Olivia Carter
Are you craving a delicious batch of homemade donuts, but don’t have a deep fryer? Don’t worry, you can still satisfy your craving using a cast iron skillet! Making donuts at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right tools and ingredients, you can create mouthwatering treats that rival your favorite bakery.
Using a cast iron skillet to make donuts is a great alternative to deep frying. The skillet provides even heat distribution, allowing you to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior without the need for excessive oil. Plus, the skillet’s high heat retention ensures that your donuts cook evenly and stay warm while you glaze or decorate them.
To start, you’ll need a basic donut dough recipe. You can use a classic yeast-raised dough or opt for a quick and easy cake-like donut batter. Whichever recipe you choose, make sure to follow it closely and pay attention to the rising and resting times. These steps are crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and fry the donuts. Start by rolling out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Then, use a donut cutter or a round biscuit cutter to cut out your donut shapes. Don’t forget to cut out the smaller holes in the center of each donut!
Next, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Carefully place a few donuts into the skillet, being careful not to crowd them. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Donut Recipe: How to Make Delicious Donuts in a Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re craving freshly made donuts but don’t have a deep fryer, don’t worry! You can still make mouthwatering donuts right in your own kitchen using a cast iron skillet. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy warm, fluffy donuts without the hassle of frying.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil or cooking spray for greasing the skillet
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, sprinkles
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with oil or cooking spray.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, making small donut shapes. Leave enough space between each donut to allow for expansion.
- Cook the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a spatula to gently flip them over.
- Remove the donuts from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- If desired, sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate. You can also add sprinkles for a fun touch!
- Serve the donuts warm and enjoy!
These homemade donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime. The cast iron skillet gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy. Be creative with your toppings and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade donuts without the deep frying mess. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your donut-making skills!
Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade Donuts
Before you begin making donuts in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
1. Flour
You’ll need all-purpose flour to create the base of your donut dough. Make sure you have enough flour for the recipe, usually around 2 cups.
2. Sugar
Add sweetness to your donuts with granulated sugar. You’ll need about 1/3 cup of sugar to make the dough and additional sugar for coating the finished donuts.
3. Baking Powder
To help your donuts rise, baking powder is a must. Make sure you have about 2 teaspoons of baking powder on hand.
4. Salt
A pinch of salt will enhance the flavors of your homemade donuts. Have some salt ready to go, about 1/4 teaspoon.
5. Milk
For a moist and tender texture, you’ll need some milk. Depending on the recipe, you may need anywhere from 1/2 to 1 cup of milk.
6. Eggs
Eggs will bind the ingredients together and add richness to your donut dough. Have 1 or 2 eggs available.
7. Vanilla Extract
Add a hint of vanilla flavor to your donuts with some vanilla extract. You’ll need about 1 teaspoon.
8. Oil
Lastly, you’ll need oil for frying the donuts. Vegetable or canola oil works well. Make sure you have enough oil to fill your cast iron skillet about 1/2 to 1 inch deep.
Once you have all these ingredients ready, you’re set to start making delicious homemade donuts in a cast iron skillet!
Prepare the Donut Dough from Scratch
Before you start making homemade donuts in a cast iron skillet, you’ll need to prepare the donut dough from scratch. Follow these steps to create a delicious and fluffy dough that will result in perfect donuts:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well with a spoon or whisk.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour in a warm place. The dough should double in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough a few times to release any air bubbles.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch, using a rolling pin. Then, use a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters to cut out the donut shapes. Remove the excess dough and set aside for re-rolling.
7. Place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. While the donuts are rising, prepare your cast iron skillet by heating about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F/190°C. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
9. Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they become golden brown. Transfer the cooked donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Repeat the frying process with the remaining donuts, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
11. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, you can dip them in melted chocolate, glaze them, or dust them with powdered sugar for added flavor and decoration.
Now that you know how to prepare the donut dough from scratch, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making delicious homemade donuts right in your cast iron skillet. Serve them warm and indulge in their fluffy texture and sweet flavors!
Heat the Cast Iron Skillet for Perfectly Cooked Donuts
One of the secrets to making delicious, crispy donuts in a cast iron skillet is properly heating the skillet. The cast iron skillet retains heat extremely well, creating a consistent and even cooking surface for your donuts.
To heat your cast iron skillet, start by placing it on a burner set to medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up for at least 10 minutes, giving it enough time to evenly distribute the heat. You’ll know the skillet is ready when you can flick a few droplets of water onto the surface and they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately.
While preheating the skillet, you can start preparing your donut dough or batter. This will give the skillet enough time to reach the desired temperature. Once the skillet is properly heated, you can proceed with cooking your donuts.
