4 Ways to Get Your Doughnut Fix

From old-fashioned fried rings to quick-fix holes, the appeal of freshly made doughnuts is all but impossible to resist. Try any (or all!) of these techniques for a memorable make-at-home indulgence.
 

Fried Doughnuts & Fritters

For classic bakery-style treats, like the Applesauce Doughnuts pictured above, break out your deep fryer (or heavy, tall-sided saucepan), apron and oil. Also, since the key to perfect pastries is maintaining the oil temperature at a steady 350° to 375°F, depending on the recipe, be sure to invest in a deep-frying thermometer to achieve optimal results.

Baked Doughnuts

There’s nothing like a hot, fresh-fried doughnut but indulging every time you crave one could prove problematic for your waistline. Enter, the baked doughnut. Just pick up a doughnut pan and tender, cake-y goodness, like these Baked Carrot Cake Doughnuts, can be yours in less than an hour.

Doughnut Muffins

Minimalists rejoice! These hybrid treats, including the Raspberry Jam-Filled Doughnut Muffins pictured above, bake right in your muffin pan, no special equipment or fry-time required. (More adventurous bakers may also enjoy these Indian-Spiced Mini Doughnut Muffins, seasoned with a cinnamon-garam masala-cardamom sugar and baked in a mini muffin pan.)  

Waffle Doughnuts

Less indulgent than their fried counterparts, baked doughnuts are easy to whip together at home—if you have a pan designed for the task. But what if you don’t have a specialty pan? Enter the waffle doughnut! They come together the same way you’d mix up a standard baked doughnut and are cooked to perfection in the waffle iron. The resulting doughnuts are ready in minutes, and boast plenty of crannies ideal for catching syrup or glaze. Get the recipes and full how-to here! 

Deep-fried, waffled, baked or muffin-style, which way will you get your doughnut fix first? If you find a favorite, be sure to let us know in the comments below!