Apple 'Donuts'
These aren't real donuts — they're apple rings dressed up with creamy toppings and fruity sprinkles. For younger toddlers we gently soften the apple first, since raw apple can be tricky to chew.
- Prep10 min
- Cook1 min
- Total11 min
- Makes6–8 apple donuts
- Age18 months+
Ingredients
Makes 6–8 apple donuts. Tap to check off as you go.
Contains: milk (yogurt topping), coconut (optional topping).
Instructions
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1Slice into rings
Wash the apple, then slice crosswise into thin 1/4-inch rings.
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2Remove the core
Use a small round cutter or an apple corer to punch out the center of each ring.
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3Soften for little ones
For toddlers under 2, microwave the rings on a plate for 30–45 seconds until slightly softened. Cool completely.
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4Frost the donuts
Pat the rings dry and spread with yogurt or a thin layer of seed butter.
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5Add sprinkles
Top with diced strawberries, hemp hearts and a dusting of cinnamon.
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6Serve
Serve right away — and let your toddler pick their own toppings!
How to serve by age
9–12 months
Raw apple rings are too hard for babies. Offer soft steamed apple wedges with a thin smear of yogurt instead.
12–24 months
From 18 months, soften the rings in the microwave until they squish easily, then cut each ring into quarters. Under 18 months, stick to steamed apple wedges.
2–3 years
Serve softened whole rings and let your toddler choose their own toppings.
Allergy & diet swaps
🌾 Gluten-free: Gluten-free as written. Check the labels on your yogurt, sunflower seed butter and hemp hearts, since some brands are processed alongside wheat.
- Dairy-free
- Use sunflower seed butter, spread thinly, or a plain dairy-free yogurt as the frosting.
- Nut-free
- This recipe is already nut-free. Sunflower seed butter keeps it safe for nut-free classrooms.
- Coconut-free
- Top with hemp hearts only, or skip the crunchy topping.
Tips
- A squeeze of lemon keeps the apple rings from browning.
- Try thin pear rings for a softer, juicier version.
- Set up a 'donut bar' with 3 topping bowls for a fun activity.
Storage & safety
Storage: Best eaten fresh. Unfrosted rings keep 1 day in the fridge with lemon juice.
Suggested age: 18 months+. Every child is different — serve textures and sizes that match your toddler's chewing skills.
Always seat your toddler upright and stay close while they eat. Cut round foods into small pieces and spread nut butters thinly. Read our toddler food safety guide for more.
Questions parents ask
Is raw apple safe for toddlers?
Hard raw apple is a common choking hazard for young children. Soften the rings in the microwave for toddlers under 2, cut them small, and always stay close.
How do I keep apple rings from turning brown?
Brush them with a little lemon juice right after slicing.
Can I make apple donuts ahead?
Slice the rings and dip them in lemon juice up to a day ahead, then add the toppings just before serving.
Are apple donuts gluten-free?
Yes, as written. They're made from apple, yogurt or seed butter, fruit and seeds. Check the labels on your packaged ingredients.
Want more ideas like this? We add new toddler recipes every morning. Follow Fun Toddler Recipes on Pinterest.
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