19 Homemade Doughnut Recipes That'll Satisfy Your Homer-Sized Cravings (2024)

01 of 19

Maple Bacon Doughnut Bars

When you can't decide whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, one of these doughnut bars topped with a maple glaze and crumbled bacon will hit the spot. While they do require some time to rise and fry, the end result makes it all worth it.

02 of 19

German Fastnacht Doughnuts

Fastnacht is Pennsylvania Dutch for fasting night, or the last night of revelry before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, these pillowy deep-fried doughnuts appear on the table that day to use up the last of the sugar and lard before Lent, but you can enjoy them any time. Try one split in half and spread with molasses for a sweetly traditional treat.

03 of 19

Malasadas

If you've ever visited Hawaii, you've probably had malasadas, a deep-fried doughnut tossed in granulated sugar. Leonard's Bakery makes the most famous ones, but you can give them a run for their money at home with this recipe. Don't skip out on the potato starch—it makes the dough easier to work.

04 of 19

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Enjoy the taste of autumn any time by whipping up a batch of these light, crispy apple cider doughnuts. You probably have a lot of the ingredients on hand already. A cinnamon-sugar coating complements the apple notes perfectly.

05 of 19

Deep-Fried Apple Fritters

Technically, apple fritters live in a category all their own. But because they often appear in the case along with doughnuts, we consider them one of that family, too. These deep-fried fritters have a delicious apple flavor and taste great as a special treat for breakfast or a snack.

06 of 19

Plain Cake Doughnuts

Despite their name, these simple cake doughnuts taste anything, but boring. Before you get started, spread out some brown paper covered in paper towels to drain the doughnuts. They'll make less of a mess that way and keep their crisp exterior.

07 of 19

Homemade Raised Doughnuts

Because the dough does need to rise, these homemade doughnuts take some time. But their slightly sweet dough, sugar-crusted coating, and tender interior make it a worthy project to impress a special someone or pull out all the stops for a holiday brunch.

08 of 19

Top Pot Old-Fashioned Doughnuts

Frying these old-fashioned doughnuts at a lower temperature and turning them twice gives them plenty of nooks and crannies for holding a sweet, sticky glaze. Sour cream keeps the dough tender and gives it the slightest tang.

09 of 19

Homemade Pączki

Traditionally, deep-fried pączki appear on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. These pillowy Polish doughnuts come filled with rosehip, prune, apricot, strawberry, or sweet cheese filling, or sometimes not filled at all and rolled in sugar instead. Try filling yours with your favorite fruit jam.

10 of 19

S'Mores Doughnuts

Made with a sweet marshmallow filling, chocolate glaze, and graham cracker crumbs, these delicious doughnuts taste just like everyone's favorite campfire treat. Fry up a batch for a campout-themed gathering or a tasty treat, anytime.

11 of 19

Air Fryer Sufganiyot

These sufganiyot doughnuts generally come out during Hanukah, since the deep fryer's oil symbolizes the oil that miraculously kept the lamps burning in the temple. This recipe uses the air fryer for all of the decadent taste, but with less oil.

12 of 19

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts

Baking doughnuts requires a special pan, but this simple doughnut recipe alone will make picking one up worth the effort. Their sweet pumpkin flavor just screams "fall favorite," and it can help you use up extra pumpkin puree after pie-making, too.

13 of 19

Eggnog Baked Doughnuts

These simple baked doughnuts take hardly any time at all to mix up, so they make a great quick breakfast for busy mornings when you still want something special. And using eggnog in both the batter and the glaze adds a little holiday flare without becoming too overpoweringly sweet.

14 of 19

Unicorn Doughnuts

Kids and kids at heart will love these bright and cheerful unicorn doughnuts. The dough starts out simple, with nutmeg and buttermilk to give them a slightly warm flavor and tender texture, the perfect base for colorful glaze and flashy sprinkles. Get the kids in on the fun of decorating them as an afternoon project.

15 of 19

Red Velvet Doughnuts

With their beautiful ruby color and sweet flavor, these red velvet doughnuts make a perfect treat for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or really any time you want to treat yourself. A cream cheese glaze will remind you of the classic cake, but you can leave it off or use your favorite glaze, too.

16 of 19

Mochi Donuts

Mochi donuts are made with glutinous rice flour (also known as mochiko) and tapioca starch, making them not only delightfully chewy but also gluten free! You can create simple glazes in all colors of the rainbow, from matcha to ube to strawberry.

17 of 19

Keto Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts

Even if you follow a keto or another low-carb diet, you can still enjoy these doughnuts. They use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and xylitol replaces granulated sugar. Try them warm from the oven with a cup of coffee, for a sweet breakfast treat.

18 of 19

Vanilla-Glazed Crullers

These light and airy crullers are made with choux pastry, which gets cooked on the stove before frying and then steam slightly, which makes them rise with no leavening agent. They taste great with the included vanilla glaze, or all by themselves if you like them a little less sugary.

19 of 19

Air Fryer Doughnuts

Using your air fryer to make these doughnuts means less mess than the deep-fried kind, without sacrificing any of the flavor. The vanilla glaze makes an excellent complement. Or try them with a chocolate version or simply brushed with butter and coated in cinnamon sugar for a nice twist.