PEAR BUTTER OR APPLE BUTTER DOUGHNUTS

Pear Butter or Apple Butter Doughnuts image

Provided by Brenda Newton

Time 2h50m

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 Tbsp butter softened
1 c sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 c evaporated milk
1 Tbsp orange juice or lemon juice
1 c pear or apple butter (this can be store bought)
oil for deep fat frying
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
BROWNED BUTTER ICING
1/4 c butter, cubed
2 1/2 c powdered sugar (have extra on hand in case it gets to runny)
1/4 c evaporated milk (i have used regular milk it just may need more powdered sugar)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract or orange if you used orange juice above

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Beat in vanilla.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine evaporated milk and juice; let stand 1 minute. Stir in pear or apple butter. Add flour mixture, beating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5-6 times. Roll to 1/4" thickness. Cut with a floured cookie or doughnut cutter.
5. In an deep skillet or deep fryer heat oil to 375 and fry doughnuts a few at a time until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
6. In a small heavy saucepan, cook butter over medium heat until golden brown. Roughly 5 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and beat in the confectioners' sugar, milk and extract. Frost doughnuts. You can add food coloring for seasonal shapes and sprinkle with favorite sprinkles. Enjoy!