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Cinnamon Caramel Amish Doughnuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 doughnuts
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Cinnamon Caramel Amish Doughnuts are a delightful homemade treat featuring tender, spiced doughnuts baked to perfection and topped with a luscious homemade caramel glaze and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Combining browned butter's rich, nutty flavor with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, these doughnuts offer a unique twist on a classic favorite that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.


Ingredients

Doughnuts:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup caramel bits
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Browning the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Listen for crackling and popping sounds indicating moisture evaporation. Swirl the pan gently to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until the butter smells nutty and brown bits form, indicating it's browned. Remove from heat.
  2. Measure Butter: Measure out 2 tablespoons of the browned butter for the recipe and set aside. You can save the remaining browned butter for another use.
  3. Prepare Donut Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 6-cavity donut pan with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small dish, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of the browned butter until smooth.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain doughnut tenderness.
  7. Fill Donut Pan and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the doughnuts feel springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool Doughnuts: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  9. Make Caramel Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 25 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the heavy cream to thin the caramel glaze.
  10. Release Doughnuts: Using a wooden utensil, gently run it around the edges of each doughnut in the pan to loosen and pop them out onto the wire rack.
  11. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Whisk together the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set aside.
  12. Glaze and Coat Doughnuts: Dip each doughnut first into the caramel glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately dunk into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  13. Final Touch: Sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar over the coated doughnuts before serving for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Make sure to brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; it should smell nutty and have brown flecks at the bottom of the pan.
  • Do not over-mix the batter to keep the doughnuts tender and light.
  • Use a wire rack to cool and glaze the doughnuts for even coating and to prevent sogginess.
  • You can substitute caramel bits with soft caramel candies chopped finely if needed.
  • These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.