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Apple Puff Pastry Doughnuts Recipe

4.4 from 693 reviews

These Apple Puff Pastry “Doughnuts” are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the flakiness of puff pastry, cinnamon spice, and rich caramel sauce. Perfect for a quick dessert or a special brunch, they feature a light golden crust, a tender apple filling, and customizable toppings like pepitas or chocolate chips to enhance texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Seasoning

  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Dough and Assembly

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • Heavy cream or a beaten egg, for brushing

Toppings and Sauce

  • 1/4 cup store-bought caramel sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red or white miso (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Optional toppings: Pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or ice cream of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Core and peel the Honeycrisp apple, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the apple pieces with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to evenly coat them and develop a sweet, spicy flavor.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut the puff pastry into circles—enough to create pairs for the doughnuts. Brush the edges of half of the circles with heavy cream or beaten egg to help them seal properly.
  3. Assemble the Doughnuts: Place a spoonful of the cinnamon-sugar apple filling onto the center of each unbrushed puff pastry circle. Carefully cover with the brushed circles, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
  4. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with additional heavy cream or beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
  5. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While baking, if desired, blend 1/4 cup store-bought caramel sauce with 1/2 teaspoon red or white miso paste to add a subtle umami depth. Adjust the miso to taste depending on your preference for savory versus sweetness.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the miso-caramel sauce over the warm doughnuts. Sprinkle optional toppings such as pepitas, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, mochi bites, or serve alongside your favorite ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweetness and tartness and firm texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples are good alternatives.
  • Brushing the puff pastry edges with cream or egg ensures a better seal and a shiny golden crust.
  • Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels based on your taste preference or substitute with pumpkin pie spice for variation.
  • The addition of miso to caramel sauce is optional; it adds complexity and a slight savory punch but can be omitted.
  • Ensure puff pastry is thawed properly before use to avoid cracking and ensure even baking.

Keywords: apple doughnuts, puff pastry dessert, baked apple pastries, cinnamon apple treats, caramel apple dessert