19 January 2026
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.
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
35 mins
Total time
50 mins
Servings
8
Recipe Snapshot
Rating4.8
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(opens in a new tab)Parchment Paper(opens in a new tab)Knife(opens in a new tab)Mixing Bowl(opens in a new tab)
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Ingredients
Ingredients
USMetric
Apple Puff Donuts
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.
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Everything you want to know about this recipe.
Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)
Apple Puff Pastry Donuts (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)
These apple puff pastry donuts are more of a smart shortcut pastry than a true donut, which is exactly why they work so well on busy baking days. Firm apple rings soften in the oven while thin strips of puff pastry crisp around them, creating something that lands between an apple turnover and a baked fritter.
Because the ingredient list is so short, technique matters more than extra flavorings. Keep the pastry cold, dry the apples well, and bake until the sugar on the surface turns lightly caramelized instead of pale.
Flavor Profile
Flavor Profile
They taste like warm cinnamon apples wrapped in flaky pastry, with crisp edges and a softer center. The sugar coating gives the outside a light crunch that makes them feel more finished than plain baked fruit pastries.
Ingredient Highlights
Ingredient Highlights
Firm apples hold their shape better than softer varieties and keep the center from turning mushy. Puff pastry brings the buttery, layered texture, while cinnamon sugar creates the pastry-shop style finish on the outside.
How It Comes Together
How It Comes Together
Cut the apples into even rings, remove the cores, and pat them dry. Wrap each ring with puff pastry strips, coat lightly in cinnamon sugar, then bake until the pastry is deeply golden and the apple is tender when pierced.
Chef's Tips
Chef's Tips
- Dry the apples well before wrapping so the pastry can crisp instead of steam.
- Chill the assembled rings briefly if the pastry starts to feel soft.
- Rotate the tray in the last third of baking if one side of your oven browns faster.
Easy Swaps
Easy Swaps
- Use apple pie spice instead of plain cinnamon.
- Swap apples for firm pears if you want a softer, more delicate filling.
- Serve with a little maple glaze instead of extra dry sugar if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the pastries a few hours ahead and refrigerate them uncovered until baking. They are best on the day they are made, but leftovers can be reheated in a low oven to bring back some of the crispness.
Portion Guidance
Portion Guidance
These are best treated as a pastry-style dessert or brunch sweet rather than a snack you eat in multiples. One piece is a reasonable serving if you are also having fruit, coffee, or another dessert.
FAQ
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.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories 21011%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 10g14%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 80mg
Total Carbohydrates 30g12%
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 15g17%
Protein 2g4%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
FAQs
Can I make these apple puff donuts ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate covered, then bake the next day for the best crispness.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Pears or firm peaches also work well, though baking time may vary.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Pat the apples dry and keep the pastry chilled before baking.
Community Reviews
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4.8
5 ratings
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dr.nrmn
· 23 Sept 2025Just made this--it is absurdly good and so easy.
Sasha Nagorny
· 18 Sept 2025I made this last Rosh Hashanah and it was the best ever.
Skyyy
· 16 Sept 2025Can you make it the night before and reheat? Worked great in the oven next day.
Gaby
· 15 Sept 2025Looks so good for Rosh Hashanah.
Vanessa Lyons
· 14 Sept 2025Would love to try this for Thanksgiving too.
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