A quick healthy apple donut snack can be a game-changer around 2pm. When lunch wears off and dinner is still hours away, it's tempting to head to Starbucks, but I challenge you to reach for these and enjoy a large glass of fruit-infused water.
Now, donuts come in many forms and these def aren't something you'd find at Dunkin'. Yet if healthy habits are what you're going for, I hope you try this tasty 5-minute snack.
They are crunchy, crispy, and slightly sweet little guys. The flavor varies depending on what toppings you use, which means you can easily customize based on your cravings. I've taken these to work, made them in hotel rooms and also make them with the kids for an after school snack.
I first created these apple donuts for our Seasonal Cleanse as a plant-based snack (but don't let that fool you into thinking they are nasty– they are addictively good!).
The Simple Ingredient List
The ingredient list is small, but the flavor is mighty with this recipe. You can use a variety of ingredients to create some really fun flavor combinations. All you really need for this quick snack are things you probably already have on hand:
- apple
- spread— nut butter, coconut mana, Nutella, caramel, etc.
- topping— something crunchy with either a sweet or salty edge is my fav
Top FAQs for Apple Donuts
Depends what you use as a "topping." If you stick with plant-based ingredients that we recommend, then yes— these are vegan! If you're not vegan, feel free to try cream cheese as a fun spread.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Cream cheese with honey. Avocado with cacao powder. Coconut mana with blueberries. Now, I'm getting hungry.
You could bake the apple slices first, yet they will get soft and not hold their form. You would have to serve this with a fork and plate in that case. Tasty regardless!
Pears and peaches that are ripe, but still firm can work as a donut base, too.
Quick Snack Recipe You Must Try
These donut-shaped apple slices are slathered in a protein-packed spread to help curb your appetite and get them ready for some tasty toppings like strawberries, bananas, shredded coconut, hemp hearts... you name it! One of the main reasons I love this apple donut recipe is because of how quick and easy it is to make, with almost no clean up.
They store well in tupperware containers in the fridge until ready to eat.
What kind of apple to use?
If you have a raging sweet tooth, I'd go with a red or golden apple. I like green apples because of their lower sugar content and that tart bite that wakes up my tastebuds. Combine that with a sweet and salty topping combo (think: cashew butter with cacao nibs) and I feel like I'm in heaven.
Healthy Apple Snacks: Apple Donuts
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 apple
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
Suggested Toppings
- ground cinnamon
- coconut flakes
- hemp hearts
- raisins
- fresh fruit
Instructions
- Core the apple then slice into ¼ inch rings.
- Stir together cinnamon, vanilla and almond butter.
- Top with your favorite toppings as suggested above.
Notes
- Swap apples with bananas, pears or the fruit of your choice.
- Use the nut or seed butter of your choice.
- Feel free to top however you want. Dye-free sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and more all make great toppings.
- If you want these apples to last all morning, squeeze lemon or lime juice on them then store in an air-tight container until snack time. Store toppings in a separate container until ready to serve.
Susan Peck
A word of advice...don't get hung up on making the rings.
I just used my normal apple corer slicer and then topped the slices with the almond butter and coconut flakes and it makes a great portable lunch snack!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Susan,
That is great advice!!
I am so happy you enjoyed this delicious healthy snack!
Lyz Moses
anything you would suggest to swap out the almond butter if someones allergic to almonds?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Lyz,
Yes! Swap in another nut or seed butter your body is ok with. Personally, I'm obsessed with honey sunflower butter!
Tabitha
So, with any detox, you do I work away from home and the smoothies for breakfast or lunch are not doable with me. I work anywhere from 8-10 hours a day and a hour drive, so I'm just wondering about the detox??