Spooktacularly Simple: Create Fun & Healthy Apple Donut Monsters for Halloween!
Transform ordinary apples into extraordinary Halloween treats! Core and slice crisp apples, then lavishly cover them in flavorful cream cheese “frosting.” Decorate with a medley of sprinkles, classic candy corn, and whimsical candy eyes to bring your very own spooky, yet adorable, Apple “Donut” Monsters to life. They are incredibly fun to make and even more delightful to eat, making them the perfect family activity for the Halloween season.
The Sweet Inspiration: From Apple Slices to Spooky Delights
The journey to creating these adorable Apple “Donut” Monsters began with a simple, yet brilliant, idea I stumbled upon on social media. I saw a captivating video, possibly from Delish, showcasing what appeared to be colorful donuts, only to discover they were cleverly disguised apple slices! The concept was incredibly cute and instantly sparked my imagination. I thought, “How can I elevate this idea and make it even more exciting?” And just like that, the vision of transforming these charming apple “donuts” into playful Halloween-themed monsters was born. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the spooky season with a touch of creativity and a healthier twist.
Imagine the joy and excitement when you present these vibrant, edible monsters! They are an absolute blast to create with kids or grandkids of any age. The process is remarkably straightforward, starting with whisking up your favorite flavored cream cheese “frosting.” For my monsters, I chose a trio of crowd-pleasers: classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and a luscious peanut butter. After all, the combination of crisp apples and creamy peanut butter is truly a match made in flavor heaven, wouldn’t you agree? These variations ensure there’s a taste sensation for everyone, making the decorating process even more engaging.
This post is proudly sponsored in conjunction with #AppleWeek, an annual celebration of all things apple! I received complimentary products from several generous sponsor companies to assist in the creation of my #AppleWeek recipes. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with these products.
Please note: SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. As an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program participant and an affiliate for other brands, I may earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. My commitment is to only promote products I genuinely love and believe you will find valuable. For a comprehensive overview of my entire disclosure policy, please CLICK HERE.
A Healthier Twist: Why Cream Cheese “Frosting” Reigns Supreme
While traditional frosting might seem like the obvious choice for “donuts,” I opted for a cream cheese-based “frosting” to keep the sugar content intentionally lower and prevent these treats from becoming overly sweet. Apples, especially when you select the right variety, possess their own delightful natural sweetness. This approach allows the crisp, refreshing flavor of the apple to shine through, complemented beautifully by the tangy and smooth cream cheese. It’s a win-win, offering a more balanced and wholesome snack that kids (and adults!) can enjoy without the excessive sugar rush.
Essential Tools for Perfect Apple “Donuts”
Creating perfectly cored and sliced apple “donuts” is made significantly easier with the right kitchen tools. During #AppleWeek, the wonderful team at Zyliss generously provided bloggers with two indispensable gadgets: the Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife and the Zyliss Easy Twist Apple Corer. These tools proved incredibly helpful in streamlining the preparation process.
As a self-proclaimed gadget girl, I already owned an apple slicer that cores, but I had never before had a dedicated apple corer. The arrival of the Zyliss Easy Twist Apple Corer was truly perfect timing! It offered a level of precision and ease that my all-in-one slicer couldn’t match, particularly for achieving a perfectly centered “donut” hole. This experience only solidified my conviction that choosing “Apple Donuts” as my #AppleWeek creation was an excellent decision, making the entire process efficient and enjoyable.
#AppleWeek & Exciting Giveaways
As part of the exciting #AppleWeek festivities, a fantastic giveaway is currently underway, offering you the chance to win one of nine incredible prizes from our exceptionally generous sponsors! You can delve into the details of all the amazing prizes right here. Don’t forget, you’ll find the entry form at the very bottom of this post, so be sure to participate for your chance to win!
But before we dive into the giveaway, let’s refocus on the star of the show: these enchanting Apple “Donut” Monsters!
What You’ll Need to Craft These Apple “Donuts”
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these fun and festive apple treats. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Fresh, crisp apples (choose your favorite variety!)
- Cream cheese (full-fat for richness, or light for a healthier option)
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter (or any nut butter of choice)
- Vanilla extract (clear vanilla works best for a pure white frosting)
- Granulated sugar (to taste, for balancing sweetness)
- An assortment of sprinkles (Halloween-themed, rainbow, or classic jimmies)
- Candy corn (a seasonal favorite for monster teeth or horns)
- Edible candy eyes (essential for bringing your monsters to life!)
