Transform your kitchen into a bakery with this incredibly simple no-oven donut recipe that requires just a handful of pantry staples. These fluffy, golden donuts are fried to perfection and topped with a sweet sugar coating and rich chocolate spread. Perfect for when you’re craving fresh donuts but don’t want to turn on the oven, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results using just your stovetop.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 300g / 10.6 oz / 2½ cups
- Dry yeast – 1 teaspoon / 3g
- Granulated sugar – 20g / 0.7 oz / 1½ tablespoons
- Vanilla sugar – 8g / 0.3 oz / 2 teaspoons (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Salt – 1 pinch
- Butter (softened) – 70g / 2.5 oz / 5 tablespoons
- Egg – 1 large
- Warm milk – 80ml / 2.7 fl oz / ⅓ cup
- Vegetable oil – for deep frying (about 500ml / 2 cups)
- Granulated sugar – for coating (100g / 3.5 oz / ½ cup)
- Chocolate spread – for filling (200g / 7 oz / ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- First rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape the donuts: Roll out the dough to about 1.5cm thickness. Using a large round cutter (or glass), cut circles. Then use a smaller cutter to make the center holes, creating classic donut shapes.
- Second rest: Place shaped donuts on a floured surface, cover, and let them rest for another 10 minutes to puff up slightly.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 170°C / 340°F. The oil should be deep enough to cover the donuts completely.
- Fry the donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up.
- Drain and coat: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar.
- Add chocolate filling: Once cooled slightly, pipe chocolate spread into the center of each donut using a piping bag or simply spoon it on top.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 donuts
Nutrition (per donut)
Calories: 285 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 42g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 18g
Why This Recipe Works
These no-oven donuts provide a satisfying treat with surprising nutritional benefits. The yeast fermentation makes the donuts easier to digest and creates a light, airy texture. Using milk adds calcium and protein, while the moderate amount of sugar keeps them from being overly sweet. The homemade approach allows you to control the quality of ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought donuts. The quick frying method creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, fluffy interior that perfectly complements the rich chocolate filling.