These Homemade Apple-Filled Donut Holes are golden, crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside with a warm, spiced apple filling tucked in the center. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of cozy fall flavors and indulgent texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Features a rich apple filling that tastes like homemade apple pie.
Perfectly portioned for snacking, serving at gatherings, or enjoying with coffee.
Crisp on the outside while staying soft and moist inside.
Can be made without yeast, cutting down prep time.
Offers bakery-style flavor from your home kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the apple filling:

Apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Lemon juice
Butter

For the donut dough:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Ground nutmeg
Granulated sugar
Milk
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract

For frying and coating:

Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

directions

Prepare the apple filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and butter. Cook until apples soften and the mixture thickens. Let cool.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a thick dough.
Assemble donut holes: Take a small portion of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a small amount of apple filling in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the filling and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot to 175 °C (350 °F). Fry the donut holes in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Coat: While still warm, roll the donut holes in a cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 18–24 donut holes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Baked version: Bake in a mini muffin tin at 180 °C (350 °F) for 12–15 minutes, then fill post-baking using a piping bag.
Caramel apple filling: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the apple filling for extra richness.
Spiced sugar coating: Add a pinch of allspice or clove to the cinnamon sugar for deeper flavor.
Glazed option: Skip the sugar coating and dip in a vanilla or maple glaze instead.
Vegan: Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes, and vegan butter.

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze (without coating) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before coating in cinnamon sugar.
Reheating: Warm in a 175 °C (350 °F) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Recoat with cinnamon sugar if needed.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but chop it finely so it’s easier to stuff inside the dough.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, use a mini muffin tin and bake for 12–15 minutes, though they will have a different texture.

How do I seal the dough so the filling doesn’t leak?

Make sure the dough edges are pinched tightly around the filling and rolled into a smooth ball before frying.

What apples work best for the filling?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best as they hold shape during cooking.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the apple filling can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.

Why did my donut holes absorb too much oil?

The oil may have been too cool. Keep the temperature around 175 °C (350 °F) to prevent greasiness.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough a few hours ahead and refrigerate, but assemble just before frying.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for even frying and clean flavor.

How do I keep them warm for serving?

Place fried donut holes on a tray in a low oven (around 90 °C / 200 °F) until ready to serve.

Do I need special equipment?

No special tools needed, but a thermometer helps maintain frying temperature and a cookie scoop ensures even portions.

Conclusion

Homemade Apple-Filled Donut Holes are a delightful treat that brings the essence of fall into every bite. With their crisp exterior, soft dough, and warm apple center, they’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast, dessert, or any festive occasion.