Homemade Bread Donuts Recipe
Make soft, golden homemade bread donuts with simple ingredients and an easy shortcut method. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, snacks or a quick homemade dessert.
Looking for an easy way to make a sweet homemade treat without spending hours preparing traditional donut dough? These homemade bread donuts are a simple shortcut recipe that turns everyday sandwich bread into golden, sweet and delicious donuts.
There is no yeast to proof and no long rising period. The bread is flattened, shaped, lightly coated and fried until golden before being finished with cinnamon sugar. The result is a quick treat that is especially good with tea, coffee or a glass of milk.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Bread Donuts
These bread donuts are ideal when you want something sweet without the preparation time required for traditional yeast donuts. The recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method that is easy to follow, even if you are new to homemade desserts.
The cinnamon-sugar coating gives the donuts a warm, sweet flavor, while the fried exterior adds a lightly crisp texture. You can also change the topping to suit your taste by using powdered sugar, chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze.
If you enjoy simple homemade food, explore more easy recipes from MUS1I for additional breakfast, snack and dessert ideas.
No long yeast-proofing process is required.
Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
Try cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate or glaze.
Ingredients for Homemade Bread Donuts
You only need a handful of common ingredients to make these easy bread donuts. For the best results, use soft sandwich bread that can be flattened without tearing.
For the Donuts
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Easy Ingredient Substitutions
Bread: Soft white sandwich bread is the easiest option, but another soft sandwich bread can also work if it is flexible enough to flatten and shape.
Milk: Regular milk works well. You can use another milk you normally keep at home if needed.
Cinnamon: Adjust the amount according to your taste, or leave it out if you prefer a simple sugar coating.
Topping: Replace cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar, melted chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze.
Do not soak the bread in the wet mixture. A quick dip is enough. Too much liquid can make the bread fragile and difficult to handle.
How to Make Homemade Bread Donuts
Follow these steps carefully for evenly shaped, golden bread donuts. The key is to keep the bread coating light and fry the donuts in small batches.
- Flatten the Bread Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Place each slice on a clean surface and gently flatten it with a rolling pin.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture Whisk the egg, milk, sugar and vanilla extract together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in another bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape the Donuts Use a round cutter or suitable glass to cut circles from the flattened bread. Cut a smaller circle from the center to create the donut shape.
- Coat the Donuts Dip each donut briefly into the wet mixture. Immediately coat it lightly with the flour mixture. Avoid soaking the bread.
- Heat the Oil Heat oil in a suitable frying pan over medium heat. Keep the oil steady and avoid letting it become excessively hot.
- Fry Until Golden Place the donuts into the hot oil in small batches. Fry until golden brown, then carefully turn them and cook the other side.
- Coat and Serve Drain the donuts briefly and coat them with cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Chef Tips for the Best Bread Donuts
Keep the bread intact
Flatten the bread gently. Pressing too aggressively can make the bread thin and difficult to handle.
Do not overcrowd the pan
Frying too many donuts at once can reduce the oil temperature and lead to a greasy result. Cook smaller batches instead.
Coat them while warm
Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are freshly fried and still warm.
Keep the coating light
A thin coating is easier to fry evenly and helps the donuts maintain their shape.
Homemade Bread Donuts
Soft, golden shortcut donuts made from sandwich bread and finished with cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- Flatten the bread and cut donut shapes.
- Whisk the egg, milk, sugar and vanilla.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- Dip and lightly coat the donuts.
- Fry until golden on both sides.
- Drain and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Easy Bread Donut Variations
The basic recipe is easy to customize. For a classic version, use cinnamon sugar. For a richer dessert, dip the cooled donuts in melted chocolate. Powdered sugar is another simple option, while a vanilla glaze gives the donuts a bakery-style finish.
You can also combine cinnamon with a small amount of nutmeg for a warmer spice flavor. Keep the topping simple enough that it does not overpower the soft bread center.
How to Serve Bread Donuts
Serve these donuts warm with tea, coffee, milk or your favorite breakfast drink. They also work well as a simple afternoon snack or quick homemade dessert.
For more ideas, browse the MUS1I recipe collection for other homemade dishes and sweet treats.
How to Store Bread Donuts
Bread donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container. Gently reheat before serving.
Avoid sealing the donuts while they are still hot because trapped steam can soften the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bread donuts without yeast?
Yes. This shortcut recipe uses sandwich bread instead of traditional yeast dough, so there is no proofing or rising time.
What bread is best for homemade bread donuts?
Soft white sandwich bread is a convenient choice because it is easy to flatten and shape.
Why are my bread donuts greasy?
Oil that is not hot enough or an overcrowded pan can cause the bread to absorb more oil. Fry in smaller batches over steady medium heat.
Can I bake these donuts?
You can experiment with baking, but frying gives the donuts a more golden and crisp exterior.
For general ingredient nutrition information, you can consult USDA FoodData Central .
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