Irresistibly Fluffy & Easy Ricotta Donut Holes: No Yeast, Ready in 30 Minutes!
While traditional homemade donuts often feel like a significant kitchen project, demanding hours of kneading and proofing, these Ricotta Donut Holes offer a delightful shortcut without compromising on taste or texture. In fact, they couldn’t be simpler to prepare, transforming the idea of homemade donuts into an accessible, weeknight-friendly indulgence.
Despite being beautifully fried to a golden crisp, these aren’t your typical heavy, greasy doughnuts. Thanks to the magic of ricotta cheese, they emerge remarkably lighter and unbelievably fluffier than most conventional recipes. The real game-changer? They are completely yeast-free, eliminating the need for any lengthy proofing or rising times. This means you can whip up the batter and have these warm, fresh treats on the table in a fraction of the time you’d expect.
Once they’ve achieved that perfect crisp and inviting golden-brown hue, the warm ricotta donut holes are lovingly tossed in a vibrant and aromatic homemade lemon cardamom sugar. The finely grated citrus zest infuses each bite with a bright, zesty tang that beautifully balances the sweetness, while a subtle hint of ground cardamom introduces an exquisite, lovely warmth and depth of flavor, making every mouthful a truly special experience.
Certainly, there’s a distinct time and place for an excellent baked doughnut. For instance, these baked olive oil doughnuts adorned with a rich chocolate glaze are absolutely outstanding, especially when they’re finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. And when autumn arrives, these cozy baked pumpkin doughnuts become my absolute go-to, filling the kitchen with seasonal aromas.
However, many baked doughnuts, for all their convenience, often end up with a texture that’s disappointingly close to cake or muffins. But these unique ricotta donuts defy that expectation. Their exterior crisps up beautifully to a perfect golden brown, offering a satisfying initial crunch. Yet, the interior remains astonishingly soft, airy, and fluffy, a true revelation that elevates them far beyond their baked counterparts. This delicate balance of textures is what makes them truly stand out.
These exquisite donut holes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful addition to any special breakfast or brunch spread, guaranteed to impress your guests with their sophisticated yet approachable charm.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Ricotta Donuts: The Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Treat
These ricotta donut holes are not just another dessert; they are a culinary experience that combines simplicity with sophisticated flavor and an unbeatable texture. Here’s a deeper dive into why they will become your new favorite:
- Unmatched Ease and Speed: Forget the daunting multi-step process often associated with homemade donuts. The batter for these delectable treats comes together effortlessly in a single mixing bowl, requiring less than five minutes of active preparation time. What truly sets them apart is the complete absence of yeast, eliminating any need for proofing or multiple rises. This means from the moment you decide to make them, to enjoying them warm, takes under 20 minutes – a truly remarkable feat for such a delicious pastry. Minimal cleanup is just an added bonus!
- Revolutionary Texture: The secret to their sensational appeal lies in one key ingredient: ricotta cheese. By incorporating this silky, creamy Italian cheese into the batter, we achieve not only a rich, nuanced flavor but also an unparalleled lightness and fluffiness in texture. The ricotta works to tenderize the dough, resulting in a donut that is wonderfully airy on the inside with a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior. It’s a texture that perfectly bridges the gap between a traditional fried donut and a delicate beignet. For those feeling particularly ambitious and seeking an even more exceptional experience, consider making your own fresh ricotta using this recipe for homemade ricotta cheese.
- Endless Flavor Versatility: While our signature lemon cardamom sugar offers a truly spectacular and bright flavor profile, the beauty of these donut holes is their adaptability. The possibilities for customization are genuinely endless, allowing you to tailor them to any craving or occasion. Feel free to unleash your creativity with different spice blends, citrus zests, or other enticing mix-ins. Be sure to explore our comprehensive flavor variation ideas detailed further below!
- Convenient Preparation: Life is busy, and these donuts understand that. The entire donut batter can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to store it conveniently in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes them ideal for entertaining, as you can do most of the work in advance and then simply fry them fresh when your guests arrive. Once your frying oil is perfectly preheated to 350°F (175°C), the actual cooking time is incredibly fast, with each batch taking only 3 to 4 minutes to cook through to perfection.