- Optional: Black gel frosting in a tube (for drawing mouths or other details)
- Optional: Lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
As I mentioned, I opted for a cream cheese base for my “frosting,” which not only tastes delicious but also offers a slightly tangier, less sweet alternative to traditional icing. I prepared three distinct flavors: a rich chocolate “frosting” made by blending softened cream cheese with melted chocolate chips; a delightful peanut butter “frosting” by mixing cream cheese with creamy peanut butter; and a classic vanilla “frosting” achieved with softened cream cheese, clear vanilla extract, and a touch of granulated sugar. These variations provide a wonderful palette for your monster creations.
From just two medium-sized apples, I was able to create twelve charming apple “donut” slices. The amount of “frosting” I prepared was more than ample to generously cover all twelve, allowing for plenty of creativity in decorating each monster. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on how many apple “donuts” you plan to make and how lavishly you like to frost them.
Selecting and Preparing Your Apples
The foundation of a great apple “donut” monster starts with the apple itself. When choosing your apples, aim for varieties that are firm, crisp, and well-shaped. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith (for a tarter kick) work wonderfully. A well-shaped apple will make the coring process much easier and help ensure your “donut” hole is perfectly centered, giving your finished treats a professional and appealing look.
Once you’ve selected your perfect apples, wash them thoroughly. Using an apple corer, carefully remove the core from the center of each apple. Then, using a sharp utility knife, slice the apple from top to bottom into rings, aiming for a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch per slice. This thickness provides a good base for frosting and decorating without being too flimsy or too bulky. Keep in mind that the decorating process can take a bit of time, especially if you get truly crafty! If you’re concerned about your apple slices turning brown before you can decorate them all, a quick spritz with a little lemon juice or a dip in a mixture of water and lemon juice will help preserve their fresh appearance.
Unleash Your Inner Monster Decorator!
This is where the real fun begins – letting your creativity run wild! You can be as elaborate or as simple as you desire with your monster designs. I started with a few “donuts” resembling more traditional treats: vanilla-frosted with colorful sprinkles, chocolate-frosted with sprinkles, a vanilla slice dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and a peanut butter one adorned with classic candy corn. It was with the last few slices that I truly started to have fun experimenting with the incredible possibilities offered by candy eyes!
If you have children or grandchildren who enjoy helping out in the kitchen, these Apple “Donut” Monsters are an ideal activity! It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to practice fine motor skills, unleash their artistic side, and, of course, enjoy the delicious fruits of their labor. The decorating process is entirely safe and incredibly rewarding for little hands. Plus, the fact that they get to eat their creations makes it even better!
One particular monster I crafted truly made me chuckle. As I was decorating, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they reminded me of something familiar. Then it hit me! Do you remember those two iconic Muppets from Sesame Street? The Martians? Yes, those quirky, “Yip Yip” Martians!
“Yip, yip, yip, yip!” These guys! I’m not entirely sure why the resemblance struck me so strongly – perhaps I was in need of a good night’s sleep – but either way, I think this particular monster is absolutely adorable!
For some inexplicable reason, this specific monster, with its whimsical sprinkles and wide eyes, became my absolute favorite. So much so that I simply couldn’t bring myself to eat it! It was too charming to disturb.
Instead, I opted to sample a plain vanilla “donut” monster adorned with sprinkles. As I looked at the array of creatures, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was just my imagination, or if they all seemed to be collectively yelling “ohhhhh…. NoOoOoOo….” in the background! Their expressions are truly priceless.
I genuinely hope that if you decide to make these delightful Apple “Donut” Monsters, or any variation of them, you’ll share your creations on social media and be sure to tag me! I am so excited to see the incredible and imaginative designs your creativity will bring to these fun treats!
This post marks my third and final contribution for Apple Week 2019. If you happened to miss my previous two delicious recipes, I warmly invite you to check them out! Earlier in the week, I shared my recipe for mouth-watering Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies on Monday. Then, on Wednesday, I presented a cozy Apple Crisp in a Mug, which is the perfect little dessert for those moments when you crave something sweet and comforting.
