What makes the perfect doughnut stack so irresistible? Freshly baked homemade treats like these are a family favorite, especially when made with simple ingredients like sweet vanilla and topped with a light glaze. Save this idea for a quick weekend breakfast treat to impress your loved ones, try it soon and enjoy the delightful flavors. Pin for later and indulge in the sweetness of these easy to make doughnuts.

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. This treat is not just a feast for the taste buds but a visual delight, perfect for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to a special dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple kitchen magic. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a stack of doughnuts that are as delicious as they are visually appealing, all while exploring the ease, flavor, and creativity that makes baking so rewarding.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of yeast, sugar, and flour provides a perfect balance of flavors, and these ingredients are easily found in most kitchens.
Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive result, the doughnuts are surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for the mixing and frying process.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a stack of beautifully cooked doughnuts that look like they came from a professional bakery, all achieved with relatively little fuss.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, and vegetable oil for frying. For the glaze, you’ll need 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients can be easily substituted or adjusted to suit dietary needs or preferences, such as using almond milk for a dairy-free option or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by activating the yeast in the warm milk, then combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a glass to cut out the doughnuts. Fry the doughnuts in hot oil until they are golden brown, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled doughnuts in the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle it over them. Stack the doughnuts on a white plate and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) for frying to prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil or not cooking properly.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough doughnuts.
For an extra crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying the doughnuts. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and adjust the heat as necessary.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of your doughnuts comes from the frying process. To achieve a perfectly crunchy exterior and a tender interior, fry the doughnuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. immediately after frying, place the doughnuts on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to cool, which helps maintain their texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a pastry bag to pipe the dough into rings for a more uniform shape and a professional look.
For a creative twist, add different flavorings to the dough, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder, to create unique doughnut flavors.
Keep the oil clean by skimming off any debris that rises to the surface after frying each batch of doughnuts.

Storage Tips

Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
To reheat, place the doughnuts in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes.
When freezing, place the doughnuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Doughnuts make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged in a thoughtful and visually appealing way. Consider placing a few doughnuts in a decorative box or bag, tied with a ribbon and accompanied by a handwritten note. For a more rustic look, use a paper bag and twine. You can also include a small jar of homemade jam or a packet of gourmet coffee to complement the gift.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for unique flavor profiles.
Creative toppings: Instead of the traditional glaze, top your doughnuts with creative ingredients like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or caramel sauce.
Ingredient swaps: Replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your doughnuts turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overmixed. If they’re too oily, the oil might not have been at the right temperature.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a specific ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
Over/undercooking signs: Doughnuts that are undercooked will be pale and soft, while overcooked ones will be dark and hard. Adjust the frying time as needed to achieve the perfect golden brown color.

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 when you’re ready to eat them.
Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes gluten due to the use of wheat flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re planning to make doughnuts for a large group. Just ensure you have enough oil and space to fry them in batches.

Conclusion

Creating a stack of doughnuts sitting on top of a white plate next to each other is a fun and rewarding baking project that’s perfect for any skill level. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results, it’s a great way to indulge your sweet tooth or impress friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of watching your doughnuts transform from a simple dough to a delicious, stacks-high treat.

Soft Sweet Doughnut Stack