Ingredients:
Doughnuts:
- 1 package (14 ounces) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
Caramel Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Make the Doughnuts: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in ½ cup granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Caramel Apple Filling: While dough rises, combine apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and mixture has thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Crumble: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Gently punch down dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your hand. Fill each doughnut with about 1 tablespoon of the cooled caramel apple filling. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over doughnuts.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!