Description
Caramel Apple Donut Cake Pops are sweet, sticky, and full of fall flavor. This fun dessert comes together quickly using apple fritters or cider donuts and gets dipped in warm caramel with a crunchy peanut coating.
Ingredients
12 apple fritters or glazed apple cider donuts
2–4 tablespoons apple butter (added gradually)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
10 oz Werther’s Original chewy caramels
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Chopped peanuts (for coating)
Cake pop or lollipop sticks (optional)
Mini cupcake liners (optional)
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Cut donuts into bite-sized pieces and crumble them using a mixer.
3. Add vanilla bean paste and gradually add apple butter until mixture forms a cookie dough–like texture.
4. Roll the mixture into balls using a 1-ounce cookie scoop.
5. Microwave about 8 caramels with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream in 10-second intervals until melted.
6. Dip cake pop sticks into the melted caramel and insert halfway into each dough ball.
7. Optional: Freeze dough balls with sticks for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
8. Chop peanuts and prep mini cupcake liners.
9. In a saucepan, melt the remaining caramels and cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
10. Spoon caramel over each dough ball (do not submerge fully), turning to coat.
11. Immediately roll in chopped peanuts and place each in a liner.
12. Chill in refrigerator until firm. Let sit 10 minutes at room temp before serving.
Notes
Add apple butter slowly—donuts vary in moisture.
If dough feels too wet, add flour or instant vanilla pudding to adjust.
Try other toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels.
Serve slightly softened from fridge for easier biting.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American