Extremely Soft and Fluffy Homemade Donut Recipe - Easy donuts recipe
Extremely Soft and Fluffy Homemade Donut Recipe - EASY donuts recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Recipe Revamp on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 45 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min
Cost: $1.61 total, $0.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (granulated)
- 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast (instant or active dry)
- 1/4 cup Milk (lukewarm (around 38°C))
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- to taste Salt (enhances flavor)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature)
- as needed Cooking Oil (neutral oil such as vegetable or canola, for frying)
Instructions
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup lukewarm milk until the mixture is smooth and the yeast begins to dissolve.
Time: PT5M
Add Dry Ingredients and Butter
Add 2 cups sifted all‑purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp softened butter to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Time: PT10M
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rest for 2 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Time: PT2H
Second Rest
Gently deflate the risen dough and let it rest for an additional 30‑40 minutes to relax the gluten.
Time: PT35M
Shape Donuts
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ½‑inch thickness. Cut out circles with a donut cutter (or a large round cutter and a smaller one for the hole).
Time: PT10M
Fry Donuts
Heat enough cooking oil in a skillet over low heat until it reaches roughly 160°C. Carefully place the donuts in the oil, turning them so all sides become evenly golden brown.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 160°C
Drain and Sugar Coat
Using a slotted spoon, lift the donuts onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Enjoy the donuts warm, or let them cool and store according to the storage guidelines.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Butter, Wheat (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer (commercial), flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: powdered sugar, honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: instant yeast (same amount)
- Instead of Milk: almond milk, soy milk
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: bread flour, whole wheat flour (may affect texture)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable oil (reduce butter)
- Instead of Cooking Oil: peanut oil, sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Kitchen Towel
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Donut Cutter (optional)
- Skillet or Deep Fryer
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activating the yeast with warm milk
- Achieving a soft, slightly sticky dough consistency
- Allowing the dough to rise for a full 2‑hour first fermentation
- Frying at the correct temperature (≈160°C) to ensure even cooking without burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter so it incorporates smoothly into the dough.
- A kitchen thermometer is invaluable for maintaining the correct oil temperature.
- Dust the rolled dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking, but tap off excess before cutting.
Troubleshooting
Dough is dense and does not rise well
Make sure the milk was warm, not hot, and that the yeast is fresh. Allow the first rise in a consistently warm environment (around 30‑35°C).
Donuts turn brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside
Reduce the heat to low and maintain oil temperature around 160°C; fry a few donuts at a time to avoid temperature drop.
Sugar coating falls off after a few minutes
Coat the donuts while they are still warm and slightly oily; this helps the sugar adhere. If needed, lightly brush the surface with melted butter before rolling in sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 12 hours in a covered container.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow rise; shape donuts in the morning before frying.
- Shape donuts, place them on a parchment‑lined tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; fry directly from frozen.
- Coat donuts with sugar immediately after frying while they are still warm for maximum adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of soft fluffy fried donuts in American cuisine?
Soft, yeast‑leavened fried donuts have roots in early 19th‑century American bakeries, evolving from Dutch olykoeks brought by immigrants. Over time they became a staple of breakfast and snack culture, symbolizing comfort and indulgence, especially during holidays and fairs.
What regional variations of fried donuts exist within the United States?
In the U.S., variations include Boston cream‑filled donuts, New Orleans beignets (square and heavily powdered), and the cinnamon‑sugar glazed rings popular in the Midwest. Each region adds its own topping or filling while keeping the basic fried dough concept.
How are soft fluffy fried donuts traditionally served in American households?
They are often served warm, dusted with powdered or granulated sugar, and enjoyed with coffee or milk. For special occasions, they may be filled with jam, custard, or chocolate and topped with glazes or sprinkles.
During which American celebrations are fried donuts commonly enjoyed?
Fried donuts are popular at fairs, state festivals, and during holiday breakfasts such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. They also feature in community fundraisers and school bake sales across the country.
What makes soft fluffy fried donuts special compared to cake‑style donuts?
Yeast‑leavened donuts rely on fermentation, giving them a light, airy crumb and a slightly chewy texture, whereas cake donuts are dense and rely on chemical leaveners. The fermentation also adds a subtle flavor complexity.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for soft fluffy fried donuts versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and a neutral frying oil. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour (affects texture), plant‑based milks, or melted margarine in place of butter, though flavor may vary.
What other American dishes pair well with soft fluffy fried donuts?
They pair nicely with classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a hearty bowl of oatmeal. For a sweet combo, serve them alongside fresh fruit compote or a drizzle of maple syrup.
How has the soft fluffy fried donut evolved in modern American cooking?
Modern twists include gluten‑free flour blends, vegan versions using plant milks and egg replacers, and gourmet toppings like matcha glaze or bacon bits. Yet the core technique of yeast fermentation and low‑heat frying remains unchanged.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soft fluffy fried donuts at home?
Common errors include using milk that’s too hot (which kills the yeast), under‑proofing the dough, frying at too high a temperature, and overcrowding the pan, which leads to uneven cooking and soggy interiors.
Why does this recipe fry donuts at low heat (≈160°C) instead of a higher temperature?
Low heat allows the interior to steam and rise fully while the exterior slowly develops a golden crust. Frying too hot would brown the outside quickly, leaving the center undercooked and dense.
Can I make the soft fluffy fried donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After frying, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag and reheat in the oven or deep‑fry briefly before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Recipe Revamp specialize in?
The YouTube channel Recipe Revamp specializes in recreating classic comfort foods and everyday recipes with clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials aimed at home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Recipe Revamp's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Recipe Revamp focuses on simplifying traditional techniques, emphasizing ingredient accessibility and practical tips like temperature checks and resting times, whereas many channels prioritize elaborate plating or high‑tech equipment.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
