How to make easy Homemade Donuts without Yeast - These Donuts without Yeast/Doughnuts without Yeast aka Donut Holes are quick and easy to make and they remind me of Fairground Donuts. They are fluffy and as delicious as regular yeasted donuts and for me, nostalgic too. Especially at this time of year. Blackpool lights and Donuts went hand in hand for us.These fresh donuts make a great treat and are ready to eat in minutes.
85mlYoghurtI used Greek Yoghurt. You can also use Sour Cream or Buttermilk
1Egg
250gPlain Flour
½tspSalt
80gCaster Sugar
1tbspBaking Powder
¼tspBicarbonate of Soda
30gButterMelted
Oil to Deep or Shallow Fry
Vegetable or Sunflower OIl
Cinnamon Sugar
150gCaster Sugar
1tbspGround Cinnamon
Instructions
Combine the Yoghurt and Egg in a bowl. Whisk together.
Whisk Flour, Salt, Sugar, Baking Powder and Bicarbonate of Soda in a bowl and add to the Yoghurt and Egg mixture, mixing well.
Add the butter and stir together, then bring together with your hands to form a dough.
Roll out on a floured surface. You will need to flour the rolling pin. Cut out circles. Optional but recommended - Take each round and very gently form a round ball shape.
Heat oil in a deep pan. Once hot (180 c) you can either deep fry or shallow fry these donuts by gently lowering into the oil. To deep fry, fry on high heat for 3 - 4 minutes turning once If you choose to shallow fry, you will need to fry for a minute or 2 longer.
Combine Caster Sugar and Cinnamon in a plate.
Place the donuts in the plate of cinnamon sugar. Use a spoon to roll the Donuts in the Cinnamon Sugar.
Notes
top tips
This recipe is pretty simple, but these top tips will help make the process easier:
Cinnamon Sugar
You can flavour the sugar with anything you like, such as cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, lemon zest.
Melted Chocolate to serve
You can serve it with a small pot of melted chocolate or nutella.
Yoghurt
If you don't have Yoghurt, use Buttermilk or Sour Cream. I like to use plain Greek yogurt.
Oil Temperature
Make sure your oil doesn't get too hot. Keep the heat at medium low.
Dough
The dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
Shape
Some of the Donuts will puff up and make a round ball but some will just puff up and rise. Both will taste great!
Don’t overcrowd the Oil
This drops the temperature of the Oil so the Donuts will not get crispy. Instead they will act like sponges and absorb excess oil making for soggy greasy donuts instead.
Troubleshooting
My Donuts did not cook all the way through!
Make sure that the Donuts are cooking all the way through by testing one at the recommended time and making sure there is no wet dough left in the middle. Then make the remaining donuts accordingly. If your oil temperature is too high, the donuts turn a golden brown but remain uncooked on the inside.
Donut Dough is Sticky
Flour varies between brands. Add a sprinkling of flour if your dough is too wet then bring the dough together and add a little more flour if needed.
Dense Donuts
If your Donuts feel a bit tough, it is usually because they are overcooked. For best results, stick to the time specified.
Variations
Use different flavorsFlavour the Donuts with your favourite flavours such as Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom and Ginger. You can also add other flavours like Vanilla Extract or Orange Zest, Lemon Zest or other Extracts.Add your favorite ToppingsAdd toppings such as Nutella, Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Glaze, Maple Syrup, Nuts, Sprinkles or Icing. You can also use Icing Sugar rather then Cinnamon Sugar for the coating.
storage and make ahead
Make Dough AheadIf you don’t want to cook your donuts straight away, you can make the dough up to 48 hours ahead of time and store in the fridge in an airtight container.Leftovers Donuts are best eaten fresh, so enjoy within a few hours.Leftovers can be stored in a tub for up to 24 hours.
frequently asked questions
can donuts be made in the air fryer?
Yes you can make air fryer donuts by air frying donuts for 7 - 9 minutes at 350 f/180 C. Just make sure to line the basket with baking paper/parchment paper and spray the donuts first.
how many donuts does this recipe make?
The number of Donuts will vary depending on size. I use a 5 cm biscuit cutter.