Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Pears or firm peaches also work well, though baking time may vary.

19 January 2026

Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)

Name: Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 pieces apples (sliced into 1/2-inch rings; peel on; use a firm apple); 2 sheets puff pastry (sheets thawed; keep cold but pliable); 100 g granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon (ground)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Crisp apple rings wrapped in puff pastry and baked with cinnamon sugar for a simple vegan donut-style dessert that tastes like apple pie.

Browse Meal Plan Library

Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)

These apple puff pastry donuts are a simple vegan dessert that tastes like apple pie in a handheld form. Crisp puff pastry wraps juicy apple rings, and a cinnamon sugar coating caramelizes in the oven. Because the ingredient list is short, the quality of the apples and the pastry matters most. Choose firm apples that hold their shape and a puff pastry with a good amount of butter or vegan fat for the best layering.

Flavor Profile

The flavor is warm and familiar: sweet apples, cinnamon, and flaky pastry. The crisp edges contrast with the tender apple center, giving the donuts a layered bite that feels richer than the ingredient list suggests.

Ingredient Highlights

Puff pastry provides the flaky structure, while the apple rings bring moisture and natural sweetness. Cinnamon sugar creates a thin, caramelized crust as the pastry bakes, which is why the donuts taste like a shortcut apple pie.

How It Comes Together

Slice apples into rings and wrap each ring with a strip of puff pastry. Roll in cinnamon sugar and bake until golden. The sugar melts and sets into a light shell as the pastry puffs and the apples soften. Keep the pastry cold while you work so it rises in clean layers.

Chef's Tips

Pat the apple rings dry so the pastry stays crisp.
Keep the tray in the center of the oven for even browning.
If the pastry starts to soften, chill the assembled rings for 10 minutes before baking.

Easy Swaps

Use apple pie spice in place of cinnamon.
Swap apples for firm pears or quince slices.
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for extra sweetness.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble the rings and refrigerate them overnight, then bake fresh the next day for the best texture. Leftovers keep for one day at room temperature and can be re-crisped in a 300F (150C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble and refrigerate covered, then bake the next day for the best crispness.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy? Pat the apples dry and keep the pastry chilled before baking.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes. Most store-bought puff pastry works well for this recipe.

Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Crisp apple rings wrapped in puff pastry and baked with cinnamon sugar for a simple vegan donut-style dessert that tastes like apple pie.

Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients) image

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

50 mins

Servings

Chef's Tips

Pat apple rings dry so the pastry bakes crisp.
Keep the puff pastry cold so it puffs in defined layers.
Bake on the middle rack for the most even browning.

Tools Used

Baking Sheet Parchment Paper Knife Mixing Bowl

We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ingredients

Scale

USMetric

Scale

Apple Puff Donuts

4 pieces apples - sliced into 1/2-inch rings; peel on; use a firm apple
2 sheets puff pastry - sheets thawed; keep cold but pliable
100 g granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon - ground

Instructions

Make the Donuts

1
Preheat oven to 190C (375F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2
Slice apples into 1/2-inch rings and remove the cores with a small cutter.
3
Cut puff pastry into 3/4-inch strips and wrap each strip around an apple ring.
4
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
5
Roll each wrapped apple ring in the cinnamon sugar until coated.
6
Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and crisp.
7
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Comments & Reviews

dr.nrmn
9/23/2025
Just made this--it is absurdly good and so easy.
Sasha Nagorny
9/18/2025
I made this last Rosh Hashanah and it was the best ever.
Skyyy
9/16/2025
Can you make it the night before and reheat? Worked great in the oven next day.
Gaby
9/15/2025
Looks so good for Rosh Hashanah.
Vanessa Lyons
9/14/2025
Would love to try this for Thanksgiving too.

Save, Plan & Shop Smarter

Create and edit your own recipes, import from most websites, plan your week, and build smart grocery lists.

Import recipes from most websites

Create and edit your own recipes

Plan your week with the Meal Planner

Mark favourites for quick access

Build grocery lists from your meal plan

Tick off pantry items you already have

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 donut

Calories 210

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 10g13%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 80mg3%

Total Carbohydrates 30g11%

Dietary Fiber 2g7%

Sugars 15g

Protein 2g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Create your own recipe

Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.

Add Recipe

Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)

Flavor Profile

Ingredient Highlights

How It Comes Together

Chef's Tips

Pat the apple rings dry so the pastry stays crisp.
Keep the tray in the center of the oven for even browning.
If the pastry starts to soften, chill the assembled rings for 10 minutes before baking.