Doughnuts in caramel sauce

Delicious doughnuts in caramel sauce: an unforgettable recipe

Who can resist fluffy doughnuts filled with plums and covered in a golden caramel sauce? This caramel doughnut recipe is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or prepare them for a weekend treat, these doughnuts are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 9 doughnuts

Necessary ingredients:

For the doughnuts:
- 500 g flour
- 40 g butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 200 ml warm milk
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
- 9 ripe plums (pits removed)
- 50 g powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the caramel sauce:
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter

Preparing the doughnuts:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a little warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for fluffy doughnuts.

2. Sifting the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour to aerate its texture. This will help achieve fluffier doughnuts. Also, add a pinch of salt and the lemon zest, which will provide a fresh and aromatic taste.

3. Preparing the dough: Add the activated yeast to the bowl with flour, along with the other ingredients: melted butter, egg yolks, and the remaining milk. Mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to rush this step; kneading the dough well will make the doughnuts more elastic.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process helps develop gluten, which will give the doughnuts a perfect texture.

5. Proofing: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal pieces. Each piece should be shaped into a ball. In the center of each ball, place a ripe plum, dusted with sugar. Seal the doughnuts well so that the filling does not leak during baking.

7. Placing the doughnuts: Arrange the filled doughnuts in a greased baking dish, ensuring there is enough space between them to rise.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake the doughnuts for 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden and puffed.

Preparing the caramel sauce:

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a non-stick pan, add the sugar and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as bitter caramel is unpleasant.

2. Adding water: Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully add the water. Mix well to dissolve the caramelized sugar crystals and achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Thickening the sauce: Let the sauce boil for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, add the butter and stir until it is incorporated.

Assembling and serving:

1. Finishing the doughnuts: Once the doughnuts are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, pour the warm caramel sauce over them, ensuring it seeps between the doughnuts.

2. Serving: Typically, doughnuts are served cold, but we recommend trying them slightly warm to enjoy the soft texture and caramel aroma. You can also add a bit of plum compote juice for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Make sure ingredients like milk and butter are at room temperature to facilitate yeast activation.
- If you want a fluffier version, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- The doughnuts can also be filled with other seasonal fruits, such as apples or apricots, offering a variety of flavors.
- A trick for achieving perfect caramel sauce is to use a non-stick pan, which prevents the sugar from burning.

Nutritional information:

These fluffy doughnuts are a source of carbohydrates and energy, thanks to the flour and sugar. Plums add fiber and antioxidants, being beneficial for digestion and the immune system. However, it is recommended to consume them in moderation, considering the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and follow the same instructions.

2. How can I store the doughnuts?
The doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat them, you can use the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, the filled doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer container.

This caramel doughnut recipe is not just a dessert, but a true delicious story. Each bite will remind you of the warm moments spent with your loved ones. Try this recipe and let the enticing flavors take you away!