Do not be intimidated by the idea of frying! I confess, I rarely venture into preparing fried desserts – or anything fried, for that matter – but these delightful ricotta donut holes are a notable exception. Why do I make an exception for them? Because they are truly special, offering a unique blend of delicate flavor and irresistible texture without being overly rich or cloyingly sweet. And, perhaps most importantly, they are considerably easier to make than you might ever imagine, making the frying process far less daunting than it sounds.
How to Master These Delicious Ricotta Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these heavenly ricotta donut holes is a straightforward process, designed for success even for novice fryers. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and fluffy results every time:
- Effortlessly Prepare the Donut Batter: Begin by gathering your wet ingredients. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and bright lemon zest. Whisk these components together thoroughly until the mixture is beautifully smooth and well-incorporated. Next, gently introduce your dry ingredients – the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a delicate pinch of kosher salt. Using a sturdy spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture. The key here is to mix just until the dry ingredients are fully absorbed, avoiding overmixing, which can lead to a tough donut. The resulting batter will be notably thick. Once mixed, cover the bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chilling the batter is crucial; it helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring a more consistent frying experience.
- Craft Your Irresistible Sugar Topping: While your batter chills, prepare the delightful sugar coating. We highly recommend our signature lemon cardamom sugar for its unparalleled brightness and warmth, but remember, the flavor possibilities are extensive! Feel free to consult the recipe notes section below for a variety of exciting flavor variations to suit your personal taste or the occasion. Whatever your choice, ensure it’s ready to embrace the warm, fried donut holes.
- Perfectly Fry Your Donuts: Now for the exciting part – frying! Select a large, wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure stability and even heat distribution. Pour in your chosen vegetable oil, aiming for a depth of 2-3 inches, while leaving at least 2 inches of clearance from the top of the oil to the rim of the pot for safety. Using a reliable fry or candy thermometer is essential here; patiently heat the oil until it reaches a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key for beautifully cooked donuts. Once the oil is ready, retrieve your chilled batter. Using a small cookie scoop (ideally yielding about 1 tablespoon of batter per scoop) or a spoon, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the donut holes in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which can drastically lower the oil’s temperature. Continuously flip and turn them frequently with a slotted spoon or spider for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are uniformly deeply golden brown on all sides and feel relatively light in weight, indicating they are cooked through.
- Coat in Sugar and Serve Immediately: As soon as the donut holes are cooked to perfection, swiftly remove them from the hot oil using a slotted spoon or skimmer. Transfer them directly to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or plate, allowing any excess oil to drain momentarily. The critical next step is to roll them in your prepared lemon cardamom sugar while they are still warm. The warmth ensures the sugar adheres beautifully and creates that delightful, sweet crust. Continue this process with the remaining batter, frying and coating in batches until every last donut hole is glistening and ready. Serve these delectable treats warm for the absolute best experience.
Get Creative! Exciting Flavor Variation Ideas for Your Ricotta Donuts
While our lemon cardamom sugar is undeniably delightful, the simple beauty of these ricotta donuts lies in their incredible versatility. The flavored sugar topping can be easily adapted to suit any palate, craving, or seasonal whim. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and flavorings to discover your new favorite combination. Here are some fantastic ideas to spark your culinary imagination!
- Zesty Citrus Twists (Lemon Cardamom Sugar Base): Our classic lemon cardamom sugar is a winner, but why stop there? For a simple yet impactful change, try substituting other vibrant citrus varieties. Imagine the bright sweetness of orange zest or the tart elegance of lime zest to create a truly unique and refreshing experience.
- Timeless Cinnamon Sugar: A classic for a reason – you simply can’t go wrong with cinnamon sugar. To achieve this comforting flavor, simply omit the lemon zest and replace the ground cardamom with a full one teaspoon of aromatic ground cinnamon. The result is a universally loved, warm, and inviting donut.
- Luxurious Vanilla Bean Sugar: For an elevated and deeply aromatic flavor, transform your sugar with real vanilla bean. Carefully scrape the tiny, fragrant seeds from one whole vanilla bean pod directly into your granulated sugar. Then, gently rub the mixture together with your fingertips until the sugar is infused with the intoxicating vanilla aroma and speckled with those beautiful black seeds. This adds an entirely new dimension of flavor and elegance.
