As a busy mom of three, snack time is all the time in our house. Yours too? Does an hour go by when someone isn't asking for something to eat? It can be A LOT! But, since snacks are a major part of life, this DIY snack is a real win. Let me introduce you to Donut Apples. It's an apple, that’s a donut, decorated by your kids. And you already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry right now!
Along with vanilla mousse, red velvet cake mix cookies and a my 2 ingredient pumpkin bread, this is great recipe your kids can make on their own. Sliced apple rings become the base of the “donut” and then you add fun and delicious toppings. This recipe is super simple to prep and makes a great afternoon activity and snack in one.
Kids of all ages love DIY snacks and this recipe is no exception. As I was testing these, all three of my kiddos got in on the fun as did my seventy-something year old parents. Apples and peanut butter and chocolate are always a win in our house.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: You can use peanut butter or any nut butter of your choosing. If you need to make these completely nut free, you could use SunButter or even whipped cream cheese instead.
- Apples: Bigger is better for this recipe. You want to have a lot of surface area for decorating. Honeycrisp is our favorite apple variety, but use what you have on hand.
Simple step by step instructions
While I would love to give you really detailed instructions on how to make these, it’s really more about the preparation in this recipe then the recipe.
First, you’ll want to gather all the items you are willing to let your kiddos decorate the apple donuts with. I like to portion those out into a muffin tin or silicone muffin holders so that they know what they have to work with.
Then slice the apple into round slices and cut out the core out of each one.
Now the fun begins. Schmear the peanut butter or other sticky topping on each apple slice
Then add the toppings. For a real treat, let them drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Then enjoy!
Topping Suggestions
- Pretzels: Pretzel flats and mini pretzels sticks are the right size to top your donut apples.
- Nuts of all sorts: Chop and enjoy. I like peanuts, sliced almonds and chopped walnuts.
- Shredded Coconut: Toast the coconut for a crunchy texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Peanut butter and chocolate are the perfect combination. Like a better for you version of a Reese's Peanut Butter cup.
- Crushed potato chips: The sweet and salty balance of the chips is awesome. I would use regular chips, not wavy.
- Breakfast Cereal: Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, and Froot Loops are all fun options
How to melt chocolate for decorating
To melt chocolate (or frosting if you want to use that instead) for drizzling over the top of your donut apples, simply put a bunch of chocolate chips into a zip top bag. Then put that bag in a cup of hot water until they are melted. Snip off the corner of the bag and drizzle away. No double boiler or microwave needed here.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to prep the apples ahead of time, slice them and then put them back together and wrap in plastic wrap to prevent browning. Store the cut apples in the fridge until you are ready to use.
I'll be honest, the completed donut apples don't really store well. Once the peanut butter meets the toppings, the toppings can start to loose their crunch. Additionally stacking peanut buttery items never goes well for me.
These are best made and eaten right away!
More kid friendly recipes
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📖 Recipe
No-Bake Apple Donuts
Equipment
- Silicone Cups (to put the toppings in)
Ingredients
- 1 large apple sliced into even rounds
- ½ cup peanut butter more or less depending on your taste
- Toppings of all sorts we like to use nuts, pretzels, crushed cereal and of course, sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional, for drizzling over the top
Instructions
- Slice the apple horizontally to get ½" slices. Then use a small pairing knife to cut out the core of each one leaving the hole of the donut in the middle.
- Lay the slices out on a work surface. I like to use a baking sheet covered in parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Put out the toppings and get to work decorating. It's easier to start with the peanut butter or other spread, but there are no real rules here 😊.
Notes
- rice krispies
- pretzels
- nuts of all sorts
- coconut
- mini chips
- crushed potato chips
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll want to choose a topping that works with the allergy you need to substitute for. If you are accommodating a nut allergy, you can use SunButter or whipped cream cheese as a topping (or even frosting).
If you are accommodating a dairy allergy, then stick with nut butters for the topping. If you have to adapt for both, try a parve (non-dairy) chocolate spread that isn’t nut based or even chocolate hummus! You can get creative and these apple donuts will still be fun and delicious!
Any apple variety will work, but I like to look for bigger apples. You want to have enough surface area for the toppings so small lunchbox sized apples won’t work as well as a full sized apple. Honeycrisp and Rome apples tend to be a bit bigger, but we always just use what we have on hand.
Absolutely, see above for substitutions for allergies. Any of the ingredients I’ve talked about have a non-dairy equivalent available. That means that diy apple donuts make a great treat after a summer bbq, shabbat dinner or any other meat meal in addition to a snack anytime.
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