Grandma'S Fasnachts
Grandma's Fasnachts are traditional fried doughnuts with a tender, airy texture and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for special occasions or comforting treats enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and let it cool.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water, then add sugar, cooled milk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix well.
- Cover the mixture and let it rise in a warm place overnight or until doubled in bulk.
- Cream the butter or shortening with 1/4 cup sugar.
- Add the creamed mixture to the risen sponge along with beaten eggs and nutmeg.
- Stir in additional flour gradually until a soft dough is formed.
- Let the dough rise again until doubled in bulk.
- Turn out the dough onto a well-floured board.
- Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut with a doughnut cutter.
- Let the cut doughnuts rise again.
- Deep fry in hot fat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Shake the fried doughnuts in a bag with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the milk is scalded and cooled to the right temperature before mixing, as this helps activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, using about 2 1/4 teaspoons. If you're short on time, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
These fasnachts are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Serve them warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with my favorite '2 Of Everything' Cake for a sweet dessert platter. Consider adding fresh fruit or jam on the side for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fasnachts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Fasnachts contains roughly 288 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg 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 make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and frying. This method adds flavor and can save time on the day you plan to serve them.
What type of oil is best for frying fasnachts?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil, is best for frying fasnachts. Avoid olive oil, as its lower smoke point can lead to burning. Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F for even cooking and golden-brown results.
Can I add flavors or fillings to the fasnachts?
Absolutely! You can spice up the dough with vanilla or cinnamon, or fill the fried fasnachts with fruit preserves or cream after frying. For an extra treat, consider drizzling them with chocolate or glaze for added sweetness.
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).