Indulge in a classic road-trip snack with these Homemade Old Fashioned Powdered Sugar Donuts. With their fluffy texture, subtle cinnamon undertones, and irresistible powdered sugar coating, these donuts are a delightful indulgence that you'll want to savor time and time again.
We love a good donut around here, whether it's a classic yeast donut covered in chocolate icing - or a keto chocolate donut made with almond flour. But I can't help it, I think powdered sugar donuts might be my favorite!
Homemade "Old Fashioned" Powdered Sugar Donuts
From car trips to weekend movie binge sessions, powdered sugar donuts harken back to my childhood in a big way. Those little blue and white bags of delicate donuts completely coated in sugar, destined to find its way all over your clothes, car, and anything else nearby... it was almost a right of passage for every kid in America.
But growing up a bit and finding out that I was allergic to wheat, corn, milk, and more meant that I had to give up all processed foods.
Yes, I know I'm better for it, but some things are still missed on occasion!
Powdered sugar donuts are one of those things.
So, I set out to recreate those classic powdered sugar donuts using all of the best ingredients. And now that I have, I'm excited to share the recipe with you!
Equipment
There are two different ways you can make these delicious cake donuts, coated with powdered sugar. Let's look at them now!
- In a donut maker - This is my favorite method as it's super fast and functions just like a waffle iron. You can get a mini donut maker that makes 7 donuts at a time, or you can get a large donut maker that will make 12 donuts at a time! Each batch takes about 2-3 minutes and it's a super fast and fun way to bake your donuts.
- In a baking pan - If you'd prefer to bake your donuts in the oven, you can use a 12-donut baking pan instead. You'll grease the pan and then bake your donuts for about 7-9 minutes, per batch.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these powdered sugar donuts are a little more involved than a classic yeast donut, but I'm sure you have everything you need on hand right now! Exact measurements can be found at the end of the post on the printable recipe card.
- All-Purpose Flour - We like to use einkorn flour, due to our gluten sensitivities. However, any all-purpose flour can be used. If you need to use whole wheat flour, just use the same amount of flour in grams (not volume) and know that you may need to add just a bit more liquid.
- Sugar - Typically "regular" cane sugar is used here, but you can also use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like monk fruit instead. We prefer using Panela, which is a 100% unrefined evaporated whole cane juice! It adds an insane depth of flavor and doesn't have the same effect on the body that white sugar does.
- Baking Powder - This acts as the leavening agent in this recipe, instead of yeast. If you don't have any baking powder on hand, you can make your own baking powder quickly!
- Cinnamon - This is optional, but I love the depth of flavor that the cinnamon adds to this recipe!
- Salt - A flavor enhancer, don't skip this!
- Milk - We use raw milk, but you can use any type of milk you have on hand. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk will work just as well!
- Apple Cider Vinegar - In combination with the baking powder, the ACV creates a lovely rise in the recipe. Do not use white or wine vinegar - the taste will not be the same.
- Eggs - The eggs enhance the flavor and help strengthen the dough. Can be omitted completely or a flax egg replacement can be used.
- Butter - This is used to help the powdered sugar coat the donut. We use salted butter, but unsalted will work too. Vegan butter can be used instead.
- Powdered Sugar - The star of the show, this is used to coat the donuts! You can make maple syrup powdered sugar too, if desired.
Instructions
Just as the ingredients are all very simple, making these powdered sugar donuts is a SNAP!
- Combine - Mix all the ingredients together until completely smooth.
- Heat - Pre-heat the donut maker. If using an oven, pre-heat to 400°F and grease your 12-donut baking pan.
- Prepare - Transfer into a piping bag, or a large Ziploc bag, and clip the end (about 1/2 inch across the corner/tip).
- Pipe - Fill each donut cavity (either in the donut maker or the baking pan) about 2/3 full. Close the donut maker and bake until the light turns. If using an oven, bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown.
- Cool - Remove donuts from the maker/pan and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Coat - Brush each donut with the melted butter and coat in powdered sugar.
Common Questions
At room temperature, these powdered sugar donuts will last about 3-5 days in an air tight container. Though, I doubt they will make it that long - they will get eaten too fast!
Yes! We like to use einkorn flour, due to our gluten sensitivities. However, any all-purpose flour can be used. If you need to use whole wheat flour, just use the same amount of flour in grams (not volume) and know that you may need to add just a bit more liquid.
For the best results, I would recommend you prepare the batter right before baking. Baking powder starts to activate as soon as it comes into contact with liquid, so a freshly mixed batter ensures fluffy donuts.
Absolutely! These einkorn donuts freeze well. After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven.
Certainly! The powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and a delightful texture, but if you prefer your donuts without it, you can skip this step. Alternatively, you can experiment with other toppings or glazes to suit your taste - a cinnamon sugar mix would be amazing!
More Delicious Breakfast Treats
Looking for more breakfast ideas for a special occasion or just because? These sweet treats will satisfy your cravings!
Old Fashioned Powdered Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (240g) we use einkorn flour!
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons ACV
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (use more if desired)
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together until completely smooth.
- Pre-heat the donut maker. If using an oven, pre-heat to 400°F and grease your 12-donut baking pan.
- Transfer into a piping bag, or a large Ziploc bag, and clip the end (about 1/2 inch across the corner/tip).
- Fill each donut cavity (either in the donut maker or the baking pan) about 2/3 full. Close the donut maker and bake until the light turns. If using an oven, bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown.
- Remove donuts from the maker/pan and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Brush each donut with the melted butter and coat in powdered sugar.
Notes
Common Questions
Nutrition
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Will erythritol/allulose granuals work okay in place of the sugar?