Craving that perfect donut? Our Old-Fashioned Donut recipe is what you need. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and you'll have a delicious treat in no time.
Donuts are always a hit, but they're especially popular during holidays and brunch gatherings. Speaking of treats, if you're a fan of baked goods, you might also enjoy our Spicy Chocolate Cake or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
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Ingredients
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Melted butter
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Shortening
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Old-Fashioned Donut
Prep the Dough
Combine eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add in the melted butter and vanilla.
Add Dry Ingredients
Mix flour and baking powder. Add it to the wet mix in parts, alternating with milk.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Frying
Heat shortening in a pan to 350°F. Fry the donuts until golden.
Enjoy
Cool the fried donuts on a rack. Serve and enjoy.
Hint: For extra fluffy donuts, make sure to whip the eggs and sugar really well. This adds air and lightness.
Substitutions
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Variations
Add cinnamon sugar or glaze the donuts for added flavor.
Equipment
A hand mixer and cookie cutters are helpful. No hand mixer? A whisk works fine, just takes more effort.
Storage
Store in an airtight container. Freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to a month.
Top tip
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. This keeps the oil temperature steady.
FAQ
Yes, but it may alter the taste.
Yes, freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to a month.
About 2 days in an airtight container.
Absolutely, glaze or sugar work well.
Skim, whole, or almond milk all work.
It makes things easier but is not a must. Mixing by hand is fine.
Use a thermometer. Aim for 350°F.
Yes, but always supervise kids when frying.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
How to Make Old-Fashioned Donuts in Easy Steps
Learn how to make classic Old-Fashioned Donuts. Follow easy steps for tasty results! Your go-to guide for a timeless treat.
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 12 donuts
Ingredients
2 Eggs
200g Sugar
5ml Vanilla Extract
45g Melted Butter
480g to 550g Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
240ml Milk
2 blocks of Shortening (900g)
Instructions
Step 1- The Dough
- Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Add melted butter and vanilla.
- Mix 480g flour and baking powder.
- Add a third of flour mix to egg mix.
- Mix a bit.
- Add half the milk.
- Add another third of flour.
- Add remaining milk.
- Add remaining flour.
- Dough should be sticky but firm.
- Add more flour to get the right feel.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2- Cutting the Donuts
- Take dough out of the fridge.
- Roll it out.
- Cut circles with a cookie cutter.
- Cut holes with a small cutter.
- Reroll extra dough.
- Put donuts on a tray and holes in a bowl.
Step 3 - Frying
- Put shortening in a pan.
- Heat to 350°F.
- Fry a few donuts.
- Flip after 40 seconds.
- Fry another 30-40 seconds.
- Drain on cooling rack.
- Fry the rest.
- Cool and eat or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Food safety
- Always use a food thermometer
W4STLND
There is nothing more to say but perfection I guess…
Sandrine
I make this recipe every year at least once! This was my grandmother's recipe 🙂