Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with these irresistible King Cake Donut Holes! These bite-sized delights are the ultimate fusion of classic donut perfection and the legendary Mardi Gras tradition. Imagine crispy, golden-brown donut holes dusted with powdered sugar and adorned with festive purple, green, and gold sugars that scream celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, these donut holes are about to become your new obsession – so simple to make, yet so incredibly delicious that they'll have everyone begging for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 donut holes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare your cooking equipment by gathering a mixing bowl, whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop small balls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Once cooled slightly, dust the donut holes generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Sprinkle with traditional Mardi Gras colored sugars (purple, green, and gold) for a festive King Cake appearance.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade King Cake Donut Holes!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 350°F. Too cool, and your donut holes will be greasy; too hot, and they'll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donut holes.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy donut holes.
- Draining Technique: Use a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping your donut holes crisp and light.
- Sugar Decoration Pro Tip: For the most festive look, use traditional Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) when sprinkling colored sugar.
- Serve Warm: These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, when they're at their crispy, melt-in-your-mouth peak.
- Storage Hack: If you have leftovers (rare, but possible!), store in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
