Caramel Apple Donuts

Few things say fall like caramel apples. And I have discovered my favorite way to eat them - in donut form! These delicious donuts are chock full of shredded apples and then topped with a real caramel sauce - it just doesn't get much better than this.

Start by peeling and shredding the apples. You can use a grater - I used my food processor cause I'm impatient. That food processor is SO fast!

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, vanilla,

sugar and brown sugar

and whisk until blended. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

Whisk until all the ingredients are incorporated. Add the apples

and stir until combined. Fill the greased donut wells about 3/4 full.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, make the caramel topping by combining the caramel bits and the cream in a microwave safe bowl.

Microwave on 50% power for 1 - 2 minutes and stir until smooth. Dip the tops of the donuts in the caramel. (It will be hot - watch your fingers!) Turn the donuts right side up and place on a wire rack.

Let the donuts sit for at least half hour or until the topping is set.

Happy autumn!

One year ago: Banana Bread
Two years ago: Roasted Cauliflower
Three years ago: Apple Dumpling Cake
Four years ago: Peach Pound Cake

Find more great ideas at Mouthwatering Monday, Mop it Up, Mix it Up, Melt in Your Mouth, Recipe Sharing, Totally Tasty Tuesday, Tasteful Tuesday, Tuesday Talent Show, Clever Chicks, Try a New Recipe, Share Your Stuff, All my Bloggy Friends, Hearth and Soul, Cast Party, What's Cooking, What I Whipped Up.

Caramel Apple Donuts

1 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
3 medium apples, peeled & shredded
1 cup caramel bits
1 Tbsp. whole milk or cream

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the apples. Spoon the batter into greased donut pans until almost full. Bake at 350 until golden and a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out dry, 15-20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

In a small, microwaveable bowl, combine the caramel bits and milk. Microwave for 1 minute at medium power, then stir; repeat in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Carefully dip donut tops into the caramel, then turn right side up and return to the wire rack. If you prefer, you can spoon the caramel topping onto the donuts.

Recipe Source: Shutterbean