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These apple donuts are the snack I make when I want something fast, fun, and actually satisfying. Crisp apple rings get slathered with cinnamon-vanilla almond butter, then piled with whatever toppings make you happy. Five minutes, no baking, and everyone at the counter gets to build their own.
Why I Snack on Apple Donuts
Here’s why they’ve earned permanent rotation status at my house:
- Ready in 5 minutes, no recipe-following required. Core, slice, spread, sprinkle. That’s the whole job. It’s faster than deciding what to order.
- The crunch factor is real. Crisp apple + creamy almond butter + crunchy toppings is a texture combo that makes this feel way more like a treat than “eating an apple.”
- Endlessly customizable. Coconut flakes, hemp hearts, chocolate chips, fresh berries, granola, a drizzle of date caramel — set out a toppings bar and let everyone build their own. Zero complaints, guaranteed.
Looking for more quick snacks? My 5-minute edamame is my go-to when I’m craving something salty, my chocolate covered banana bites live in my freezer for late-night sweet cravings, and my homemade hummus turns any veggie in the fridge into a snack, and these apple donuts fit right into my grain-free diet plan too.
How to Make Apple Donuts
You can make these with or without an apple corer:
- Wash and core your apple, then slice it into ¼-inch rings. No corer? Slice the apple into disks first, then use the tip of a sharp knife to gently cut the center out of each one.
- Stir together the almond butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. This little upgrade makes plain nut butter taste like frosting.
- Spread the mixture on each ring, then sprinkle with your favorite toppings — coconut flakes, hemp hearts, fresh fruit, raisins, you name it.
Taking these to go? Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on both sides of the apple rings to keep them from browning, then pack the nut butter and toppings separately. Assemble at snack time and dig in.
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Topping Ideas
Start with a creamy base — almond butter, cashew cream, or Greek yogurt — then sprinkle on the fun: dried cranberries, shredded coconut, fresh strawberries, dried mango, or a light pinch of brown sugar. Mix and match until you find your signature donut.
A tip from a reader I love: don’t get hung up on making perfect rings. Regular apple slices with the same toppings work just as well — the donut shape is the fun part, not the required part.
No-Bake Apple Donuts
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 apple
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
Suggested Toppings
- ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons raw coconut flakes
Instructions
- Core the apple and slice it into 1/4-inch rings.
- Stir together the almond butter and vanilla, then spread the mixture over the apple rings.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut flakes and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Apple Tip: Firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their shape best when sliced into rings.
- Spread Swaps: Use any nut or seed butter, cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt in place of the almond butter. Sunflower seed butter keeps them nut-free.
- Toppings: Try dried cranberries, fresh strawberries, chopped dried mango or a few mini chocolate chips.
- Make Ahead: Brush the rings with lemon or lime juice and store them in an airtight container. Keep the spread and toppings separate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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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!
Hey Susan,
That is great advice!!
I am so happy you enjoyed this delicious healthy snack!
anything you would suggest to swap out the almond butter if someones allergic to almonds?
Hi Lyz,
Yes! Swap in another nut or seed butter your body is ok with. Personally, I’m obsessed with honey sunflower butter!
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??