These vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts are a delightful twist on a classic fried treat, combining the irresistible flakiness of puff pastry with a warmly spiced apple filling. Every bite feels like a cozy embrace, as the crisp, golden exterior gives way to a melty, tender core bursting with cinnamon-kissed apples. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone just dipping a toe into the world of plant-based baking, this recipe offers a rewarding challenge at an intermediate skill level. With about 20 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of cooking, and a quick 10-minute rest, you’ll have a batch of these dreamy doughnuts ready in under an hour—perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or an unexpected gathering. Each doughnut clocks in at around 250 calories, making them an indulgent but not overwhelming nod to your sweet tooth.
When I first tried this recipe, I remember setting aside a drizzly Sunday afternoon to dive into the process. The kitchen filled with gentle whispers of cinnamon and vanilla as the apples softened in the saucepan, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a spoonful of the warm filling straight from the pot. Rolling out the thawed vegan puff pastry, cutting perfect little squares, and folding them into neat triangles felt surprisingly fun—kind of like crafting tiny edible envelopes. Then came the best part: frying each piece until it glowed a rich caramel color. Once they’d cooled just enough to handle, I dusted them generously with powdered sugar and took my first bite. That balance of crunch and softness, with a bright hint of lemon juice lingering on my tongue, still brings a smile every time I make them.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN VEGAN APPLE PUFF PASTY DOUGHNUTS
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the simple yet transformative ingredients that make these vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts so special. Each component plays a unique role in delivering layers of flavor and texture:
- Vegan puff pastry sheets
These provide the signature flaky, buttery layers that puff up beautifully when fried. They form the crunchy shell that encases the apple filling, giving each doughnut a satisfying crisp bite.
- Apples
Peeled, cored, and diced, they’re the heart of the filling. As they cook down, they become tender and slightly jammy, offering natural sweetness and a tender mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar
This sweetens the apple mixture and helps to draw out moisture from the fruit, creating a luscious, slightly syrupy filling.
- Ground cinnamon
It brings warm, fragrant spice and pairs perfectly with apple. A little goes a long way in transforming simple fruit into a holiday-worthy treat.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor profile, adding a sweet, creamy note that elevates the spiced apple filling.
- Lemon juice
This brightens the filling, balancing sweetness with a fresh, tangy zing and helping to preserve the color and flavor of the apples.
- Salt
Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the apples and brings all the flavors into sharper focus.
- Water
Helps the sugar dissolve and creates the perfect consistency for the filling, preventing it from becoming too thick or too runny.
- Oil for frying
Choose a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola. It reaches high heat without smoking, ensuring a golden-brown, crisp exterior.
- Powdered sugar (optional)
A light dusting adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. It’s a lovely way to dress up each doughnut and make them look extra inviting.
HOW TO MAKE VEGAN APPLE PUFF PASTY DOUGHNUTS
Let’s walk through the steps of crafting these golden wonders. With clear techniques and handy tips, you’ll be frying up flaky triangles filled with spiced apple goodness in no time.
1. Thaw the vegan puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until pliable, so they roll out smoothly without tearing.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and water. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
3. Cook the apple mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool thoroughly.
4. On a floured surface, gently roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases, ensuring uniform thickness.
5. Cut each sheet into squares, roughly 4 inches by 4 inches, yielding about 6–8 squares per sheet depending on size.
6. Place about a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each square.
7. Fold each square over into a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down with the tines of a fork to ensure the filling stays inside during frying.
8. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C), using a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
9. Carefully fry each filled puff pastry triangle until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, turning once. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
10. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. Once slightly cooled, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar if desired for a sweet finishing touch.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every flaky, spiced bite.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR VEGAN APPLE PUFF PASTY DOUGHNUTS
These doughnuts are versatile and delightful on their own, but you can elevate your presentation and flavor even further with a few simple touches. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising a friend, or indulging solo, these serving ideas will make your vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts look and taste extra special.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Dip
Whip together vegan yogurt or coconut cream with a hint of ground cinnamon and maple syrup for a creamy dipping sauce. The tang of the yogurt contrasts beautifully with the sweet, flaky doughnuts.
- Seasonal Fruit Platter
Serve these doughnuts alongside fresh berries, sliced pears, and orange segments on a large platter. The pops of color and juicy fruit balance the richness and add a festive feel.
- Hot Beverage Pairing
Pair with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a creamy oat milk latte. The warm spices in the drink mirror the flavors in the doughnut, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
- Dusting and Drizzle
For a café-worthy finish, add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over the top. This adds visual appeal and an extra layer of indulgence.
HOW TO STORE VEGAN APPLE PUFF PASTY DOUGHNUTS
Proper storage ensures that your doughnuts remain as fresh and delicious as the moment they came out of the fryer. Whether you want to keep them for the next morning or prepare them in advance, follow these tips to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature (Short-Term)
Store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. A single layer between parchment paper keeps them from sticking and preserves crispness.
- Refrigeration
For storage up to 3 days, place doughnuts in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to revive the flaky exterior.
- Freezing Before Frying
Assemble and freeze un-fried triangles on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw slightly at room temperature before frying, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Freezing After Frying
Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to regain crispness.
CONCLUSION
Crafting these vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts is a delightful journey through textures and flavors, from the first stir of spiced apples in a pan to the satisfying crunch of golden triangles fresh from the fryer. We’ve covered every detail—from the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to creative serving ideas and foolproof storage methods—so you can confidently recreate this dessert at home. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, or sharing these little parcels of joy with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Don’t forget that you can print this article and save it for later, so it’s always at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes. And if you need extra reassurance or tips, there’s a FAQ section below waiting to answer common questions.
If you dive into this recipe and have thoughts, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Did you try a different filling—maybe pear or berry? How did your doughnuts turn out when reheated? Drop a comment, share your experiences, or ask for help if any step felt tricky. Sharing cooking stories and troubleshooting together is what makes our home-cooking community so special. Happy frying, and here’s to many flaky, apple-filled moments ahead!
Vegan Apple Puff Pasty Doughnuts
Description
These warm vegan doughnuts are a dreamy fusion of flaky pastry and spiced apple filling, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Irresistibly crispy and sweet!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Thaw the vegan puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until pliable.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and water. Stir well to incorporate.
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Cook the apple mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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On a floured surface, gently roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases.
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Cut each sheet into squares, roughly 4 inches by 4 inches. You should get about 6-8 squares per sheet, depending on the size of your pastry.
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Place about a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each square.
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Fold each square over into a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down with the tines of a fork.
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Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully fry each filled puff pastry triangle until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
-
Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Once slightly cooled, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar if desired.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
- Ensure the puff pastry is well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- These doughnuts can be reheated in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain crispness.
- Experiment with other fillings like berries or pears to create unique flavor combinations.
- These doughnuts can be frozen before frying; thaw slightly before cooking for best results.
