Buttermilk Applesauce Doughnuts: A Fall Baking Delight

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with warm, comforting doughnuts? These Buttermilk Applesauce Doughnuts are the perfect treat – moist, flavorful, and spiced just right. The buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess, while the applesauce contributes to the doughnuts’ incredible tenderness. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit. This recipe combines the ease of baking with the satisfying taste of homemade goodness.

This recipe provides two options: baking the doughnuts for a healthier choice or frying them for a more traditional experience. Baking produces a slightly cake-like doughnut, while frying results in a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Moist and Tender:** Applesauce and buttermilk work together to create an incredibly moist and tender crumb.
* **Perfectly Spiced:** Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves offer a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
* **Versatile:** You can bake or fry these doughnuts, depending on your preference.
* **Delicious Glaze:** The optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Doughnuts:

* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
* ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
* ½ cup buttermilk
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Vegetable oil, for frying (if frying)

### For the Glaze (Optional):

* 2 cups powdered sugar
* ¼ cup milk (or apple cider for extra flavor)
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

## Equipment

* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Doughnut cutter (or two different-sized round cookie cutters)
* Baking sheet (if baking)
* Parchment paper (if baking)
* Deep pot or Dutch oven (if frying)
* Candy thermometer (if frying)
* Slotted spoon or spider strainer (if frying)
* Wire rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these delicious Buttermilk Applesauce Doughnuts, whether you choose to bake or fry them.

### Baking Instructions

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the doughnuts from sticking.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even distribution of the spices.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and consistent.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough doughnuts.
5. **Fill Doughnut Pan or Shape Doughnuts:** Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off a corner. Pipe the batter into a greased doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each doughnut.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The doughnuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
7. **Cool:** Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.
8. **Glaze (Optional):** While the doughnuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

### Frying Instructions

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed to get a consistent flavor.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A slightly lumpy batter is preferable to an overmixed one.
4. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the doughnuts hold their shape during frying.
5. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, filling it to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking.
6. **Prepare Your Work Surface:** Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the chilled dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a ½-inch thick circle.
7. **Cut Out Doughnuts:** Use a doughnut cutter (or two different-sized round cookie cutters) to cut out the doughnuts. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more doughnuts until all the dough is used.
8. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to turn the doughnuts and remove them from the oil.
9. **Drain and Cool:** Place the fried doughnuts on a wire rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
10. **Glaze (Optional):** While the doughnuts are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

## Glaze Variations

While the simple powdered sugar glaze is delicious, here are a few variations to add some extra flavor:

* **Maple Glaze:** Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and use maple syrup instead of milk for a rich, autumnal flavor.
* **Cinnamon Glaze:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the glaze for a warm, spicy twist.
* **Chocolate Glaze:** Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and whisk it into the glaze for a decadent chocolatey treat.
* **Lemon Glaze:** Replace the milk with lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy glaze.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in tough doughnuts. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh baking powder and baking soda are essential for proper leavening.
* **Control the Oil Temperature (Frying):** Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for even cooking. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot (Frying):** Frying too many doughnuts at once can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy doughnuts.
* **Cool Completely Before Glazing (Baking):** Make sure the doughnuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
* **Enjoy Fresh:** These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add Nuts:** Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold in chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
* **Apple Pie Filling:** Dice up some apples and add a bit of apple pie filling to the mix for a more intense apple flavor.
* **Use Different Flours:** Try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but remember that this may affect the texture.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Enjoy as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
* Bring them to a brunch or potluck.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per doughnut, without glaze, based on baking):

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 5-8g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g

## Storing Instructions

* **Baked Doughnuts:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Fried Doughnuts:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Fried doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze baked doughnuts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to fry or bake the doughnuts fresh.

**Q: Can I use a different type of applesauce?**
A: Yes, you can use chunky or flavored applesauce, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the doughnuts.

**Q: Can I use a different type of milk?**
A: While buttermilk is recommended for its tanginess and tenderizing properties, you can substitute it with regular milk or almond milk.

**Q: Why are my doughnuts greasy?**
A: If you’re frying the doughnuts, make sure the oil temperature is hot enough. Frying at too low a temperature can result in greasy doughnuts. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot.

**Q: My doughnuts are too dense. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of dense doughnuts. Be careful not to overmix.

**Q: Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

## Conclusion

These Buttermilk Applesauce Doughnuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, the combination of buttermilk, applesauce, and warm spices creates a flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a batch of homemade doughnuts that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking (or frying)!