For the Apple Pie Filling:
Peel, core, and dice the apples. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-heat, melt the butter and continue cooking until it’s a light golden color; about 3 minutes. Add in the apples, salt, and both sugars. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely softened, about 10 minutes. Add in the cinnamon and apple cider and continue cooking until apples are soft and sticky, 1 to 2 more minutes. Stir in flour, mix well, and allow mixture to thicken; about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside until needed.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a medium-sized shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon and set aside until needed.
Assembly:
Scrape the apple pie filling into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and set aside.
Using the back of a small spoon (or your finger) make a small hole on the side of each doughnut.
Carefully fit the nozzle of the bag into a doughnut and squeeze until you see the center begin to puff up. Repeat with all doughnuts.
Donuts are best served the day they are made, but will keep for 24 hours
Certainly! Here are some tips for making delicious apple pie doughnuts:
1. Choose the right apples: Opt for firm and crisp apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These types of apples hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
2. Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples for the filling. Sauté them in a skillet with a bit of butter, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar until they are tender. This step helps intensify the apple flavor and softens the apples before they go into the doughnuts.
3. Use a good doughnut dough recipe: Find a reliable doughnut dough recipe that yields soft and fluffy doughnuts. You can look for recipes online or in baking cookbooks. Alternatively, you can adapt a traditional doughnut dough recipe by adding apple pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the dough.
4. Incorporate apple pie spices: To enhance the apple pie flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice to the dough. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the apples and create a comforting aroma.
5. Don’t forget the glaze: While not necessary, a glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. Consider making a simple glaze using powdered sugar and a little bit of apple juice or milk. Drizzle the glaze over the doughnuts once they have cooled slightly.
6. Baking or frying options: You can choose between baking or frying the doughnuts. Baking is a healthier option that requires less oil, while frying creates a crispier texture. If baking, make sure to preheat the oven and follow the recipe instructions for the appropriate baking time and temperature. If frying, use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350-375°F (175-190°C) and carefully monitor the cooking process.
7. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar: After glazing or instead of glazing, you can dust the freshly baked or fried doughnuts with powdered sugar or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and an appealing finishing touch.
Remember to always follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust them based on your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your homemade apple pie doughnuts as a delightful treat!