Pin it A whimsical dessert platter featuring a towering mountain of soft, pillowy donut holes, generously dusted with powdered sugar and served with assorted dipping sauces for a delightful treat.
I first served this dessert to my family and everyone loved the fun presentation and the delightful combination of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
- Donut Holes: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Vegetable oil for frying
- Coating: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar for dusting
- Dipping Sauces (optional for platter): 1/2 cup (120 ml) chocolate sauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) raspberry jam slightly warmed, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vanilla custard or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Step 2:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 4:
- Heat 2 inches (5 cm) of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5:
- Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches.
- Step 6:
- Fry donut holes for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 7:
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Step 8:
- While still warm, roll each donut hole generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Step 9:
- Arrange the donut holes in a mountain shape on a serving platter.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces of your choice.
Pin it Sharing this dessert mountain always brings smiles and makes for a memorable family moment at gatherings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, slotted spoon, wire rack or paper towels, small cookie scoop or spoons, serving platter and small bowls for dipping sauces.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). Possible cross-contamination with nuts or soy in chocolate sauce. Always check individual product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 4 g per serving (approx 4 donut holes without sauces).
Pin it 
This dessert is a fun and tasty treat to impress guests or enjoy as a sweet family snack.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best oil to fry donut holes?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying donut holes due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- → How do I know when donut holes are cooked through?
Fry donut holes until they turn golden brown on all sides, usually 2–3 minutes per side. They should feel firm and springy.
- → Can I add flavor variations to the batter?
Yes, adding citrus zest or cinnamon to the batter enhances flavor and offers a delightful twist.
- → How should I prepare the dipping sauces?
Warm sauces like raspberry jam or caramel slightly before serving for the best dipping experience.
- → What is the recommended serving size?
The mountain yields 24–30 donut holes, perfect for serving 6–8 people as a shared treat.