Raise Donuts

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Light and fluffy raised donuts with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dessert. They have a subtle sweetness and can be enjoyed plain or glazed. Ideal for sharing.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/4 c. butter
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 cakes yeast
  • 1/4 c. lukewarm water
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 c. sifted flour

Instructions

  1. Pour hot milk over butter, sugar, and salt. Let cool to lukewarm.
  2. Crumble yeast into lukewarm water to soften.
  3. Add yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the cooled milk mixture.
  4. Beat in sifted flour to make a soft dough.
  5. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth.
  6. Form dough into balls and place in an oiled bowl.
  7. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
  8. Deep fry the donuts until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your milk is not too hot when adding it to the butter, sugar, and salt; a lukewarm temperature is ideal. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Kneading the dough thoroughly helps develop gluten, which is essential for the perfect rise.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling with a glaze. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Consider serving with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a special dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Raise Donuts contains roughly 277 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

277 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 15.8g 20% DV
Carbs 31.8g 12% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 11.5g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 975.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 179mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 58.4mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 51.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 14.8mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 128.9mg 10% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. To achieve a lighter donut, consider using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, starting with a 50/50 ratio.

How do I know when the donuts are done frying?

Donuts are done when they turn a golden brown color, typically taking about 2-3 minutes per side. You can also test one donut by breaking it open; it should be cooked through without any raw dough in the center.

What is the best way to shape the donuts?

For classic donut shapes, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and use a donut cutter. Alternatively, you can shape them into balls for a more rustic look. Just be sure to let them rise a bit before frying.

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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