
  10. 10Continue kneading for 6-8 minutes until the dough cleanly pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  11. 11Push the dough to one side of the bowl and oil the sides of the bowl, then push it to the other side and oil the other side.
  12. 12Cover the bowl and let the dough proof at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the fridge overnight until doubled in size.
  13. 13Cut parchment paper into twelve 4x4" squares and place them on a baking sheet, then set aside.
  14. 14Punch the air out of the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  15. 15Press out the dough to remove any large air bubbles.
  16. 16Roll the dough into a log and cut it in half.
  17. 17Cut each of the logs into 6 equal pieces.
  18. 18Weigh each piece and redistribute the dough until they weigh about 60-70g each.
  19. 19With your hand in a claw shape, roll each piece of dough with firm pressure against a lightly floured surface until it becomes a tight ball.
  20. 20Place each dough ball on a square of parchment paper and repeat with the remaining pieces.
  21. 21Let the dough proof for 1-2 hours at room temperature.
  22. 22Once risen and puffy, gently press each dough ball down to flatten slightly.
  23. 23In a large pot, heat about 2" of oil on medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (356°F).
  24. 24Lower the donuts into the oil by the corners of the parchment paper, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
  25. 25Use tongs to remove the parchment paper after about 10 seconds.
  26. 26Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  27. 27Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack.
  28. 28Fill a shallow bowl with granulated sugar.
  29. 29While the donuts are still warm, roll them in sugar.
  30. 30Insert a knife into the side of each donut and twist it around to create an opening.
  31. 31Transfer the cooled apple pie filling to a piping bag fitted with a round piping tip.
  32. 32Insert the piping tip into each donut and squeeze until the donuts are filled.

Ingredients

  • 600 g tart apples, peeled & finely diced (about 4 small apples)
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 150 g water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, about 1 lemon (optional)
  • 160 g warm water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
  • 360 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 115 g unsalted butter, roughly cubed, softened to room temperature
  • 100 g granulated sugar

Equipment

electric stand mixerlarge potthermometerpiping baglarge round piping tip

Tips

  • After kneading the dough, perform a windowpane test to ensure it's ready by stretching a small piece until translucent without breaking.
  • Punch the air out of the dough after the first rise to prevent hollow or unevenly fried donuts.
  • Weigh the dough for each donut (60-70g) for consistent sizing.
  • If large air pockets form during frying, poke them with a toothpick to release air.