Description
These Grinch-Themed Caramel Apple Donuts are a festive and delightful holiday treat that brings whimsical joy to your table. Featuring a tender, cake-like base enriched with nutty browned butter and a hint of fresh apple, these baked donuts are topped with a vibrant green glaze and an iconic red heart sprinkle. Perfect for Christmas morning or holiday gatherings, they are simple to prepare and offer a professional bakery-quality appearance that is sure to delight both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Neon green gel food coloring
Large red heart sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty; set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the browned butter, apple sauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Whisk the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and green food coloring until smooth.
Dip the top of each cooled donut into the green glaze and place a single red heart sprinkle on the center before the glaze sets.
Notes
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Browning the butter is optional but highly recommended to add a deeper, richer flavor profile to the apple donuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg