Name: Vegan Apple Puff Pastry Doughnuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet vegan puff pastry (thawed); 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil; 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (for brushing); Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

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These vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts are flaky, sweet, and filled with warm spiced apple goodness. I love making them when I want a bakery-style treat that’s fast, festive, and completely plant-based.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple these are to make—just a few ingredients and no deep frying involved. The puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, while the apple filling adds that cozy, cinnamon-kissed flavor I always crave in a doughnut. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or a fun weekend baking project. Vegan Apple Puff Pastry Doughnuts

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vegan puff pastry (thawed)
Apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
Brown sugar or coconut sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Vegan butter or coconut oil
Plant-based milk (for brushing)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I cook the apples in a skillet with vegan butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re soft and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
I roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut out circles using a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to create a doughnut shape.
I place a spoonful of the apple filling on one ring of pastry and top it with another ring, pressing the edges to seal.
I brush the tops lightly with plant-based milk for a golden finish.
I bake the doughnuts for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
I let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if I want to dress them up.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 doughnuts. Prep time is 20 minutes, and bake time is 15–20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped walnuts or raisins to the apple filling.
A maple glaze or cinnamon sugar coating takes them to the next level.
For a shortcut, I’ve made mini turnovers instead of doughnuts using the same ingredients.
Swapping in pears or berries gives it a seasonal twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive their crispness. I don’t recommend microwaving—they get too soft. Vegan Apple Puff Pastry Doughnuts

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, I always do—just make sure it’s labeled vegan (many brands are, but always check the ingredients).

What apples work best?

I like using tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast, but sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free vegan puff pastry if I can find it, or I make a simple gluten-free pastry from scratch.

Do I have to make them doughnut-shaped?

Nope. I’ve made square or round hand pies using the same technique and they’re just as tasty.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I freeze them after baking and reheat in the oven. They stay crisp and flavorful.

Conclusion

These vegan apple puff pastry doughnuts are one of my favorite easy desserts. They’re fun to make, filled with cozy flavors, and look like they came straight from a bakery. Whether I serve them at brunch or just as a sweet treat, they always disappear fast.