Gram'S Donuts

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Gram's Donuts are soft, fluffy treats with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, made with mashed potatoes for extra moisture and tenderness. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they can be rolled in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for added flavor. Ideal for those who love classic homemade donuts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 small potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 scant tablespoons shortening
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Boil and mash the potatoes.
  2. Add hot mashed potatoes to the other ingredients.
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
  4. Cut the dough into donut shapes.
  5. Drop the donuts into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  6. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Drop donuts in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for variation.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, use a potato ricer instead of mashing the potatoes. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter or margarine. Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying to avoid greasy donuts. For added flavor, consider mixing in some vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg, as both complement the sweetness of the donuts.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are best served warm and can be enjoyed plain or dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Ham Nibbles for a savory option that balances the sweetness of the donuts.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gram'S Donuts contains roughly 432 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1121mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

432 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 28.1g 36% DV
Carbs 26.4g 10% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1120.9mg 49% DV
Potassium 519.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 11mg 12% DV
Calcium 147.8mg 11% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes in this recipe. They will add a different flavor and a slight sweetness to the donuts. Just make sure they are well mashed and incorporated into the dough for the best texture.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the donuts dense. Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to help manage stickiness.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

To make gluten-free donuts, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but you should still achieve delicious results. Consider adding a bit of xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of gluten.

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).

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