Apple donuts
Apple doughnuts are delicious and aromatic treats, perfectly suitable for any time of the day. These fluffy doughnuts, filled with warm apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true joy for the soul. Preparing them is a charming activity, ideal for spending time with family or friends in the kitchen. So, let’s discover together how we can transform a few simple ingredients into a delightful delicacy!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 120 ml warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 50 g sugar
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1 box of Milli butter cream (approximately 200 g)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 550 g flour
For the filling:
- 2 apples (choose sweet apples like Golden or Gala)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the apples are fresh, as they will add a wonderful flavor to your doughnuts. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into cubes of about 1-2 cm. Then, in a bowl, mix the apple cubes with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, so the flavors combine.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
Use a bread machine to prepare the dough. In the machine's bowl, first add the liquid ingredients: warm milk, beaten eggs, and oil. Then, add the butter cream, sugar, and vanilla sugar. On top, add the flour, yeast, and salt. Select the kneading and rising program (about 1 hour and a half). If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand, mixing the ingredients in a large bowl and then kneading them on a work surface for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Forming the doughnuts
After the dough has risen, remove it onto a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Evenly distribute the apple cubes over the entire surface. Rolling the dough is a key moment: make sure to roll it as tightly as possible to keep the filling inside. At the end of the roll, press well to prevent the doughnuts from unraveling while frying.
Step 4: Cutting and second rising
Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into slices of about 2 cm. Place the doughnut slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 15-20 minutes, covered with a clean towel.
Step 5: Frying the doughnuts
Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 180°C) before adding the doughnuts. You can check the temperature by dropping in a cube of bread; if it browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready. Fry the doughnuts on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.
Step 6: Finishing
After the doughnuts are fried, remove them to absorbent towels to get rid of excess oil. While they are still warm, generously dust them with sugar. This detail will give them an attractive appearance and a special taste.
Serving suggestions
Apple doughnuts are fabulous served warm, alongside a cup of mint tea or a creamy latte. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to turn the dessert into a special experience. You can also try an easy-to-make caramel glaze that will add an extra layer of flavor.
Variations and tips
- Adding nuts: You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the apple filling for a crunchy texture.
- Using other fruits: Besides apples, you can experiment with pears or peaches, which pair perfectly with cinnamon.
- Alternative spices: Instead of cinnamon, you can try a pie spice mix, which will provide an interesting flavor.
Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, contributing to digestive health. Whole wheat flour, if chosen, will give the doughnuts greater nutritional value.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used to add extra fiber, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts.
2. What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used warm milk, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
3. Can the doughnuts be frozen?
Yes, the fried doughnuts can be frozen. It is recommended to keep them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, you can heat them in the oven to return them to a crispy texture.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! May you make the most delicious apple doughnuts!
Ingredients: 120 ml warm milk, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon oil, 50 g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 box Milli butter cream, 2 teaspoons dry yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 550 g flour. For the filling: 2 apples, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar.
