A traditional recipe for deep fat frying deliciously light and crispy homemade donuts!
When you live at least a half an hour drive from the nearest donut shop, heading there to satisfy one craving just doesn’t make sense. I mean, you totally COULD get in your vehicle, drive 30 minutes, go through the drive through, then head home.
Or, you could learn to make them at home yourself. I love to make donuts for a quick and easy breakfast, or for snacks with coffee or tea time. A doughnut can be made by either baking, or deep fat frying. While baked doughnuts are very common, let’s go back to our roots of deep fat fried confections!
You will love how easy these homemade donuts are to make, I promise!
What kind of fat do I need to use for deep fat frying?
Now, back in the day, humans used to eat a lot of fat. At butchering time, the hide, bones and all the fat was saved from the animals. The fat was used to make candles, soap, and to deep fry their foods. We are going back to those times and using a traditional fat for frying the donuts.
Some fats to choose from:
- Palm Shortening-a traditional fat that is becoming increasingly popular at the grocery stores. It’s made from the palm tree, and is vegan. Great for deep frying both sweet and savory foods.
- Lard-the fat from a pig, and is commonly used for frying, cooking, and baking. (I don’t use this since it’s not Kosher, but you can choose to)
- Avocado Oil-made from the avocado seeds, it’s a high temp oil, which means that it can handle high heats. However, it can be expensive to deep fry in.
- Beef Tallow-fat from a cow, commonly used for savory items. It CAN be used for frying the doughnuts, but it will also leave a beef like flavor behind. Tallow is better used in savory.
- Melted butter and olive oil are best not used in deep frying, as they can scorch and burn.
What container should I use for frying homemade donuts?
You can use either a large, heavy bottomed pot, or if you have a deep fryer, that would work great. You want to be able to watch them as they turn golden brown, and keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Homemade Donuts Recipe
Do I need to use a donut cutter?
No. There are many options you can use to cut out your doughnuts. Try:
- Biscuit cutter
- Rim of a glass
- Canning jar band
- Cookie cutters
- Carefully using a sharp knife
Are you ready for a sweet treat? Let’s make some homemade donuts!
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups fat of choice, measured solid
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Heat oil to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together egg, yogurt, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix flour in until thick dough is formed.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes, while oil is heating.
- Roll out dough to 1/4″ thickness.
- Using a doughnut cutter, or a biscuit cutter, cut out 2 inch circles of dough.
- Create donut holes by using an apple corer, or simply poking your finger in the center and gently stretching dough.
- Carefully place in hot oil, and allow to brown for 1 minute. Turn, and brown for an additional 1 minute.
- Remove to paper towels to drain, and sprinkle powder sugar over them immediately. Serve hot.
What is your favorite sweet treat? Will you try these traditional homemade doughnuts? Be sure to let me know what you think!

Homemade Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups fat of choice, measured solid
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together egg, yogurt, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix flour in until thick dough is formed.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes, while oil is heating.
- Roll out dough to 1/4" thickness.Using a doughnut cutter, or a biscuit cutter, cut out 2 inch circles of dough.
- Create donut holes by using an apple corer, or simply poking your finger in the center and gently stretching dough.
- Carefully place in hot oil, and allow to brown for 1 minute. Turn, and brown for an additional 1 minute.
- Remove to paper towels to drain, and sprinkle powder sugar over them immediately. Serve hot.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Hodgson Mill Organic All-Purpose White Flour, Unbleached, 2 LB (Pack of 6). Unbromated & Unenriched Naturally White Wheat Flour (Packaging May Vary)
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Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, by Pure Organic Ingredients, 2 lb, Highest Purity, Food Grade, Eco-Friendly Packaging
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Nutiva USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO Fair for Life Red Palm and Coconut Shortening, 15-ounce
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Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc., Organic Powdered Confectioners Sugar, 16 oz (454 g) - 2pcs
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REDMOND Real Sea Salt - Natural Unrefined Organic Gluten Free Fine, 26 ounce pouch (1 Pack)
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Lodge 3 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker. Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Fryer, Dutch Oven, and Convertible Skillet/Griddle Lid
Nutrition Information
Yield 18 Serving Size 2 doughnutsAmount Per Serving Calories 99Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 11mgSodium 142mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 0gSugar 7gProtein 3g
WOW, these are pure fun! Thanks! My family will LOVE these!
Happy to hear that! Let me know what they think!