Are you craving the delightful taste of warm, fluffy doughnuts but intimidated by yeast-based recipes? Fear not! This simple, no-yeast doughnut recipe delivers delicious results without the fuss. Perfect for a weekend baking project or a quick weeknight treat, these doughnuts are surprisingly easy to make and utterly irresistible. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this incredibly satisfying recipe. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner bakers can master, resulting in truly delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Your favorite glaze (see variations below!)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy doughnuts.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is fully melted and slightly cooled to prevent the egg from cooking.
Mix and Dough Time:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts, so aim for a slightly lumpy batter.
Shape and Fry:
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Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Glaze:
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Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
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Once cooled, drizzle your favorite glaze over the doughnuts. Get creative!
Glaze Variations:
- Classic Sugar Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips with a little heavy cream for a rich and decadent glaze.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for a warm and comforting sprinkle.
- Lemon Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Tips for Perfect Doughnuts:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough doughnuts.
- Maintain the oil temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy doughnuts.
- Let the doughnuts cool slightly before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting or running off.
Nutritional Information (per doughnut, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on glaze and oil absorption)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size. This recipe is a great example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Making these doughnuts at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid excessive sugars and unhealthy fats often found in store-bought versions. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe! These quick dinner ideas are perfect for a satisfying and simple meal, especially when paired with a refreshing beverage. They make for the best recipes for a sweet treat!