1930 Yeast Doughnuts
Golden, fluffy yeast doughnuts with a tender interior and a crispy exterior. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat, these doughnuts are lightly sweetened and fried to perfection. Topped with a simple glaze, they appeal to all ages and make any occasion extra special.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it.
- Add 1 1/4 cups of the sifted flour and beat until smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.
- Cream the Crisco, salt, and sugar together.
- Add the egg and blend well.
- Stir this mixture into the yeast sponge.
- Add the remaining flour and mix thoroughly.
- Rub the top with Crisco and let rise again until almost double in size.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a floured doughnut cutter.
- Allow the cut doughnuts to rise about 45 minutes.
- Fry in deep Crisco heated until an inch cube of bread browns, about 60 seconds.
- Fry the doughnuts 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Drain and glaze with a mixture of confectioners' sugar and hot water until it forms a thin frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is warm but not hot when dissolving the yeast; this activates the yeast without killing it. If you don't have Crisco, butter or margarine can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the sugar in the frosting mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These yeast doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed right after frying. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside chocolate covered pecan caramels for dessert, creating an enticing combination of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm, but avoid overheating to keep them soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1930 Yeast Doughnuts contains roughly 64 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for cake yeast. Use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and dissolve it in warm milk before combining with the flour. The dough may take a little longer to rise, so be patient and allow it to double in size.
What if my doughnuts don’t rise properly?
If your doughnuts don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is at the right temperature. Additionally, the rising environment should be warm and draft-free. If the dough doesn't double in size after the first rise, consider warming the area slightly or starting over with new yeast.
How can I make these doughnuts healthier?
To create a healthier version of these doughnuts, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar in the dough and glaze. For frying, instead of using Crisco, opt for healthier oils like coconut or avocado oil to fry, as they have better nutritional profiles.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).