Whether it's the simple sugar syrup creations from the school canteen, or the elaborate creations, courtesy of American-import chains, the doughnut has a special magic of its own. These deep-fried doughy treats have always been associated with bakeries and restaurants but they started off as an indulgent home treat from the Netherlands.
The origins of doughnuts are somewhat murky, but they are believed to have been introduced to America by Dutch settlers in the 19th century. Over time, the dough ball evolved into the doughnut we know today, with the addition of a hole in the centre.
Some believe that the hole was added to make the doughnut cook more evenly, while others think it was added to make the pastry easier to transport on long journeys. Regardless of how it came to be, the doughnut has become a beloved treat around the world.
Truth is, if you want a real doughnut, you've got to make it yourself. And here's why: when you make doughnuts at home, you're in control. You get to choose the ingredients, you get to control the frying temperature, and you get to decide on the toppings. You can use high-quality ingredients, like organic flour and real butter. You can make a glaze using fresh-squeezed lemon juice or locally-sourced honey. You can even add in some chopped bacon or a sprinkle of sea salt for a little extra flavour. And most importantly, when you make doughnuts at home, you get to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer. There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly-fried doughnut.
Here are 7 tips that will help you ace your homemade doughnuts:
Use the right flour:
When making doughnuts, it's important to use low-protein flour, such as cake flour or pastry flour. This will help ensure that your doughnuts are light and fluffy, rather than dense and chewy.
Don't overmix the dough:
When you're mixing the dough for your doughnuts, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy doughnuts. Mix the dough just until it comes together, then stop.
Let the dough rest:
After you've mixed the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting it into doughnuts. This will help the dough relax and make it easier to work with.
Use a thermometer:
When frying your doughnuts, it's important to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. The ideal temperature for frying doughnuts is between 180°C and 190°C. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will cook too quickly on the outside and be raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
Fry in small batches:
When frying your doughnuts, it's best to fry them in small batches. This will help ensure that the oil stays at the right temperature and that the doughnuts cook evenly.
Drain well:
After you've fried your doughnuts, be sure to drain them well on a wire rack or on paper towels. This will help remove any excess oil and prevent your doughnuts from being greasy.
Get creative with toppings:
One of the best things about making doughnuts at home is that you can get creative with your toppings. Try a classic glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, or experiment with flavours like chocolate, maple, or lemon. You can also sprinkle your doughnuts with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts for a little extra crunch.