Jun 2009

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Caramel Sauce

In recognition of National Donut Day, The Astronomer and I considered driving out to Glendora to sample The Donut Man‘s famed fare, but traveling eighteen miles for a sugar rush seemed excessive. Instead, we stayed at home and attempted to recreate the stupendous donuts that we devoured at Animal on Fairfax. How can The Donut Man possibly beat homemade donuts drizzled in a warm caramel sauce? He can’t.

For donuts

  • 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Cinnamon and sugar
  • Oil

For caramel sauce

  • 1/2 pound of soft caramel candies
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt

Make donuts

Whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside. Whisk together the egg, sugar, butter, and milk in a large-sized bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine thoroughly. The batter will be sticky, so either use a spoon or a pastry bag to extrude the dough for frying.

Pour two inches of oil into a heavy medium saucepan. When the oil is hot, extrude a ball of dough approximately an inch in diameter into the oil. Fry the donuts until they are golden brown, then remove them and place them on a paper towel.  If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown before they are cooked through, so it is a good idea to sample a couple as you go along and adjust the heat accordingly.  While the donuts are still hot, drop them into a bowl with half a cup of sugar and a few sprinklings of cinnamon. Move the donuts around until they are well-coated.

Make caramel sauce

Combine the caramels, milk, and a dash of salt in a double boiler or a bowl set over a saucepan filled with an inch of water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramels have melted to a smooth consistency, about 20 minutes. To serve, drizzle caramel sauce over warm donuts.

Makes approximately 20 donut holes.

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22 thoughts on “Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Caramel Sauce

  1. HOLY CRAP. Over in the Rss feed, I was like, “donuts, whatever. Iain went to Krispy Kreme. Pssht.”

    Then I saw that photograph. Crack on a plate. Really, really incredible.

  2. Well, we just polished off a batch of these and they are outstanding. Family requested cinnamon sugar ones and powdered sugar ones. I think they are fine without additional sugar. They browned up nicely, had great flavor and were super-simple to make. Thanks!

  3. I’m so jealous! These look amazing. I’ve always wanted to make homemade donuts but haven’t found the right occasion. Maybe I should MAKE one!!

  4. Oh! These donuts look so tempting!! Good thing I just ate, or I would have made these straight away! I bet these would taste even better with homemade caramel. They require about the same amount of ingredients, too!

  5. These are the “womanliest” cinnamon spice donuts I have ever seen! (yes that’s an inside joke, a very friendly no offense meant, inside joke). GREG

  6. I am craving donuts right this instant, thanks to you. Now what is the fastest way to satisfy the craving?

  7. mmmmm! the ones at animal were delicious…but im sure these were amazing too! they look like they were….

  8. I can’t believe you made your own doughnuts! You are such a rockstar! They look super delicious too! 🙂

  9. I had donuts with caramel at this restaurant at st barths and have been wanting to make some ever since, thanks!

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