Pancake Donuts: The Delicious Hybrid You Need to Try

Pancake Donuts: the breakfast mashup you never knew you needed, but will quickly become obsessed with! Imagine the fluffy, comforting taste of a warm pancake, but in the fun, portable form of a donut. Are you intrigued? I know I was! These aren’t your grandma’s old-fashioned donuts, but a playful twist on a classic breakfast staple.

While the history of the donut itself stretches back centuries, with various cultures frying dough in different forms, the concept of combining it with a pancake is a relatively modern invention. It speaks to our current culinary landscape, where innovation and fusion are celebrated. We’re constantly looking for new ways to enjoy familiar flavors, and these pancake donuts deliver on that promise in a big way.

So, why are these little treats so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, airy interior of a pancake meets the slightly crisp exterior of a fried donut. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Top them with your favorite pancake toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to ditch the boring breakfast routine and embrace the deliciousness of pancake donuts!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pancake Batter:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (or milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
• For the Glaze (Vanilla):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Glaze (Chocolate):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Toppings:
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings
• Chopped nuts
• Crushed cookies

Preparing the Pancake Batter:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure a light and fluffy donut. I like to whisk for at least 30 seconds to really get it mixed well.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. I usually stop mixing when I see just a few streaks of flour remaining.
4. Rest the Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in a lighter and fluffier donut. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!

Preparing for Frying:

1. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You’ll need enough oil so the donuts can float freely without touching the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is key to preventing greasy donuts. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll absorb too much oil.
2. Prepare Your Work Station: Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain the fried donuts. Have a slotted spoon or spider ready to remove the donuts from the oil. Also, prepare your glaze(s) while the oil is heating up.

Frying the Donuts:

1. Fill a Piping Bag (or Use Spoons): Transfer the pancake batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a large zip-top bag and snip off a corner. Alternatively, you can use two spoons to carefully drop the batter into the hot oil.
2. Pipe or Drop the Batter: Carefully pipe or drop circles of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. I usually fry 3-4 donuts at a time, depending on the size of my pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Aim for donut sizes of about 2-3 inches in diameter.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use the slotted spoon or spider to flip them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they can brown quickly.
4. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.

Making the Glazes:

1. Vanilla Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.
2. Chocolate Glaze: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The chocolate glaze should also be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly. Tip: Sifting the cocoa powder before adding it helps prevent lumps in the glaze.

Glazing and Decorating:

1. Dip the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze of your choice, coating it evenly. You can dip the entire donut or just the top half. Let the excess glaze drip off.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the glazed donuts with your desired toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies. The glaze will set quickly, so you need to add the toppings right away.
3. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed and decorated donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set completely. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Serving and Storing:

1. Serve Immediately: These pancake donuts are best served fresh and warm. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or milk for a delicious treat!
2. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The donuts may lose some of their crispness over time, but they will still be delicious. You can also reheat them briefly in the microwave to restore some of their warmth.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C). Adjust the heat as needed.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the donuts in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
• Drain Well: Drain the fried donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Glaze While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they are still slightly warm for the best results. The glaze will adhere better and melt slightly into the donut.

Variations:

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Instead of glazing, toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for some of the milk in the vanilla glaze for a delicious maple flavor.
• Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the vanilla glaze for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Filled Donuts: Use a pastry bag to fill the donuts with jam, cream, or chocolate filling after they have cooled.

These pancake donuts are a fun and easy treat that everyone will love. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Pancake Donuts recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to experience the joy of biting into one of these warm, fluffy delights. We’ve taken the best parts of pancakes – that comforting, familiar flavor – and combined them with the fun and indulgence of donuts. What’s not to love? Forget those complicated donut recipes that require yeast and hours of proofing. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast treat, or even a fun dessert. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward instructions make it accessible to everyone, from seasoned bakers to kitchen novices.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The light, airy texture of the pancake batter, transformed into a perfectly golden-brown donut, is simply irresistible. The subtle sweetness is just right, allowing you to customize the flavor with your favorite toppings. And speaking of toppings, the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a classic touch, dust your Pancake Donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Want to get a little more adventurous? Try dipping them in melted chocolate and sprinkling them with colorful sprinkles. Or, for a truly decadent treat, top them with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Here are a few more ideas to spark your creativity:

* Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss the warm donuts in melted butter and then coat them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
* Chocolate Chip Donuts: Add chocolate chips to the pancake batter for a chocolatey twist.
* Fruity Donuts: Fold in diced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into the batter for a burst of fresh flavor.
* Savory Donuts: Experiment with savory toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of herbs.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature Pancake Donuts. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I truly believe that these Pancake Donuts will become a new family favorite. They’re perfect for special occasions, lazy weekend mornings, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oil, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #PancakeDonuts and let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking!