There’s something truly special about an old fashioned donut. With its crispy, craggy exterior and soft, tender crumb, this classic treat has stood the test of time for good reason. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, the simple, nostalgic flavor of an old fashioned donut is hard to beat. And while they’re often associated with trips to the local bakery, making them at home is easier than you might think—and the results are absolutely worth it.
The Charm of Old Fashioned Donuts
Old fashioned donuts are a classic, loved for their crispy, cracked edges and dense, cake-like interior. Unlike light and fluffy yeast donuts, they use baking powder as a leavening agent, giving them a rich, hearty texture. Their signature split surface comes from frying at a lower temperature, which creates those crispy edges.
What makes old fashioned donuts so special is their simplicity. Usually flavored with just a hint of nutmeg or vanilla, the buttery dough shines through. A light glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance the donut’s slightly tangy taste. It’s a comforting treat that brings back memories of simpler times.
Why Make Them at Home?
While it’s easy to grab a donut from your favorite bakery, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making them from scratch. Homemade old fashioned donuts allow you to experience the process from start to finish, and the reward is a warm, freshly fried donut that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.
Making donuts at home also gives you control over the ingredients. You can use high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract to create a donut that’s richer and more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a store. Plus, you can experiment with glazes and toppings to customize your donuts just the way you like them—whether that’s a simple vanilla glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
Old Fashioned Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk adjust as needed for desired consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and n1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- In another bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, melted 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let proof in a warm, dry place for 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured donut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters (one larger for the donut and one smaller for the hole) to cut out the donuts. Gather and re-roll the scraps as needed.
- Lay the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the pan with a damp towel and let proof a second time in a warm, dry place for 30 hour.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat Vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the donuts completely.
- Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining donuts.Vegetable oil
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extractt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
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