Rice Paper Apple Donuts

These baked rice paper apple donuts are a creative twist inspired by the viral rice paper croissant recipe on TikTok.

Like many others, I tried the popular recipe and loved the crispy, golden, flaky outer layers, but I found the center to be disappointing – too eggy, bland, and chewy.

So, I had an idea: why not use a slice of apple as the tender, fruity center?

By wrapping egg-soaked rice paper around the apple, the rice paper stays thin, allowing more surface area to bake to a crisp. The result is a perfect balance of a crispy, golden, and flaky exterior and a tender, sweet, and aromatic apple center, elevating both the flavor and texture.

This apple donut recipe is gluten-free and doesn’t require any dough kneading, proofing, or deep frying.

It’s the easiest apple donut I’ve ever made!

Taste of Rice Paper Apple Donuts

The flavor of this baked rice paper apple donut is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced. The apple brings a natural sweetness with a subtle tartness that complements the cinnamon spice. The rice paper, baked to a golden crisp, adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Together, the crispy outer layer and tender apple center create a balance of textures, while the buttery cinnamon-egg mixture infuses the donut with a cozy, aromatic flavor. Perfect as a simple and unique autumn snack or afternoon dessert.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and Knife – For slicing and preparing the apples.
• Apple corer or small round cutter – To hollow out the apple slices into a donut shape.
• Mixing bowl – For whisking the egg-milk mixture.
• Scissors – To cut the rice paper into strips.
• Baking sheet – For arranging the wrapped apple slices to bake.
• Foil paper or parchment paper – To line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cooking spray or pastry brush – For greasing the baking sheet.

Ingredients  

– Prepare the apple slices

• 2 large apples
• ¼ cup sugar (granulated sugar or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

– Egg milk mixture

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (Or any dairy-free alternative. I used oat milk in this recipe. )
• 3 tbsp sugar (granulated sugar or brown sugar)
• ½ tsp baking powder (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

– Other Ingredients

• 12 sheets rice paper
• 1 tsp Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
• Powdered sugar or caramel sauce (optional, for extra sweetness or decoration)

Instructions 

1. Cut 2 apples into thick rounds, approximately ¾ inch in thickness. The slices from the edges will be smaller, so feel free to enjoy those immediately. Select 6 of the larger center slices for this recipe.

2. Use a small round cutter to hollow out the cores of the apple slices, creating a donut shape.

3. In a small plate, combine ¼ cup of sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon powder. Whisk until well mixed. Dip both sides of the apple slices into the sugar mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly coated with a layer of sugar on both sides.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon powder, baking powder, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Melt the butter in the microwave or using a hot water bath, then add it to the mixture and whisk again until everything is well incorporated.

5. Pour the egg and milk mixture onto a large plate to make it easier for dipping the rice paper.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and then grease the lining with cooking spray or melted butter.

7. Quickly dip a sheet of rice paper into the egg mixture, flipping it to coat both sides, about 2 seconds per side. Avoid soaking the rice paper for too long. Once dipped, place it on a cutting board. Repeat with 3 more sheets, then stack the 4 softened pieces together.

8. Use scissors to cut the stacked rice paper into ½-inch wide strips. Wrap the strips around each apple slice, like wrapping a mummy, covering as much of the surface as possible. Place the wrapped apple slice on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Continue with the remaining rice paper and apple slices. The amount of rice paper and egg-milk mixture provided should be sufficient to cover all 6 apple slices. Arrange the wrapped apple slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, or until the rice paper is golden brown and crispy.

11. Let the apple donuts cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness or decoration.

Tips to perfect your apple donuts:

1. Select the right apples: Go for large, firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to achieve the ideal balance of flavor and texture. I used 2 large apples and ended up with 8 slices, each about ¾ inch thick. However, the amount of rice paper and egg-milk mixture provided is perfect for covering 6 slices, so feel free to enjoy the extra apple slices as a snack!

2. Don’t oversoak the rice paper: Dip each side of the rice paper in the egg mixture for just 2 seconds to avoid it becoming too soft or tearing. The rice paper will continue to soften as you stack them on the cutting board.

3. Use scissors for easy cutting: Instead of using a knife and cutting board, opt for scissors to cut the soaked rice paper. This method allows for more precise cuts without tearing the delicate rice paper. Simply stack the soaked sheets and snip them into strips or shapes as needed, making the process quick and mess-free!

4. Prep the baking sheet ahead of time: Before you start wrapping the apples, make sure your baking sheet is lined and greased. Since your hands will get sticky during the process, having the baking sheet ready nearby will give you a clean spot to immediately place the wrapped apple slices, saving time and preventing a mess. “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser

5. Wrap tightly: Ensure the rice paper is wrapped snugly around the apple slices for even crisping.

6. Spacing matters: Arrange the wrapped apple slices with enough space on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for maximum crispiness.

7. Tips for a crispier outer layer: If your oven has an air fryer mode, use that instead of the baking mode, as it can help achieve a crispier texture at the same temperature of 350°F. Baking mode may take longer, so if the outer layer of your apple donuts isn’t as crispy as you’d like, extend the baking time by an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Another effective method is to sprinkle a little sugar on the surface about 5 minutes before removing them from the oven; this will caramelize and add an extra crunch!

8. Customize the sweetness: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle caramel sauce after baking for extra indulgence.

9. Enjoy fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven for that perfect balance of crispiness and tender apple. Just be careful not to rush, as the apples can be quite hot!

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