Originally, I meant to get this recipe up in September, but when you’re utterly and completely sick to your stomach for weeks (er, months) on end, food is the absolute last thing you EVER want to look at, let alone write about unless you absolutely have to.
While I’m still dealing with the yucks somewhat (oh, but I know the end reward will be worth it), I’m calling it and posting this recipe anyway. And you know why? You deserve to make this recipe while you’re still craving caramel apple everything and all the apple recipes.
Back when my taste buds were still in good working order, these donut holes were AH-MAZING.
These are a quick rise yeast donut, fried in a deep fryer. I know, not the healthiest, but every once in awhile, it’s ok to enjoy a simple treat. Simple ingredients led to a delicious fall treat that I honestly can’t wait to make again.
In fact, I may take this recipe, switch it up, and make a fantastic baked sweet bread. Who can tell? Just let me get my tummy back in order, and a recipe will be coming your way.
Let’s just talk about the icing, though. I happen to be a fan of Krispy Kreme and the wonderful, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth icing they use on their glazed donuts. In trying to emulate the texture and consistency of their icing, this icing turned out quite well. Quite the copycat if I do say so myself.
When you bite into the donut holes, the icing flakes and gives that deliciously crunchy effect. So yummy!
Grab the printable recipe below. And most of all, enjoy!
Looking for more sweet breakfast treats?
- Easy Bisquick Cinnamon Biscuits
- Traditional Cinnamon Rolls
- Caramel Pear Crumble Muffins
- Strawberry Blackberry Muffins
- Blueberry Muffins
- Banana Bread
- Chocolate Glazed Donuts
- Easy Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls
Caramel Apple Donut Holes
Ingredients
Donut Holes:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons quick rise yeast
- 2/3 cup cane sugar
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon caramel extract
Icing:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon caramel extract
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Whisk all the dry ingredients, including the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and apple pie spice, together.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, milk, eggs, and caramel extract.
- Blend the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients.
- Let the dough rise for an hour or more, 'til doubled in size.
- Roll the dough out onto a floured surface, and cut with donut/donut hole cutter. (TIP: If you don't have a donut hole cutter, cut the top off a plastic soda bottle and wash. Use the opening of the soda bottle to cut out donut holes, works like a charm!)
- Place the donuts on a cookie sheet and let rise 'til doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix up the icing, blending all the ingredients together.
- Fry the donuts and donut holes in a deep fryer set to 350° F, 'til each donut hole is cooked thru and golden. You can also fry them in a skillet in a couple inches of canola oil.
- Let the donuts and donut holes drain on paper bags.
- While still warm, dip each one in the icing.
- Set on a rack over wax paper to drip and cool.
- Once they've cooled enough to eat, they're ready for you to enjoy!
Nutrition
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These look delicious and sinful. I love them!