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Crispy Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe with Easy Caramel Sauce

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These crispy apple cider donut holes have a tender inside and a crackly cinnamon sugar coating, paired perfectly with a rich, buttery caramel dipping sauce. A cozy, quick treat perfect for fall and beyond.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) apple cider
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • Vegetable oil (canola or peanut) for frying
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
  • 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (for caramel sauce)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed (for caramel sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (for caramel sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ cup granulated sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg, then stir in ¾ cup apple cider and 4 tablespoons melted, cooled unsalted butter.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. If too wet, sprinkle a bit more flour.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or deep pot to about 2 inches depth and heat to 350°F (175°C) using a candy thermometer.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Fry a few at a time in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. While still warm, toss donut holes in a bowl of ½ cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
  7. To make the caramel sauce, heat 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring constantly until melted and deep amber in color.
  8. Add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and whisk until melted.
  9. Slowly pour in ½ cup warmed heavy cream, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
  10. Serve donut holes warm with caramel sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops. Roll donut holes in cinnamon sugar while warm for best coating. Make caramel sauce while frying to save time. For gluten-free, use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut holes, caramel sauce, fried donut holes, cinnamon sugar donut, fall dessert, easy snack, homemade donut holes

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-apple-cider-donut-holes-recipe-with-easy-caramel-sauce/