Old French Market Donuts
Old French Market Donuts are light, fluffy fried treats with a hint of sweetness, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a nostalgic snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over shortening, sugar, and salt.
- Add canned or sweet milk and dissolve yeast cake in lukewarm water, then add to mixture.
- Add beaten eggs and stir in 4 cups of flour.
- Beat hard; add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Place dough in an airtight container, grease the top, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into squares.
- Drop dough squares into hot deep fat and fry until lightly brown.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and active before using. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a good substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigerating the dough overnight, but letting it rest enhances the flavor. This recipe can be modified for seasonal variations, such as adding spices or citrus zest.
Serving Suggestions
These Old French Market Donuts are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a variety of toppings. Serve them with fresh fruit or alongside a warm beverage, like coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with Yummy Warm Fruit Salad for a sweet brunch spread, or as a dessert option at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in a toaster oven or microwave briefly to regain their softness, and dust with powdered sugar again if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old French Market Donuts contains roughly 284 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1390mg per serving (60% 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 instant yeast instead of a yeast cake?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of a yeast cake. Use about 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual. This will save you some time as you won’t need to dissolve it in water first.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can lead to dense donuts. Ensure you knead gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Can I make these donuts without frying?
Yes, you can bake these donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), shape the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Baked donuts will be less rich but still delicious!
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).