Irresistible Old Fashioned Donuts Recipe in Just 12 Steps

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, old fashioned donut fresh from the fryer. The crisp, craggy edges giving way to that tender, cakey center – it’s pure comfort in every bite. I still remember Saturday mornings at my grandma’s house, the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of frying dough and nutmeg. That’s what these donuts are – simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

These aren’t your fancy, over-the-top donuts with piles of toppings. They’re the real deal – the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor each mouthful. What I love most is how the craggy edges hold onto just the right amount of glaze or sugar, creating those perfect sweet pockets in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Old Fashioned Donuts

• Crispy, craggy exterior with a soft, cakey interior – the perfect texture contrast
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• That unbeatable old fashioned flavor with just a hint of nutmeg
• Way better than anything you’ll find at the store – and surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Donuts

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to donut heaven! Here’s what you’ll need to make about a dozen of these beauties:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – the perfect amount of sweetness
• 1 tsp baking powder – for that perfect rise
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – helps create those craggy edges we love
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances all the flavors
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg – the secret ingredient that makes them taste “old fashioned”
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – let it cool slightly before adding
• 1 large egg – room temperature works best
• 1/2 cup buttermilk – gives them that signature tang
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes all the difference
• Vegetable oil for frying – about 2-3 cups, depending on your pot

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something magical. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Old Fashioned Donuts

Trust me, these donuts come together quicker than you’d think! The key is working the dough just enough – we want tender, not tough. Here’s how to make magic happen:

1. Mix your dry ingredients first – whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and that all-important nutmeg in a large bowl. Get everything evenly distributed.
2. Combine the wet ingredients separately – in another bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a bit separated at first – it’ll come together!
3. Bring it all together – pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a wooden spoon just until combined. The dough will be sticky – that’s perfect! Overmixing makes tough donuts.
4. Chill the dough briefly – cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when rolling out.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

Here’s where things get really fun! Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness – any thinner and they won’t puff up right. Use a donut cutter (or a glass with a shot glass for the center hole) to cut your shapes. Save those holes – they make perfect donut holes!

Now for frying – heat your oil to exactly 350°F (a thermometer is crucial here). Too hot and they’ll burn; too cool and they’ll be greasy. Fry 2-3 at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. They’ll float when ready to flip. Drain on paper towels and resist eating them immediately (I know, it’s hard)!

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Donuts

After making these donuts more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few secrets to getting them just right every time. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Oil temperature is everything! Use a candy thermometer – 350°F is the sweet spot. If it drops too low, your donuts will soak up oil; too high and they’ll burn before cooking through.
• Handle the dough gently – mix just until combined, and don’t over-roll when shaping. Those little lumps and bumps create the perfect craggy texture we love.
• Drain them properly – place fried donuts on a wire rack over paper towels. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy while they cool.
• Let them rest for at least 5 minutes before eating. I know it’s tempting, but that short wait lets the interiors set up perfectly.

Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll be making donuts like a pro in no time!

Ingredient Substitutions for Old Fashioned Donuts

Ran out of buttermilk? No nutmeg in your spice rack? Don’t worry – I’ve tested plenty of substitutions for these old fashioned donuts over the years. Here are my favorite swaps that actually work:

• Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1/2 cup regular milk with 1½ tsp white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled. Works like a charm!
• Nutmeg alternatives: Try 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp allspice for a similar warm spice flavor. Not quite the same, but still delicious.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (look for one with xanthan gum). The texture will be slightly denser but still great.
• Egg replacement: For one egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let thicken for 5 minutes.

Just remember – the butter and oil are non-negotiable for that authentic old fashioned taste and texture. Everything else? We can work with that!

Serving and Storing Old Fashioned Donuts

Oh, that first warm bite is absolute heaven! I always serve these donuts fresh from the fryer – still slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze. They’re incredible dunked in coffee or paired with cold milk for that classic diner experience. If you’re feeling fancy, try a cinnamon-sugar mix for extra crunch.

For storing, let them cool completely first (if you can resist eating them all). Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll lose some crispness but stay delicious. To reheat, just 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh-fried magic. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. A quick toast in the oven revives them beautifully!

Old Fashioned Donuts Nutritional Information

One of these heavenly old fashioned donuts clocks in at about 180 calories – totally worth every bite! Each donut has roughly 7g fat (3g saturated), 25g carbs, 1g fiber, 8g sugar, and 3g protein. Of course, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and how much oil they absorb during frying. I always say – life’s too short not to enjoy a good homemade donut now and then! If you love donuts, you might also enjoy this apple cider donut recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Donuts

I’ve gotten so many questions about these donuts over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often!

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Technically yes, but they won’t be the same. That crispy exterior and tender interior come from frying. If you must bake, grease a donut pan well and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They’ll be more cake-like – still tasty, but not truly “old fashioned.”

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A candy thermometer is your best friend here! Watch for that magic 350°F mark. No thermometer? Test with a small dough ball – it should bubble vigorously and float to the top within 15 seconds. For more general cooking safety tips, check out resources like the FDA Food Safety Basics.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Mix the dough, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. The cold dough is actually easier to handle when rolling out. Just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before shaping.

Why are my donuts greasy?
Usually means your oil was too cool – the donuts soak up oil instead of sealing quickly. Always check the temperature between batches, as adding cold dough lowers it.

What’s the best way to glaze them?
Dip while warm! I mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla for a simple glaze. Let excess drip off before placing on a rack to set.

Share Your Old Fashioned Donuts Experience

I’d love to hear how your donut adventure turns out! Did you add a special twist? Maybe a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate? Drop a comment below – your tips might help other bakers. And if you snap a photo of your golden beauties, tag me on social media! Nothing makes me happier than seeing these old fashioned treats bringing joy to your kitchen.

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