Fluffy Homemade Fried Donuts With Baking Powder

To comprehend just how delicious these donuts are, let’s paint a picture, just imagine a warm, golden donut melting in your mouth as its sugary sweetness coats your tongue. This sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not! These Fried Donuts With Baking Powder will bring that dream to life. Light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside, they’re a delightful treat that you’ll want to savor any time of year.

With orange and lemon notes, a touch of liqueur for extra depth, and the perfect dusting of sugar, these donuts are bound to win your taste buds over.

What Are Fried Donuts?

Unlike their yeast-based counterparts, these donuts rise thanks to the trusty baking powder. The result? A fluffy, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior. The addition of lemon and orange zest gives these donuts a subtle citrusy flavor, while a splash of liqueur adds a touch of sophistication.

The origins of donuts trace back to the Dutch settlers of the 19th century, who introduced "olykoeks" (oil cakes) to America. Over time, these oil-drenched treats evolved into the donuts we know today. In fact, donuts with baking powder gained popularity for their simplicity, no yeast, no waiting around for dough to rise. It's just mix, fry, and enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Donuts with Baking Powder

• Old baking powder can lead to dense donuts. Always check the expiration date to ensure they’re light and fluffy.
• The dough should be smooth and non-sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry donuts in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
• Donuts are best covered in sugar while they’re still warm but not scalding hot.
• No cookie cutter? Use a glass to cut out the dough, and you can even make donut holes.
• Get creative with toppings. While classic sugar is perfect, feel free to dust your donuts with cinnamon sugar, or even dip them in melted chocolate.

What if I Don’t Have an Electric Mixer?

No worries! You can mix everything by hand with a whisk or spoon, just be sure to mix until the sugar dissolves and the dough is smooth.

Can I Use Different Citrus Fruits?

Absolutely! Lemon and orange zest are the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with lime, grapefruit, or even a splash of mixed citrus juice for a unique twist.

How Can I Ensure my Donuts Don’t Absorb Too Much Oil?

Frying at the right temperature helps prevent oil absorption. If the oil’s too cold, the dough will soak it up like a sponge.

Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying Them?

Baking won’t give you the same crispy texture, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can bake them at until golden brown.

How do I Know When the Donuts Are Done Frying?

They should be golden brown on both sides and float to the surface when they’re cooked through. For a quick test, you can break one open and there shouldn’t be any raw dough in the middle.

What Can I Serve These Donuts With?

These donuts are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a side of whipped cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Leftover Fried Donuts?

To store leftovers, let your donuts cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is your best bet, just ensure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.

How to Make Fried Donuts with Baking Powder

Step 1

Step 1

Step 1. In a bowl, beat the egg and sugar with an electric mixer until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, milk, orange juice, and liqueur.

Step 1. In a bowl, beat the egg and sugar with an electric mixer until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, milk, orange juice, and liqueur.

Step 2

Step 2

Step 2. Sift the flour and baking powder together and add them to the wet mixture. Continue mixing until your form a dough.

Step 2. Sift the flour and baking powder together and add them to the wet mixture. Continue mixing until your form a dough.

Step 3

Step 3

Step 3. Add the lard and knead the dough by hand until smooth and non-sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 3. Add the lard and knead the dough by hand until smooth and non-sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 4

Step 4

Step 4. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a round cookie cutter (8 cm) to cut out the donuts. Then, use a smaller cutter to punch out the center hole.

Step 4. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a round cookie cutter (8 cm) to cut out the donuts. Then, use a smaller cutter to punch out the center hole.

Step 5

Step 5

Step 5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.

Step 5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.

Step 6

Step 6

Step 6. Remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain briefly on a paper towel. While still warm, roll them in sugar for that perfect sweet coating. Serve the donuts fresh and warm, and watch them disappear in no time from the plate in no time.

Step 6. Remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain briefly on a paper towel. While still warm, roll them in sugar for that perfect sweet coating. Serve the donuts fresh and warm, and watch them disappear in no time from the plate in no time.