DIY appel donuts

In our garden, which we call The Green Garden, we have two large apple trees. They are now five years old and give a beautiful harvest every year. This year, the apples were already ripe at the end of August—earlier than usual. On a warm summer evening, I decided to pick some apples together with my daughter Amora, who is only six months old. She sat in my arms, looking at the trees with wide eyes. It was her very first apple harvest, and hopefully the first of many. A small moment together, but very meaningful to me.

The next day, I wanted to make something fun with those freshly picked apples. Over the past few months, I had seen people on social media making apple donuts with puff pastry. But instead of cutting out circles, I also came across a version where you slice the pastry into thin strips and wrap them around apple slices. I found that just a bit more creative and fun to make.

So, on a Saturday morning, I decided to prepare a treat for the young people in our family home, my husband Rockey, and of course for myself. I even made a separate version for Amora so she could enjoy some too. The smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and crispy puff pastry quickly filled the entire house. And the result? Everyone loved them. A simple recipe, but it created such a warm, homely atmosphere.

Below, I’m sharing the recipe I used. It’s suitable for 20 people, so perfect for a larger family, a gathering, or simply to share.

Recipe: Apple Donuts with Puff Pastry (for 20 people)

Ingredients

• 10 firm apples (such as Elstar or Jonagold)

• 5 rolls of fresh puff pastry (or 10 frozen sheets, thawed)

• 200 g granulated sugar

• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

• 2 eggs (beaten, for brushing)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• Flour for dusting the work surface

• Optional: powdered sugar or caramel sauce for topping

You will need

• Apple corer or small knife

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

• Baking paper

• Oven and baking tray

• Pastry brush

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples

   Peel the apples, remove the core, and slice them into rings about 1 to 1.5 cm thick. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.

   
   

2. Make the cinnamon sugar

   Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

   
   

3. Cut the puff pastry

   Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into thin strips, about 0.5 to 1 cm wide.

   
   

4. Wrap the apples

   Take an apple slice and wrap the pastry strips around it. Thread the strips through the center hole as well, so it resembles a “donut” with a playful pattern. Make sure most of the apple is covered, but keep the center open.

   
   

5. Brush and sprinkle

   Place the wrapped apple slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush them with the beaten egg and generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

   
   

6. Bake

   Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (top and bottom heat) for 18–22 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.

   
   

7. Serve

   Let them cool for a few minutes and serve warm. Optionally, add powdered sugar or caramel sauce for an extra festive touch.

These apple donuts are perfect for an autumn morning, a cozy brunch, or simply when you want to make something delicious with leftover apples. And they’re fun to make too—especially the wrapping part, which is also great for kids.

Next year, we’ll definitely be back under those apple trees. And I already know: we’ll be making this recipe many more times.

Love,

Melisa