Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for coating
• 1 cup granulated sugar, for caramel
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Steps

1. 1

   1. Simmer the cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.

2. 2

   2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt; in a separate bowl whisk the sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider, then fold the wet into the dry until just combined and chill the dough for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, pat to 3/4-inch thickness, and cut out rounds with a 3-inch cutter, using a 1-inch cutter to punch out the centers.

4. 4

   4. Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F and fry the donuts in batches for about 90 seconds per side until deep golden brown, then drain briefly and toss immediately in the cinnamon-sugar coating.

5. 5

   5. For the caramel, cook the sugar in a dry saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until amber, then carefully whisk in the cream and butter off heat until smooth, stir in the flaky salt, and let it thicken for 5 minutes.

6. 6

   6. Stack the donuts and slowly pour the warm salted caramel over the top, letting it ribbon down the sides before serving.