Pampushky(Ukrainian Donuts)
Light and fluffy Ukrainian Pampushky donuts with subtle nutmeg and lemon zest, perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, topped with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm milk.
- Blend butter and sugar; add beaten egg yolks.
- Add milk and yeast mixture to the butter and sugar.
- Add flour, lemon rind, salt, nutmeg, and remaining cup of milk; mix well.
- Cover with a light dish towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
- Punch down the dough and let rise again for about 1 hour.
- Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out donuts using the top of a wine glass or a donut cutter.
- Place on greased cookie sheets and cover with a dish towel; let rise again for about 1 hour.
- Heat 4 cups of Crisco oil in a large skillet.
- Drop a few pampushky into the hot oil and fry until golden brown; turn to cook evenly.
- Remove the fried donuts onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- When cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. You can substitute butter with margarine, and if you don't have nutmeg, cinnamon works well too. If you're short on time, use a stand mixer to knead the dough thoroughly. Letting the dough rise in a slightly warm oven can speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Pampushky are delightful on their own but can also be served with a side of fruit preserves or chocolate sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with yogurt covered nuts for a sweet and satisfying snack. Dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving enhances their appeal and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pampushky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pampushky(Ukrainian Donuts) contains roughly 746 calories, with 12g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% 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 fresh yeast instead of dry yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as dry yeast. Dissolve it in warm milk and proceed as directed. Fresh yeast may give a slightly different flavor and texture but will work well.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising properly?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure the yeast is fresh and your environment is warm enough. Yeast thrives in temperatures between 75°F to 85°F. You can create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stove. If it's still not rising, it may be necessary to start over with new yeast.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the first rise, shape the pampushky and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before frying. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your donuts.
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).