Apple Cider Doughnut Tower

1-1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

1/4 c. pure maple syrup

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/4 t. kosher salt

28 apple cider doughnuts

1 c. jarred caramel topping

Chopped toasted pecans, for serving

Beat whipping cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. 

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth, 2-3 minutes (no need to clean beaters). Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

Spread 1 tablespoon whipped cream mixture over center of a cake stand or platter. Place 1 doughnut in center and arrange 6 doughnuts in a circle around center. Spread 1 c. whipped cream mixture over top.

Repeat with 7 doughnuts and 1 c. whipped cream mixture. 

Repeat with 5 doughnuts in a circle, with edges touching, on top. Spread on 3/4 c. whipped cream mixture. 

Repeat with 5 doughnuts and 3/4 c. whipped cream mixture, stacking directly on top of previous layer. 

Arrange 3 doughnuts in a circle, with edges touching, on top. Spread on 1/3 c. whipped cream mixture. 

Place remaining doughnut on top.

Spoon caramel topping over doughnut tower. Top with remaining whipped cream mixture and pecans.

Serves 16.

Adapted from Real Simple magazine, Oct. 2021, p. 24.