Crisp Apple Donuts (with fewer calories and less sugar)

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Ingredients

For The Donuts:

• 1 cup Crisp Apple Sparkling ICE
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup Splenda Sugar Blend
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ¾ cup all purpose flour

For The Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1½ cups Splenda Sugar Blend
• ½ cup ground cinnamon

Directions

• Part 1:  Making the donut dough

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together, on medium high speed for approximately 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time until combined.  Slowly pour in the milk and half of the Sparkling ICE to the mixing bowl. With the mixer on slow speed add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough should look shaggy. Slowly pour in the remaining amount of Sparkling ICE on medium speed for 2 minutes.

• Part 2:  Dough storage

Tear 2 pieces of parchment paper the size of a baking sheet. Line the first piece of parchment on a clean baking sheet and heavily dust with flour. Turn out the dough onto the floured parchment and press evenly till its about 3/4 inch thick.  (If the dough seems too sticky flour your hands before pressing.) Lightly flour the top of the dough and place the second piece of parchment over the dough.  Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.

• Part 3:  Frying donuts

In a deep induction frying pan, heat enough oil to come up 2 inches from the bottom to 375 degrees using a candy thermometer. Gently peel the top piece of parchment off the dough. Using a floured donut cutter, punch out dough and place in hot oil. Fry on each side for 2-3 minutes or until light brown.  Adjust the heat if needed.  Scoop on paper towel lined baking tray. 

• Part 4:  Finishing donuts

Combine cinnamon and splenda in a large bowl. While the donuts are still warm, toss with cinnamon and splenda mixture until evenly coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Credit: Sparkling Ice