Caramel Apple Doughnuts
These Caramel Apple Doughnuts are soft, golden, and full of warm fall flavor. Each bite combines tender apple dough, creamy caramel frosting, and a hint of crunch from pecans and candy toppings making the perfect homemade fall treat.
Servings 24
Equipment
- Deep Fryer , or heavy pot for frying
- Slotted Spoon or tongs
Ingredients
For the doughnuts:
- 2 quarts oil for deep frying
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup apple sauce
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon butter flavor extract may sub vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- ⅓ cup caramel ice cream topping
- M&M's Candies
- ½ cup roasted salted pecan pieces
- fall colored sprinkles
Instructions
For the Doughnuts
- Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F. You can test this by dropping a small piece of dough into the hot oil. If it bubbles all around quickly, it is up to temperature
- In a large bowl, using a hand whisk, beat together sugar, butter, eggs, butter flavored extract, and applesauce.
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix until a stiff dough is formed.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a ¾ to 1 inch thick sheet. Make sure to roll the dough to an even thickness. Cut out doughnuts with a doughnut cutter.
- Carefully slide doughnuts into hot oil. Turn doughnuts as soon as they rise to the surface. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain and cool prior to icing.
To Make the Icing
- Mix together frosting and caramel ice cream topping until combined.
- Spread icing over top of cooled doughnuts and decorate candy piees, pecan pieces, and fall sprinkles if desired.