- Fruity Berry Sugars (Strawberry or Raspberry): To infuse both delightful flavor and vibrant color, mix your sugar with finely ground freeze-dried fruits. Freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries work exceptionally well, imparting a natural sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the ricotta donuts. You could also experiment with other freeze-dried fruits for varied results.
- Sophisticated Herbal or Floral Infusions: For a more gourmet touch, consider infusing your sugar with dried culinary lavender flowers or fragrant herbs. A small amount of dried lavender will add a delicate, floral note, while finely chopped fresh rosemary can introduce an unexpected, aromatic depth that is surprisingly delicious.
- Decadent Dipping Accompaniments: Instead of, or in addition to, a sugar coating, consider serving your warm ricotta donuts with a selection of dipping sauces. Offer bowls of rich fruit jam, gooey caramel sauce, or a cloud of light and airy Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream) for an extra layer of indulgence.
Smart Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions for Convenience
Planning ahead can make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. Here are some invaluable tips for preparing and storing your ricotta donuts and their components:
- Prepare the Donut Batter in Advance: For ultimate convenience, the ricotta donut batter can be fully prepared up to a full day (24 hours) ahead of time. Simply mix it as directed, cover it tightly in an airtight container, and store it in your refrigerator. This allows you to do the prep work when you have time, and then fry fresh donuts whenever the craving strikes!
- Pre-Mix Your Sugar Topping: The flavored sugar mixture can also be prepared well in advance. Combine your granulated sugar with your chosen flavorings (like lemon zest and cardamom) and store it in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a month. If the sugar has clumped slightly over time, a quick pulse in a food processor will restore it to its perfect, fluffy consistency before use.
- Clever Reuse of Frying Oil: Don’t discard your frying oil after one use! Once cooled, carefully pour the leftover vegetable oil through a fine-meshed sieve. This will remove any small fried bits and impurities. Store the strained oil in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place. It can then be reused for another batch of these delicious donuts or for other sweet frying applications, extending its utility and reducing waste.
- Optimal Freshness and Storage: These ricotta donut holes are undoubtedly at their very best when served immediately after frying, while they are still warm and the exterior is perfectly crisp. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Be aware that the delightful crispness of the exterior will naturally soften over time once they cool. Reheating gently in a warm oven for a few minutes can help revive some of their original texture.
If you find yourself yearning for a more traditional fried yeast doughnut experience, complete with that classic doughy texture and a more involved preparation process, then these grapefruit curd stuffed doughnuts are an absolute must-try. They are exquisitely soft, wonderfully doughy, and generously filled with a bright, tangy homemade grapefruit curd that provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweet dough.
Ricotta Donuts with Lemon Cardamom Sugar
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Important Recipe Note for Success: To ensure your ricotta donut holes are cooked through perfectly, it’s crucial to maintain a steady oil temperature throughout the frying process. Only remove the donuts from the oil when they have achieved a deep golden-brown color on all sides and feel relatively light in weight. Since this batter is inherently quite moist, these steps are key to guaranteeing a fully cooked, tender interior.
Ingredients
For the Donut Batter:
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk ricotta cheese (For best results, we recommend a high-quality brand like Bel Gioioso ricotta con latte or a similarly creamy, fresh variety)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (24g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- zest of 1 medium lemon
- ¾ cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
- generous pinch kosher salt
- 5-6 cups vegetable oil (or other neutral oil, for frying)
For the Lemon Cardamom Sugar:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- zest of ½ medium lemon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup (120g) sifted powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk ricotta cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
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To this wet mixture, add the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Using a sturdy spatula, gently fold in the dry ingredients until they are just absorbed and no pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and make the donuts tough. The batter will be notably thick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the lemon cardamom sugar mixture and, if desired, the optional lemon glaze. Chilling the batter helps it hold its shape better during frying.