When cooking the donuts, be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Leave enough space between each donut to ensure they cook evenly and have enough room to expand. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the donuts in batches.
Add enough oil to the skillet to submerge the donuts about halfway. Use a high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two before carefully adding the donuts to the skillet.
Cook the donuts for a few minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip the donuts and remove them from the skillet. Place the cooked donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Remember, cast iron skillets retain heat well, so be cautious when handling the skillet during and immediately after cooking. Always use oven mitts or thick potholders to protect your hands.
By properly heating your cast iron skillet before cooking your donuts, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
Fry the Donuts in the Cast Iron Skillet
Once the dough has risen and you have shaped the donuts, it’s time to fry them in the cast iron skillet. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Heat the oil
Start by heating the oil in the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the donuts, so it should be at least 2 inches deep. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil temperature around 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Fry the donuts
Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You can fry them in batches if necessary. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them over as needed.
As the donuts cook, they will puff up and become light and fluffy. Keep an eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
Step 3: Drain and cool
Once the donuts have finished frying, carefully remove them from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before glazing or adding any toppings. This will prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
Note: It’s essential to handle the hot oil and fried donuts with caution to avoid any burns or accidents. Always use appropriate kitchen tools and heat-resistant gloves.
Pro tip: If you’re making different flavored donuts, clean the skillet between each batch to avoid any flavor transfer.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| Donut dough | 1. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet. |
| Oil for frying | 2. Fry the donuts in batches. |
| Glaze or toppings | 3. Drain and cool the fried donuts. |
Add Your Favorite Toppings to Your Homemade Donuts
Once your homemade donuts are cooked to perfection in your cast iron skillet, it’s time to get creative with the toppings! Adding your favorite toppings is a delicious way to customize your donuts and make them truly unique. Whether you prefer a classic glaze or something more adventurous, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Classic Glaze
A classic glaze is a popular choice for topping donuts. To make a simple glaze, combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and then dip the top of each donut into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Sprinkles and Decorations
Adding sprinkles and other decorations to your donuts is a fun way to make them visually appealing. Consider using colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or edible glitter. Just sprinkle your desired toppings onto the freshly glaze donuts, and they’ll add a festive touch to your homemade treats.
| Topping Ideas | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Ganache | Melted chocolate that creates a rich and smooth topping for your donuts. |
| Fruit Compote | Simmered fruits that produce a sweet and tangy topping for your donuts. |
| Peanut Butter Drizzle | Warm peanut butter that adds a creamy and nutty flavor to your donuts. |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | A fluffy and tangy frosting that pairs well with any flavor of donut. |
Remember to have fun and experiment with different combinations of toppings. You can even create a DIY donut bar where everyone can customize their own donuts. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect toppings to elevate your homemade donuts to the next level of deliciousness!
Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Donuts with Family and Friends
After you have finished making your donuts in a cast iron skillet, it’s time to serve and enjoy them with your loved ones. The delightful aroma of freshly baked donuts will bring everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just looking for a sweet treat to share, these homemade donuts are sure to please.
Using a spatula, carefully remove the donuts from the skillet and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While the donuts are still warm, you can give them a delicious coating of powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even a sweet glaze. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to add a touch of personalization to your donuts.
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, so be sure to serve them right away. Arrange them on a platter or serving tray, and watch as your family and friends’ eyes light up with anticipation. These homemade treats are perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories.
As you savor each bite of your homemade donuts, take a moment to appreciate the time and effort that went into making them. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior will leave you craving more. You’ll find that these homemade donuts have a rich, authentic flavor that cannot be replicated by store-bought alternatives.
Gather around the table with your loved ones, and let the joy of eating together fill the room. Enjoy the conversation and laughter that comes with sharing a homemade meal. These donuts will surely be a hit with everyone, and you’ll be proud to have made them yourself.
So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and indulge in your homemade donuts with family and friends. Celebrate the joy of baking and the happiness that comes from sharing delicious food. Take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of enjoying a homemade treat made with love.
Remember, donuts are best served warm and enjoyed in the company of loved ones!
FAQ
Can you make donuts in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can make donuts in a cast iron skillet. It is a great alternative to traditional methods such as deep frying.
What ingredients do I need to make donuts in a cast iron skillet?
To make donuts in a cast iron skillet, you will need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, melted butter, an egg, and vanilla extract. You can also add toppings such as powdered sugar or glaze.
How do I cook donuts in a cast iron skillet?
To cook donuts in a cast iron skillet, start by heating the skillet over medium heat and greasing it with butter or oil. Then, drop spoonfuls of the donut batter onto the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Finally, remove the donuts from the skillet and allow them to cool before adding any toppings.
