Caramel Apple Cider Donuts with Apple Filling

Indulge in the homemade warmth of spiced apple donuts, filled with a freshly cooked apple mixture and encased in a sweet, soft dough. Follow these detailed instructions for a delightful kitchen adventure.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar infused with caramel notes
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of rapid-rise yeast
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice blend
• 113 grams (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into small pieces
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) of milk, ideally at a warm temperature of 110°F
• 3 egg yolks from large eggs
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Approximately 2 liters (8 cups) of vegetable oil for deep-frying

For the Apple Filling:

• 28 grams (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 to 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) packed brown sugar
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar with a caramel flavor profile
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of apple cider

For the Coating and Drizzle:

• Extra caramel-flavored sugar for dusting
• Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the caramel-flavored sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and apple pie spice until evenly distributed. Add the softened butter pieces on top of the dry mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Once combined, pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
3. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, knead the mixture on a medium setting for approximately 10 minutes. You’re aiming for the dough to form a cohesive ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Lightly oil your hands and form the dough into a smooth ball. Place it in a well-oiled bowl, covering it with cling film and a clean kitchen towel. Set it aside in a warm area of your kitchen, allowing it to rise and double in size, which should take about 2 hours.
5. In the meantime, prepare the apple filling. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, both sugars, and cinnamon, cooking until the apples are soft and the sugars have melted into a syrupy glaze. Stir in the apple cider and cook for a few additional minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. Once the dough has risen, deflate it gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out circles and transfer them to a parchment-lined tray. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes.
7. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C (345°F). Carefully place the dough circles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
8. Once cool enough to handle, roll the donuts in additional caramel-flavored sugar. Then, using a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip, inject the apple filling into each donut.

Serve these spiced apple donuts warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce, and delight in the flavors of fall with each bite. Enjoy your homemade treat!