Apple Fruit Donuts are the kind of snack that makes kids’ eyes light up and parents breathe a sigh of relief. They look just like a sweet frosted donut, but underneath all that color and fun is a crisp, juicy apple slice. With a little cream cheese “frosting” and a sprinkle of rainbow magic, these treats turn snack time into playtime. I love serving Apple Fruit Donuts when my kids get home from school because they feel like dessert but sneak in fruit and protein. Quick, colorful, and easy, they’re the perfect guilt-free treat for busy families.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fruit Donuts
- Quick & Easy – No oven, no fryer, no mess.
- Healthy but Fun – Perfect swap for sugar-loaded donuts.
- Kid-Approved – Bright, colorful, and irresistible with sprinkles.
- Customizable – Use different toppings, colors, or spreads.
What Do Apple Fruit Donuts Taste Like?
Think of them as a cross between a crisp apple slice and a frosted donut. You get the refreshing crunch of fruit paired with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese “frosting” and the fun of colorful sprinkles. Each bite feels playful and satisfying without leaving you sluggish afterward.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Fruit Donuts
Making Apple Fruit Donuts couldn’t be easier, and the best part is you probably already have most of these ingredients at home. This is a snack that looks fancy, but it’s made with just a handful of everyday items. Let’s go through each one so you know exactly what to grab:
- Fresh Apples – The star of the show! Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They’ll hold their shape well and give you that satisfying crunch. Softer apples tend to break apart, so stick with a variety that slices cleanly. If your family loves apples as much as mine does, you might also enjoy these Loaded Apple Slices for another fun snack idea.
- Cream Cheese – This is your “frosting” for the donuts. Go with plain cream cheese for a neutral base, or try whipped cream cheese for easier spreading. If you want to lighten things up, you can even use a reduced-fat version.
- Food Coloring (Optional) – Just a drop or two of food coloring can transform plain cream cheese into a colorful “donut glaze.” Kids especially love the neon colors, but you can skip this step if you prefer to keep things natural.
- Sprinkles – No donut (real or fruit-based) is complete without sprinkles! Rainbow sprinkles add the most fun, but you can play around with seasonal colors too—think red and green for Christmas or pastels for spring.
- Apple Corer or Pastry Tip – To really get that donut shape, you’ll need something to cut out the center of your apple slices. An apple corer works best, but in a pinch, even a round pastry tip or a small cookie cutter will do the trick.
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together in just minutes, giving you a treat that’s both festive and nourishing. Unlike regular donuts, Apple Fruit Donuts give you natural sweetness, a boost of fiber, and a little protein from the cream cheese.
👉 Want more fruity snack ideas? Check out my Loaded Apple Slices Recipe too!
How to Make Apple Fruit Donuts Step by Step
Making Apple Fruit Donuts is simple, fun, and only takes about 10 minutes. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide so you can whip up this colorful snack without any stress.
Step 1: Wash and Slice the Apples
Start by washing your apples thoroughly under cold running water. Since the peel stays on, you’ll want them nice and clean. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Now, slice your apples into thick rings—about ¾ inch is perfect. Too thin, and they’ll bend or break; too thick, and they won’t have that “donut” look. A sharp knife works best here, but if you have little helpers in the kitchen, you might want to do this part yourself.
👉 If you’re looking for another easy apple snack where slicing is key, you might love these Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups—they’re a quick favorite in my house!
Step 2: Create the Donut Hole
To give your apple slices that classic donut shape, use an apple corer to remove the center. No corer? No problem! A round pastry tip, a small cookie cutter, or even a sturdy bottle cap can get the job done.
This little step makes all the difference—it’s what turns ordinary apple rings into playful Apple Fruit Donuts that kids and adults alike will get excited about.
Step 3: Make Your “Frosting”
In a small bowl, stir your cream cheese until it’s smooth and spreadable. If you want colorful Apple Fruit Donuts, add a drop or two of food coloring and mix until blended. Neon pink, bright blue, or sunny yellow all look amazing.
Tip: If your cream cheese feels a little stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before spreading. It’ll glide over the apples much more easily.
Step 4: Frost the Apples
Take each apple ring and spread a generous layer of cream cheese “frosting” on top. Don’t worry about making it perfect—part of the charm of Apple Fruit Donuts is their homemade, playful look.
This is also a fun step for kids to help with. Set out a few bowls of colored cream cheese and let them decorate their own apple “donut.” It’s messy, but it’s memory-making at its finest.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Enjoy!
Finally, finish your Apple Fruit Donuts with a shower of sprinkles. Rainbow sprinkles are classic, but themed ones (like stars, hearts, or holiday shapes) make this snack extra special.
Serve them up immediately for the best crunch and flavor. Trust me—once they hit the table, they won’t last long.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Fruit Donuts
- Prevent browning – Dip apple slices in lemon water before frosting.
- Switch it up – Try peanut butter, almond butter, or yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Healthy upgrade – Use naturally dyed sprinkles or shredded coconut.
- Party trick – Make a platter with rainbow-colored “donuts” for birthdays.
- Storage tip – Best eaten fresh, but you can prep the apples (minus cream cheese) and refrigerate in lemon water for a few hours.
Storage
These are best enjoyed right after making. If you must prep ahead, keep apple slices in a sealed container with lemon water to prevent browning. Add cream cheese and sprinkles just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Fruit Donuts dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt or a plant-based cream cheese.
Do I need food coloring?
Not at all—it’s just for fun. They’re delicious plain too.
Can I freeze them?
Nope—apples don’t freeze well for snacking. Keep it fresh.
Conclusion
These Apple Fruit Donuts are the perfect balance of fun and healthy. They’re quick enough for weekday snacks, cute enough for parties, and guilt-free enough that you’ll want to make them again and again.
So next time you want a sweet treat without the sugar crash, grab an apple and turn it into a “donut.” Your kids (and your inner child) will thank you.
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Apple Fruit Donuts
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 12 apple donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun, colorful, and wholesome Apple Fruit Donuts made with crisp apple slices, cream cheese frosting, and sprinkles for a festive and healthy treat.
Ingredients
Fresh apples – firm and crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith
Cream cheese – plain or whipped, regular or reduced-fat
Food coloring (optional) – for colorful cream cheese “glaze”
Sprinkles – rainbow or seasonal varieties
Apple corer, pastry tip, or small cookie cutter – to cut the donut hole
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
2. Slice apples into ¾-inch thick rings.
3. Use an apple corer, pastry tip, or small cookie cutter to remove the center and create the donut hole.
4. Stir cream cheese until smooth; optionally add a drop or two of food coloring and mix well.
5. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly on each apple ring.
6. Top with sprinkles and serve immediately.
Notes
For the best results, serve the Apple Fruit Donuts right after making them to keep the apples fresh and crisp.
To prevent browning, you can lightly brush apple slices with lemon juice before frosting.
Kids can help decorate by spreading cream cheese and adding sprinkles—it makes a fun activity!
Try seasonal toppings like crushed candy canes for winter, pastel sprinkles for spring, or chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 apple donuts
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: apple donuts, fruit snack, healthy snack, kids recipe
