Who can resist the delicious combination of apple pie and brioche donuts? This recipe is a match made in dessert heaven, with its soft and buttery brioche base filled with sweet apple pie filling and coated in cinnamon sugar. It’s a treat that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

The flavors are out of this world – the buttery brioche, the warm apple pie filling, and the comforting cinnamon sugar coating will have you coming back for more.
These donuts are a breeze to make, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making them perfect for a quick and impressive treat.

They are great for meal prep – make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredient Notes:

Brioche Donuts:

Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the donuts a light and airy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
Bread flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the donuts.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and richness to the dough.

Vegetable oil: For frying the donuts.

Filling:

Apple pie filling: Adds a sweet and fruity filling to the donuts.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the coating.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm and comforting flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles. Fill each circle with apple pie filling, fold over, and seal the edges.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the donuts until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.

Helpful Tips:

Make sure the milk is not too hot when adding the yeast to avoid killing it.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for the best results.
Fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.

For a quicker version, you can use store-bought apple pie filling.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Experiment with different fillings like cherry or blueberry for a twist.

Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating – it adds a delicious finishing touch to the donuts.

Serving Suggestions:

These apple pie brioche donuts are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftover donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the donuts soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While frying gives the donuts a crispy exterior, you can bake them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before filling and frying.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Conclusion:

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of apple pie brioche donuts with this easy and delicious recipe. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a decadent dessert, these donuts are sure to hit the spot. Try them out and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear how they turned out for you!