Fluffy Homemade Donuts You Can Fry in 40 Minutes

By Jason Griffith · March 12, 2026

Homemade Cream or Ring Donuts

Few treats are as satisfying as freshly fried homemade donuts. Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, these Homemade Cream or Ring Donuts bring bakery-quality results right to your kitchen. The best part? This versatile recipe lets you enjoy them two delicious ways: classic ring donuts dipped in sweet syrup and coated in coconut, or decadent cream-filled donuts with a light whipped cream center.

Unlike yeast donuts that require long proofing times, this recipe comes together quickly thanks to baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. That means you can mix, fry, and enjoy warm donuts in under an hour.

Whether you’re making a weekend breakfast treat, a dessert for guests, or simply craving something sweet and comforting, these donuts deliver every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something nostalgic about homemade donuts. The aroma of dough frying in hot oil instantly fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

What makes this recipe especially great is its simplicity and flexibility. The dough is easy to mix and roll out, and the donuts cook quickly to a beautiful golden color.

Another reason I love this recipe is that you can customize the final result. Want something classic? Dip the donuts in syrup and roll them in coconut. Craving something indulgent? Fill them with fluffy whipped cream.

It’s like getting two dessert recipes in one.

Homemade Cream or Ring Donuts

Homemade Cream or Ring Donuts

Soft homemade donuts that can be served as classic ring donuts dipped in syrup and coconut or filled with whipped cream.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 4 cups cake flour (plus extra if needed)
  • 1 cup castor sugar
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup amasi (fermented milk)
  • 2 tsp vanilla essence
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Oil for frying
  • 2 cups sugar (for syrup)
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water (for syrup)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (for syrup)
  • Shredded coconut for coating (optional)
  • Whipped cream for filling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, castor sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla essence, and amasi until well combined.
  3. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix to form a soft, workable dough. Add a little extra flour if needed so the dough is not sticky.
  4. Divide the dough into three portions. Roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to about 5-7 mm thickness.
  5. Cut the dough using a donut cutter to form ring donuts.
  6. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain in a colander.
  7. To make the syrup, combine sugar, boiling water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then switch off the heat.
  8. Dip the warm donuts into the syrup and toss in shredded coconut if making syrup-coated donuts.
  9. Alternatively, make a slit in the side of each donut and pipe whipped cream into the center using a star nozzle to make cream-filled donuts.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 360 calories
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbs: 59 g
  • Protein: 6 g

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious homemade donuts.

Donut Dough

  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups cake flour (plus extra if needed)
  • 1 cup castor sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup amasi (fermented milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Oil for frying

Syrup

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Toppings & Fillings

  • Shredded coconut for coating
  • Whipped cream for filling

Ingredient Swaps and Notes

Amasi substitute:
If you can’t find amasi, you can substitute with buttermilk or plain yogurt mixed with a little milk.

Flavor variations:
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.

Alternative toppings:
Instead of coconut, you can dust the donuts with powdered sugar or dip them in chocolate glaze.

Cream filling options:
Besides whipped cream, try pastry cream, custard, or even chocolate mousse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together:

  • Cake flour
  • Castor sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Salt

Sifting helps create a lighter, fluffier donut texture.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla essence
  • Amasi

Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Form the Dough

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add a small amount of extra flour until it becomes workable.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into three portions.

Roll each portion on a lightly floured surface to about 5–7 mm thickness.

5. Cut the Donuts

Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape classic ring donuts.

6. Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Fry the donuts in batches until they become golden brown on both sides, usually about 2–3 minutes per side.

Remove and drain in a colander or on paper towels.

7. Make the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine:

  • Sugar
  • Boiling water
  • Lemon juice

Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

8. Finish the Donuts

You have two delicious options:

Classic coconut donuts:
Dip warm donuts in syrup and coat with shredded coconut.

Cream-filled donuts:
Make a small slit in each donut and pipe whipped cream inside using a star nozzle.

Serve while fresh for the best flavor.

Tips for Success

Use medium heat when frying
Oil that’s too hot will brown the donuts before they cook through.

Don’t overcrowd the pan
Fry only a few donuts at a time to keep the oil temperature stable.

Roll dough evenly
Uniform thickness ensures the donuts cook evenly.

Serve fresh
Homemade donuts taste best shortly after frying.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Pair them with classic morning favorites like Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack or Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves for a full weekend brunch spread.

For a lighter morning option earlier in the week, recipes like The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide: 1 Base Recipe + 6 Easy Flavors balance out indulgent treats.

And if you love easy homemade baked goods, you’ll also enjoy Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails.

For quick meal prep breakfasts during busy mornings, try Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Protein: 6 g

Values may vary depending on fillings and toppings used.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Room temperature:
Store donuts in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

Refrigeration:
Cream-filled donuts should be refrigerated and eaten within 24 hours.

Freezing:
Unfilled donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Refreshing leftover donuts:
Warm them briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy homemade treats like these donuts, try these delicious recipes next:

Final Thoughts

Homemade donuts might seem intimidating, but this recipe proves they can be simple, quick, and incredibly rewarding. With a soft, tender crumb and endless topping possibilities, these Cream or Ring Donuts are guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Once you try making donuts from scratch, you may never want store-bought again.

If you make this recipe, share your results and let us know your favorite variation. And be sure to follow Jason Griffith at Chef Maniac for more easy, delicious recipes you can make at home.

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