Yeast Raised Donuts

Prep: 50 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Golden, fluffy yeast-raised donuts with warm spices and a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or a special treat, appealing to those who love classic baker's delights.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/2 c. lukewarm water
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 c. cake flour
  • 5 c. bread flour
  • 2 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and let stand for 20 minutes.
  2. Cream sugar, shortening, nutmeg, and salt together.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Sift together cake flour, bread flour, and baking powder, then gradually add to the mixture.
  6. Slowly add milk, mixing until the dough is not too soft.
  7. Let the dough set for 30 minutes.
  8. Roll out the dough and cut with a donut cutter.
  9. Fry the donuts in deep fat at 350°F until golden brown.
  10. Dip the cooked donuts in sugar glaze and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date before use. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Make sure to fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate glaze. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast treat. They also make a great dessert alongside My Homemade Ice Cream for a special occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If reheating, place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yeast Raised Donuts contains roughly 425 calories, with 9g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

425 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 13.5g 17% DV
Carbs 62.7g 23% DV
Fiber 9.7g 35% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 985.3mg 43% DV
Potassium 471.6mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 2.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 12.3mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 127.5mg 10% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with your dry ingredients. However, instant yeast does not require proofing, so you can skip the step of dissolving it in water.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more bread flour while kneading until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can make the donuts dense. A slightly tacky dough is ideal for airy donuts.

How can I make my donuts more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough. You could also infuse your milk with spices, such as cardamom or cinnamon, before adding it to the mixture for an aromatic touch. These tweaks can elevate the overall taste.

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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