Imagine biting into a perfectly baked donut that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fresh apples, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt - a treat so irresistible it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! These Freshly Baked Salted Caramel Apple Donuts are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary day into a spectacular indulgence. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a sweet-tooth adventurer, this recipe promises to elevate your home baking game and impress everyone who takes a single delectable bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 12-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, blend the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling.
- Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled slightly, drizzle each donut generously with the salted caramel sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle and let the donuts set for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy these delectable salted caramel apple donuts with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense donuts. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For a perfect piping technique, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut at a 45-degree angle.
- Check donuts a minute before the recommended baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Let donuts cool slightly before drizzling caramel to prevent immediate absorption.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the batter.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