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2. Prepare the Lemon Cardamom Sugar: On a large plate or in a wide, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and ground cardamom. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together gently. This action helps to release the aromatic oils from the lemon zest and distribute the cardamom evenly, infusing the sugar with wonderful fragrance. Set this mixture aside, ready for coating the warm donuts.
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3. Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional): In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, pourable, yet thick consistency. If the glaze appears too thin, gradually add a touch more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice, a few drops at a time, until it’s just right. Set aside.
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4. Fry the Ricotta Donuts: Remove the chilled batter from the refrigerator. In a large, wide, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), add the vegetable oil. Ensure there are 2-3 inches of oil and at least 2 inches of safety clearance from the top of the oil to the top of the pot. Attach a fry or candy thermometer to the side of the pot and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it steadily reaches 350°F (175°C).
Using a small cookie scoop (each scoop should be no larger than 1 tablespoon in size for even cooking) or two spoons, carefully scoop portions of the thick batter and gently drop them into the hot frying oil. Fry the donut holes in small batches (do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature too much), flipping and turning them frequently with a slotted spoon or spider for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown on all sides. Once cooked through, the donut holes should feel relatively light in weight when lifted.
Pro Tip for Success: Frying the donut holes in small batches is essential to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the oil temperature to drop significantly and result in greasy or unevenly cooked donuts. A steady oil temperature is key to their perfect texture.
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5. Roll in Sugar and Serve: As each batch of donuts finishes frying, promptly transfer them using a slotted spoon or skimmer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or plate to drain any excess oil. While they are still delightfully warm, roll the donuts generously in the prepared lemon cardamom sugar. Ensure they are evenly coated on all sides for the best flavor and texture. Continue this process quickly with the remaining batter, frying and coating in continuous batches.
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Serve your freshly fried ricotta donuts warm, allowing their light, fluffy texture and aromatic sugar coating to shine. If you prepared the optional lemon glaze, drizzle it lightly over the warm donuts just before serving for an extra layer of brightness and sweetness. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate treat!
Additional Tips for Success:
- Advance Batter Preparation: The ricotta donut batter is incredibly versatile! It can be prepared a full day in advance and stored perfectly in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes these donuts ideal for entertaining or when you want a quick breakfast treat without the morning rush.
- Enjoy Them Fresh: For the ultimate experience, these donut holes are unequivocally best served immediately after frying, while they are still warm and the exterior maintains its crisp, golden perfection. While leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days, be aware that the delightful crispness of the exterior will soften considerably over time. A quick reheat in a warm oven can help revive some of their texture.
- Reusing Frying Oil: To maximize efficiency and reduce waste, don’t discard your frying oil after a single use. Once completely cooled, strain the leftover vegetable oil through a fine-meshed sieve to remove any food particles. Store it in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place. This strained oil can then be reused for several more batches of these sweet fried pastries, making your efforts even more sustainable.
Creative Flavor Variation Ideas for Your Donuts:
- Lemon Cardamom Sugar Enhancements: While the lemon cardamom pairing is exceptional, feel free to substitute other vibrant citrus varieties, such as fresh orange zest or tangy lime zest, for a simple yet exciting flavor twist.
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: This is a universally beloved choice for a reason! To create this comforting flavor, simply omit the lemon zest and replace the ground cardamom with a full one teaspoon of warm ground cinnamon.
- Elegant Vanilla Bean Sugar: For a touch of sophistication and deep vanilla aroma, scrape the fragrant seeds from one whole vanilla bean pod directly into your granulated sugar. Rub the mixture with your fingers until the sugar is infused with the vanilla essence and beautifully speckled.
- Vibrant Strawberry or Raspberry Sugar: To add both delightful fruit flavor and appealing color, blend granulated sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, or any other preferred freeze-dried fruit. The result is a naturally sweet and tart coating.
- Aromatic Herbs or Edible Flowers: For a unique and gourmet twist, infuse your sugar with dried culinary lavender flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary. These additions offer an unexpected depth and fragrance.
- Delightful Dipping Options: Consider serving your warm ricotta donuts alongside an array of delicious dipping sauces. Offer bowls of your favorite fruit jam, luscious caramel sauce, or a light and airy Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream) for an extra layer of indulgence.