Now, without further ado, let’s get down to the fun part – the how-to and the detailed recipe! Have a fantastic time creating your own Apple “Donut” Monsters! 
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print
Apple “Donut” Monsters
Equipment
-
apple corer (for perfectly centered “donut” holes)
-
sharp utility knife (for even slices)
-
butter knife or small offset spatula (for spreading frosting)
-
Small mixing bowls (for different frosting flavors)
Materials
- 2-3 medium to large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 tbsp chocolate chips, melted
- 2-3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
- 2-4 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Assorted sprinkles (Halloween-themed for extra fun!)
- Edible candy eyes (various sizes if possible)
- Candy corn
- Black gel frosting in a tube (optional, for drawing mouths or details)
- Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Apples: Thoroughly wash your chosen apples. Using an apple corer, carefully remove the core, ensuring a clean, centered hole. Then, use a sharp utility knife to slice the apples from top to bottom into approximately 1/4-inch thick rings. Aim for consistent thickness to make them look like real donuts.
-
Prevent Browning (Optional): If you’re preparing these ahead of time or are worried about the apple slices oxidizing and turning brown, lightly spritz them with a small amount of lemon juice. This step helps maintain their fresh, appealing color.
-
Create the Cream Cheese “Frostings”: In separate small bowls, prepare your flavored “frostings.”
- Chocolate “Frosting”: Mix about 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate chips until smooth and well combined.
- Peanut Butter “Frosting”: Blend 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla “Frosting”: Combine 3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon of clear vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until creamy and sweet to your liking.
You can adjust the quantities of cream cheese, chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, and sugar to achieve your desired flavor and consistency.
-
Decorate Your Monsters: Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, generously spread your chosen cream cheese “frosting” over one side of each apple slice. Gently clean up the edges for a neat “donut” appearance. Now comes the most exciting part: decorate your apple “donut” monsters with an assortment of sprinkles, sugars, candy corn for teeth or horns, and, of course, the essential candy eyes! Get creative with different monster expressions and textures. If using black gel frosting, draw on mouths or other spooky details.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your finished Apple “Donut” Monsters on a platter and serve immediately. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They make for a fantastic party snack or a fun after-school activity!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Discover More Delicious Apple Creations from Apple Week!
Be sure to check out these other incredible apple-themed recipes shared by fellow bloggers during #AppleWeek. There’s a flavor and style for every apple enthusiast!
- Air Fried Apple Fries with Caramel Cheesecake Dip by Our Good Life
- Air Fryer Chocolate Glazed Apple Hand Pies by Blogghetti
- Apple Cider Cheesecake Bars by Snacks and Sips
- Apple Cider Tea Chicken with Apples & Sweet Potato by Books n’ Cooks
- Apple “Donut” Monsters by An Affair from the Heart
- Apple Pie Pizza by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Apple Pie Truffles by Caroline’s Cooking
- Apples and Honeycomb Chocolate Bars by The Monday Box
- Baked Apples and Cinnamon Overnight Oats by Simple and Savory
- Caramel Apple Cider Banana Bread by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Caramel Apple Cider Slushies by Savory Moments
- Frosty Apple Cocktail by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Green Appletini by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Oatmeal Caramel Apple Thumbprints by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Peanut Butter Apple Blondies by Cookaholic Wife
- Rag Top Apple Cobbler by Palatable Pastime
- Soda-Glazed Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Rustic Buttermilk Apple Cake by Cooking With Carlee
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing #AppleWeek Sponsors: Envy Apples, Bob’s Red Mill, Republic of Tea, Flahavan’s Irish Oats, Nairn’s, Taylor & Colledge, Zyliss, Chocoley, and Torani, for generously providing the fantastic prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also supplied bloggers with samples and products to use for our #AppleWeek recipe creations. Please remember that all opinions expressed are entirely my own. The #AppleWeek giveaway is open exclusively to U.S. residents aged 18 and up. All entries for potential winners will be meticulously checked and verified to ensure fairness. By entering, you grant permission to use your name and likeness in connection with the giveaway. The final number of entries received will directly determine the odds of winning. A total of nine (9) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be shipped directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. The #AppleWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of any prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their households are not eligible to enter or win. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. Furthermore, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #AppleWeek posts or entry forms.