What’s the secret to making a stack of doughnuts that are almost too beautiful to eat? It starts with a simple homemade yeast dough and a hot oil bath. Try making these easy treats for a family favorite weekend breakfast. Save this idea for your next baking project and give it a try soon.

a stack of doughnuts sitting on top of a white plate next to each other

Introduction

Imagine the delight of biting into a soft, fluffy doughnut, freshly baked and stacked high on a pristine white plate. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, the aroma of sugar and yeast, and the joy of sharing this treat with loved ones is what makes baking a stack of doughnuts a truly special experience. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, using everyday ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with toppings and flavors to make each doughnut uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a little sweetness and share that joy with others.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, using ingredients that are easy to find and afford, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive results, the process of making these doughnuts is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal specialized equipment and techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a stack of beautifully golden, deliciously soft doughnuts that are sure to impress, all achieved with relatively little fuss and effort.

Key Ingredients

To make this delightful stack of doughnuts, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include all-purpose flour, which provides the structure; yeast, for that light and airy texture; granulated sugar, to balance out the savory flavors; whole milk, for moisture and richness; eggs, for binding and added richness; and vegetable oil, for frying. For the topping, you can use a variety of ingredients such as glazes made from powdered sugar and milk, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option, or coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by activating the yeast in warm milk, then combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and any additional flavorings (like vanilla extract), before slowly pouring the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mixing until a smooth dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about an hour.
3. Step 3: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to your desired thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the doughnuts. You should be able to get about 6-8 doughnuts, depending on the size. Let these rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
4. Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F. Fry the doughnuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Drain the doughnuts on paper towels and let them cool slightly before glazing or topping with your choice of toppings.

Handy Tips

• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the doughnuts. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. If it’s too cold, they will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Fry the doughnuts in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• For a lighter glaze, use less powdered sugar. For a thicker glaze, use more powdered sugar or add a little less milk.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying doughnuts. The ideal temperature for frying doughnuts is between 350°F and 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the heat by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. Signs of doneness include the doughnuts being golden brown and floating to the surface of the oil.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of your doughnuts can be adjusted based on your preference. For a crunchier exterior, fry the doughnuts for a slightly longer time. For a softer doughnut, fry them for a shorter time. The key is to achieve a balance where the doughnut is cooked through but still retains some softness.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature. This will help you achieve consistent results and avoid burnt or undercooked doughnuts.
• Don’t skip the step of letting the dough rise. This is what gives doughnuts their light and airy texture. Rushing this step can result in dense, flat doughnuts.
• Experiment with different toppings and glazes to find your favorite. This could be anything from classic powdered sugar to creative combinations like maple bacon or strawberry basil.

Storage Tips

• Doughnuts are best consumed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled doughnuts in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• When reheating doughnuts, be careful not to overheat them, as this can make them dry and hard. A few seconds in the microwave should be enough to warm them through without damaging their texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to share your delicious doughnuts with friends and family as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative box or bag. You can add a personal touch with ribbons, gift tags, or even a handwritten note with the recipe. For a more rustic look, use paper bags and twine. If you’re gifting a variety of toppings, package each topping in small jars or containers and include them in the gift box along with the doughnuts.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic doughnut flavor.
• Creative toppings: Experiment with different glazes, such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit-flavored, and top with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flax egg and use a non-dairy milk.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your doughnuts turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overworked or didn’t rise long enough. If they’re too oily, the oil might have been too cold, causing the doughnuts to absorb more oil than necessary.
• Ingredient replacements: When substituting ingredients, keep in mind that different ingredients have different properties and might affect the final result. For example, using a non-dairy milk might require adjusting the amount of liquid in the recipe.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the doughnuts are too light, they might not be cooked through. If they’re too dark, they might be overcooked. Adjust the frying time based on the size of your doughnuts and the temperature of the oil.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, doughnuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to eat them.
• Is it gluten-free? The basic recipe includes gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re making doughnuts for a large group. Just keep in mind that you might need to fry the doughnuts in more batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Making a stack of doughnuts sitting on top of a white plate next to each other is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment of joy and sharing it with others. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. The process of baking, the joy of sharing, and the satisfaction of seeing a smile on someone’s face when they take a bite – that’s what makes baking so special. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the sweetness of homemade doughnuts!