Description
Pancake Donuts combine the fluffy, tender texture of pancakes with the fun shape and crispy exterior of donuts. These delicious hybrids are deep-fried and glazed with vanilla or chocolate frosting, then topped with a variety of sprinkles, nuts, or cookie crumbs for delightful flavor and texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, they offer a unique twist on classic pancakes and donuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (or milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed cookies
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well mixed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
- Rest the Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes to activate the baking powder and improve texture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature for consistent frying.
- Prepare Your Work Station: Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain fried donuts. Have a slotted spoon or spider strainer ready to safely remove donuts from hot oil. Prepare the glaze(s) while oil heats.
- Fill a Piping Bag (or Use Spoons): Transfer the pancake batter to a piping bag with a large round tip. If unavailable, use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off or two spoons to drop batter into oil.
- Pipe or Drop the Batter: Carefully pipe or spoon circles about 2-3 inches in diameter directly into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once using the slotted spoon until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Remove donuts with the slotted spoon and place them on the prepared paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Add milk gradually to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Adjust milk for preferred thickness.
- Dip the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze of your choice, coating evenly and allowing excess to drip off.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle glazed donuts with your preferred toppings like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, nuts, or crushed cookies for extra flavor and texture.
- Let the Glaze Set: Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set completely, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the pancake donuts fresh and warm.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- To make buttermilk substitute, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 3/4 cups milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is key for crispy, non-greasy donuts.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate frying temperature monitoring.
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to avoid temperature drops and soggy donuts.
- For easier dipping, allow donuts to cool slightly so glaze adheres better.
- Customize glazes by adding different flavors like almond extract or citrus zest.
- Use the recommended toppings or get creative with your favorites.
- Consume donuts fresh for best texture; reheating may alter crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pancake donuts, fried donuts, breakfast donuts, glaze donuts, homemade donuts, sweet breakfast, deep-fried donuts
