Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pancake Donuts: The Delicious Hybrid You Need to Try Recipe


  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 15-20 donuts 1x

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

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well mixed.
  2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Add milk gradually to achieve desired glaze consistency.
  12. Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Adjust milk for preferred thickness.
  13. Dip the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze of your choice, coating evenly and allowing excess to drip off.
  14. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle glazed donuts with your preferred toppings like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, nuts, or crushed cookies for extra flavor and texture.
  15. Let the Glaze Set: Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set completely, about 15-20 minutes.
  16. Serve Immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the pancake donuts fresh and warm.
  17. 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