If you’re craving a snack that’s both refreshing and indulgently satisfying, you have to try Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter. This vibrant and easy-to-make treat perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of fresh apples with the creamy richness of peanut butter, all topped with fun and flavorful extras. It’s a snack that feels wholesome but also like a little celebration on your plate, making it an ideal choice for any time you want a pick-me-up or a simple dessert without any fuss.

Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter means gathering just a handful of ingredients that are simple but pivotal to making this snack shine. Each component adds a unique vibe—crunch, creaminess, or a pop of color—transforming these donuts into a joyful bite.

Apples: Choose firm, crisp apples to give your donuts the perfect base with natural sweetness and crunch.

Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, peanut butter adds richness and protein, creating a velvety contrast to the crisp apple.
Roasted coconut: Adds a toasty, chewy texture to enhance every bite.

Blueberries: Bursts of tartness bring a delightful freshness and a beautiful pop of blue.
Strawberries: Their natural sweetness and red color brighten the dish and offer juicy contrast.

Sprinkles: For an extra touch of fun and color, sprinkles make the snack feel festive and playful.
White chocolate: A luscious drizzle that adds creamy sweetness and visual appeal.
Dark chocolate: Offers a rich, slightly bitter depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First things first, rinse your apples thoroughly under cold water to remove any residue or dirt. This ensures a clean, fresh base. Then, slice the apples into approximately half-inch thick rounds, making sure to discard the top and bottom slices since they are uneven and won’t work well for your donut shape.

Step 2: Core the Apple Slices

Use a small biscuit or cookie cutter to remove the cores from each apple slice, giving them that classic donut hole in the center. If you don’t have cutters handy, a melon baller works beautifully to scoop out the center precisely without breaking the slices.

Step 3: Spread the Peanut Butter

Now the magic part: generously spread peanut butter over each apple ring. The peanut butter should be smooth and even, creating a creamy bed for the toppings. This layer not only adds incredible flavor but also brings the snack together with its luscious texture.

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings

This step lets you get creative! Sprinkle roasted coconut for a nutty twist, scatter blueberries and strawberries for fruity bursts, or shower with colorful sprinkles for a festive flair. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle white or dark chocolate over the top to turn these snacks into a truly indulgent treat.

How to Serve Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate the look and taste of these apple donuts. Imagine a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a handful of fresh berries artistically placed—they not only add texture and flavor but also make the snack Instagram-worthy. A light drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate finishes it off with a beautiful shine and that irresistible sweetness.

Side Dishes

While Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter happily stand alone, serving them alongside a tangy yogurt dip or a small bowl of cinnamon-spiced granola can turn this simple snack into a well-rounded mini-meal. Freshly brewed tea or a chilled glass of milk also complements the peanut butter’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn this humble snack into a party centerpiece. Stack the apple donuts on a pretty platter layered with mint leaves, or arrange them with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also thread the apple rings onto skewers alternating with berries, making vibrant mini fruit kebabs with peanut butter flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extras, place leftover Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them refrigerated for up to two days to maintain freshness and crispness of the apples.

Freezing

Freezing fresh apple slices isn’t ideal as they tend to get mushy after thawing, so it’s best to prepare this snack fresh. If you want to prep toppings or peanut butter mixtures ahead of time, those can be stored separately in the freezer for convenience.

Reheating

Since this snack is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a softer apple, you can gently warm the apple rings in the microwave for a few seconds before adding peanut butter and toppings.

FAQs

Can I use different types of nut butter?

Absolutely! While peanut butter is classic here, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can add new flavors and accommodate dietary preferences.

What apples work best for Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape best and provide that satisfying crunch every bite deserves.

Are these suitable for kids’ snacks?

Definitely! These apple donuts are visually fun and nutritious, making them a great choice for kids’ lunchboxes or after-school treats.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use natural peanut butter without added honey and choose vegan-friendly toppings like dark chocolate and fresh fruit to keep them completely plant-based.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

They tend to brown quickly, so consider dipping your apple slices in lemon water briefly before assembling your donuts to keep them fresh and vibrant longer.

Final Thoughts

Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter are such a delightful way to mix wholesome ingredients with a bit of playful indulgence. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick snack, a fun breakfast, or feeding a crowd, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. I can’t wait for you to try them out and add your own signature toppings to make this treat uniquely yours!

Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 apple donuts (depending on the size of the apple slices) 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in a healthy and delicious snack with these Apple Donuts topped with creamy peanut butter and your choice of colorful, flavorful toppings. This easy-to-make recipe combines crisp apple slices with protein-rich peanut butter and a variety of toppings to satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

4 apples

Blueberries (as desired for topping)
Strawberries (as desired for topping)

Nut Butter

1 ⅓ cups peanut butter

Toppings

Roasted coconut (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
White chocolate (for drizzling, optional)

Dark chocolate (for drizzling, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Rinse the apples thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
Slice the Apples: Cut the apples into ½ inch thick slices, discarding the top and bottom slices to ensure uniform rings.

Core the Slices: Use a small biscuit or cookie cutter, or a melon baller, to carefully remove the core from each apple slice, creating a donut shape.
Apply Peanut Butter: Spread the peanut butter evenly over each apple slice, covering the surface but not too thickly to keep the balance of flavors.
Add Toppings and Chocolate Drizzle: Decorate the peanut butter-covered apple slices with your favorite toppings such as roasted coconut, blueberries, strawberries, and sprinkles. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

Use crisp and firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cream cheese.
Chill the apple donuts briefly to set the peanut butter and toppings before serving.

These apple donuts are best eaten fresh to enjoy the crisp texture of apples.
If drizzling chocolate, melt it gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning.