Easy & Fluffy Ricotta Donut Holes: Your Go-To Yeast-Free Recipe
While making homemade donuts might seem like a grand undertaking, a true labor of love that requires hours of proofing and kneading, these remarkable Ricotta Donut Holes redefine the concept of homemade indulgence. They are surprisingly effortless to prepare, challenging the notion that delicious, scratch-made pastries must be complicated.
Unlike their traditional counterparts, which often carry a heavy, dense texture, these ricotta donuts are exquisitely light and unbelievably fluffy. Their secret lies in the simple yet brilliant inclusion of ricotta cheese, which lends an unmatched tenderness to every bite. What truly sets them apart is their yeast-free nature, eliminating the lengthy proofing times typically associated with yeast-raised doughs. This means you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in a fraction of the time, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings.
Once transformed into golden-brown perfection through quick frying, these warm, delicate donut holes are immediately tossed in a captivating homemade lemon cardamom sugar. This isn’t just any sugar coating; it’s a carefully crafted blend that elevates the entire experience. The bright, zesty notes from fresh lemon peel cut through the richness, providing a delightful burst of citrus, while the subtle, fragrant warmth of ground cardamom adds an exotic, comforting depth that lingers beautifully on the palate. The combination is simply irresistible, promising a sensory delight with every single bite.
While there’s certainly a time and a place for the charm of a great baked doughnut – I often find myself reaching for these baked olive oil doughnuts with chocolate glaze, especially when topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or these comforting baked pumpkin doughnuts during the autumn months – they often lean closer to the texture of cake or muffins. Baked options, while delicious, rarely achieve the truly ethereal lightness and satisfying crispness that a fried donut delivers.
But these Ricotta Donut Holes are in a league of their own. They expertly strike the perfect balance: a wonderfully crisp and golden-brown exterior gives way to an interior that remains unbelievably soft, moist, and cloud-like. This unique textural contrast is precisely what makes them so addictive and memorable. They offer the best of both worlds, truly delivering on the promise of a delightful donut experience.
Serving these exquisite donuts is always a joy. They make an incredibly fun and impressive treat to accompany a special breakfast spread, adding a touch of elegance and homemade charm to any brunch. Imagine them alongside fresh fruit, a rich coffee, or sparkling mimosas – a truly unforgettable start to your day!
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The fragrant blend of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and ground cardamom ready to coat the warm donuts. -
A generous pile of perfectly golden-brown ricotta donut holes, glistening with their sweet coating.
Why These Ricotta Donut Holes Will Be Your New Favorite Treat:
These ricotta donut holes aren’t just a recipe; they’re a revelation in effortless indulgence. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Unbeatable Ease & Speed: Forget complex baking projects! The simple batter for these donuts comes together in a single mixing bowl in under five minutes. What’s more, clean-up is minimal, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules. The real game-changer is the complete absence of yeast, which means no proofing, no multiple rises, and no waiting around. From mixing to serving, you can have these warm, delicious donuts on your table in less than 20 minutes, making them perfect for impromptu treats or quick breakfast solutions.
- An Irresistible Texture Revolution: The secret to their unparalleled texture lies in the star ingredient: high-quality ricotta cheese. By incorporating this silky, creamy Italian cheese into the batter, we not only infuse the donuts with a rich, delicate flavor but, more importantly, create an astonishingly light and airy texture. Each donut boasts a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior that shatters gently to reveal an interior that is unbelievably soft, moist, and cloud-like. It’s a texture experience far superior to many traditional or baked donuts. For the truly ambitious, consider making your own homemade ricotta cheese for an even fresher taste.
- Versatile & Enchanting Flavor Profile: While my personal favorite involves rolling these delightful donut holes in a vibrant lemon cardamom sugar – a blend that offers bright citrus notes and warm, aromatic spice – the flavor possibilities are truly endless. This recipe serves as a fantastic blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with various spice blends, citrus zests, or other delicious mix-ins. [Explore more exciting flavor variation ideas detailed below!]
- Convenient Make-Ahead Preparation: Planning ahead for a special brunch or a weekend treat? The donut batter can be easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This flexibility allows you to do the prep work whenever it suits you, then simply fry them fresh just before serving. Once your frying oil is preheated to the ideal 350°F (175°C), the donut holes cook through quickly, taking only 3 to 4 minutes to achieve that perfect golden hue.
Don’t let the thought of frying intimidate you! I rarely venture into frying anything, but these ricotta donut holes are a delightful exception. Why? Because they are truly special – offering a balance of richness and sweetness without being overwhelming – and are genuinely *so* much easier to make than you might ever imagine. The process is straightforward, and the results are consistently spectacular.
How to Make Ricotta Donut Holes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these heavenly ricotta donut holes is a surprisingly simple process, broken down into a few key steps:
- Prepare the Donut Batter: Begin by combining all your wet ingredients – the creamy ricotta cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, aromatic vanilla extract, and bright lemon zest – in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk them together until you achieve a wonderfully smooth and homogenous mixture. Next, gently fold in your dry ingredients: the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder (which gives these donuts their lift without yeast), and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a spatula to mix until the dry ingredients are just absorbed, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. The batter will be relatively thick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it. This chilling step is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld, the flour to hydrate fully, and the batter to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring a better texture once fried.
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The thick ricotta donut batter after dry ingredients have been gently folded in, ready for chilling. -
A closer look at the rich and thick ricotta donut batter, perfectly mixed and ready for its transformation.
- Prepare the Sugar Topping: While the batter chills, prepare your chosen sugar topping. The lemon cardamom sugar is highly recommended for its bright and warm notes, but feel free to explore other exciting flavor variations suggested in the recipe notes section below. To make the lemon cardamom sugar, combine granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, and ground cardamom on a large plate or in a shallow bowl. Use your fingertips to gently rub the ingredients together. This crucial step helps release the essential oils from the lemon zest, infusing the sugar with its fragrant aroma and ensuring a truly flavorful coating. Set this aside, ready for the warm donuts.
- Fry the Donuts to Golden Perfection: Now for the fun part! Pour about 5-6 cups of neutral-flavored vegetable oil into a large, wide, heavy-bottomed pot. Ensure there are 2-3 inches of oil in the pot, but also at least 2 inches of clearance from the top of the oil to the rim of the pot to prevent splattering and boil-overs. Attach a reliable fry or candy thermometer to the side of the pot and heat the oil to a precise 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key for perfectly cooked donuts.
- Once the oil is at temperature, carefully scoop small portions of the chilled batter (using a small cookie scoop works perfectly, aiming for roughly 1-tablespoon size scoops) and gently drop them into the hot frying oil. Fry the donut holes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Flip and turn them frequently with a slotted spoon or spider for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown on all sides and feel relatively light in weight (indicating they are cooked through).
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The moment ricotta donut batter is carefully scooped and dropped into the hot oil for frying. -
Freshly fried ricotta donut holes, beautifully golden, resting on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Roll in Sugar and Serve Immediately: As each batch of donut holes finishes frying, promptly transfer them using a slotted spoon or skimmer to a sheet pan or plate lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drain away. While they are still delightfully warm – this is crucial for the sugar to adhere properly – immediately roll the donuts in your prepared lemon cardamom sugar until they are thoroughly and evenly coated on all sides. The warmth helps the sugar melt slightly and cling beautifully to the crispy exterior, creating that irresistible sugary crust. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, frying and coating in batches. Serve these delectable ricotta donut holes warm for the ultimate taste and texture experience.
Get Creative! Exciting Flavor Variation Ideas for Your Ricotta Donuts:
While the classic lemon cardamom sugar is undeniably delightful, these ricotta donut holes are wonderfully versatile. Don’t hesitate to unleash your inner pastry chef and customize the sugar coating or serving accompaniments to suit your cravings. Here are a few inspiring ideas to get you started:
- Zesty Citrus Blends: Beyond lemon, try substituting other citrus varieties like vibrant orange zest or tangy lime zest into your sugar mixture for a simple yet refreshing twist. You can even combine a couple of different zests for a more complex citrus profile.
- Comforting Cinnamon Sugar: A timeless classic for a reason! For this beloved flavor, simply omit the lemon zest and replace the ground cardamom with a generous one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. You might even add a tiny pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Elegant Vanilla Bean Sugar: For an elevated and aromatic experience, introduce vanilla bean. Scrape the precious seeds from one whole vanilla bean pod directly into your granulated sugar. Use your fingertips to thoroughly rub the mixture together until the sugar is fragrant and speckled with those beautiful black vanilla seeds. This adds an entirely new dimension of gourmet flavor.
- Fruity & Vibrant Berry Sugar: To infuse your donuts with both delightful fruit flavor and a beautiful pop of color, mix your sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries. The freeze-dried fruit adds an intense, natural sweetness and a lovely tartness.
- Aromatic Herb or Floral Infusions: For a sophisticated touch, infuse your sugar with dried culinary lavender flowers or delicate herbs such as finely minced fresh rosemary. The subtle floral or herbaceous notes create a unique and memorable flavor profile.
- Irresistible Dipping Options: While delicious on their own, these donuts are also fantastic when served with various dipping sauces. Offer them alongside your favorite fruit jam, a luscious salted caramel sauce, a rich chocolate ganache, or a cloud of light and airy Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream) for an extra layer of indulgence.
Smart Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Ricotta Donut Holes
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but a little planning can make them even easier to enjoy:
- Batter Preparation in Advance: For ultimate convenience, prepare your ricotta donut batter up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply mix it according to the instructions, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows you to have a delicious breakfast or dessert ready to fry with minimal effort on the day of serving.
- Pre-Mixed Sugar Coating: The flavored sugar mixture can also be prepared well in advance. Combine your granulated sugar with zest and spices, and store it in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a month. If the sugar clumps slightly over time, a quick pulse in a food processor will restore its fine texture before use.
- Handling Leftovers: While ricotta donut holes are undeniably at their peak when served immediately after frying, any leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the exterior crispness will soften over time, but the interior will remain moist and delicious.
- Reusing Frying Oil: Don’t discard your frying oil after one use! Once cooled, carefully pour the leftover oil through a fine-meshed sieve (or coffee filter) to remove any small fried bits or impurities. Store the strained oil in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place. It can be reused for another batch of donuts or other sweet fried pastries, ensuring efficiency and minimizing waste.
If you’re ever in the mood for a more traditional fried yeast doughnut experience, complete with that satisfying chewiness, I highly recommend trying these grapefruit curd stuffed doughnuts. They are wonderfully soft, perfectly doughy, and filled with a bright, homemade tart grapefruit curd that offers a delightful contrast to the sweet dough.
Ricotta Donuts with Lemon Cardamom Sugar
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Important Recipe Note: To ensure your ricotta beignets are cooked through and maintain their ideal texture, it’s crucial to keep the oil temperature as steady as possible at 350°F (175°C). Only remove them from the oil once they are beautifully golden brown on all sides and have achieved a relatively light weight. Since the ricotta batter is inherently moist, these steps are essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and fully cooked, tender interior.
Ingredients
Donut Batter:
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk ricotta cheese I recommend Bel Gioioso ricotta con latte for superior texture and flavor
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (24g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup (90g) unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
- pinch kosher salt
- 5-6 cups vegetable oil for frying (or other neutral high-smoke point oil)
Lemon Cardamom Sugar:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) sifted powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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1. Prepare Donut Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole milk ricotta cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
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2. Combine Dry & Wet: Add the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture until they are just absorbed and no pockets of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and make your donuts tough. The resulting batter will be noticeably thick. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or while you prepare the lemon cardamom sugar mixture and, if desired, the optional lemon glaze.
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3. Prepare Lemon Cardamom Sugar: On a large, shallow plate or in a wide bowl, combine the granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, and ground cardamom. Use your fingertips to rub the mixture together vigorously. This action helps to release the aromatic oils from the lemon zest and distribute the cardamom evenly, creating a highly fragrant and flavorful sugar coating. Set this aside.
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4. Prepare Lemon Glaze (Optional): In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, thick, pourable glaze consistency. If the glaze appears too thin, gradually add a little more powdered sugar until desired thickness is reached. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more lemon juice, whisking well after each addition. Set aside until ready to drizzle.
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5. Fry the Ricotta Donuts: Remove the chilled batter from the refrigerator. In a large, wide, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven), add 5-6 cups of vegetable oil (or your preferred high-smoke point frying oil). Ensure the oil depth is about 2-3 inches, leaving at least 2 inches of clearance from the top of the oil to the rim of the pot for safety. Attach a reliable fry or candy thermometer to the side of the pot and heat the oil steadily to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is critical for crispy, evenly cooked donuts.
Using a small cookie scoop (or two spoons), scoop approximately 1-tablespoon sized portions of the batter and carefully drop them into the hot frying oil. Fry the donut holes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly, leading to greasy donuts. Flip and turn the donut holes frequently with a slotted spoon or spider for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are uniformly deeply golden brown on all sides. When cooked through, the donut holes should feel relatively light in weight.
Important Tips for Frying Success: Always use a thermometer to regulate oil temperature. Fry in small batches to maintain consistent heat. Ensure sufficient clearance from the oil level to the pot rim for safety.
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6. Roll in Sugar & Serve: As soon as each batch of donuts is fried, immediately transfer them using a slotted spoon or spider to a sheet pan or plate generously lined with paper towels. Allow them to drain for just a few seconds to remove excess oil. While the donuts are still warm, gently roll them in the prepared lemon cardamom sugar until they are thoroughly and evenly coated on all sides. The warmth of the donuts helps the sugar adhere beautifully. Repeat this frying and coating process with the remaining batter until all donuts are prepared.
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7. Enjoy! Serve these delightful ricotta donut holes immediately while they are still warm for the best taste and texture. If desired, drizzle lightly with the optional lemon glaze just before serving for an extra layer of citrusy sweetness.
Additional Tips for Success:
- Batter Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step for the donut batter. This not only allows the flavors to deepen but also firms up the batter, making it much easier to scoop and handle, resulting in perfectly formed donut holes.
- Best Served Warm: These ricotta donut holes are undeniably best enjoyed immediately after frying, while they are still warm and their exterior is crisp. The texture is truly unparalleled at this stage.
- Leftover Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Please note that the delightful crispness of the exterior will naturally soften over time, but the interior will remain moist and delicious.
- Oil Reusability: To maximize efficiency, any leftover frying oil can be strained through a fine-meshed sieve (or a coffee filter set in a funnel) to remove any small food particles. Once filtered, store the clean oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It can be safely reused for another batch of sweet frying applications.
Inspiring Flavor Variation Ideas:
Customize your ricotta donuts to your heart’s content!
- Lemon Cardamom Sugar: For a simple twist on this recipe’s signature flavor, try substituting other vibrant citrus zests, such as orange or lime, to create unique aromatic blends.
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: This is a universally loved choice. Omit the lemon zest and substitute the ground cardamom with a full one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for that comforting, familiar taste.
- Gourmet Vanilla Bean Sugar: For a truly elegant touch, scrape the tiny, fragrant seeds from one vanilla bean pod directly into your granulated sugar. Rub the mixture thoroughly with your fingers until the sugar is beautifully infused and speckled with vanilla.
- Fruity Berry Sugar: To add natural sweetness, a hint of tang, and a lovely color, mix granulated sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, or other favorite freeze-dried fruits.
- Herbaceous or Floral Infusions: Experiment with infusing your sugar with delicate dried lavender flowers or aromatic herbs like finely minced fresh rosemary for a sophisticated and unexpected flavor.
- Serving Suggestions for Dipping: Beyond a sugar coating, consider serving your warm ricotta donuts with a side of fruit jam, luscious caramel sauce, rich chocolate ganache, or a dollop of sweet Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream) for an indulgent dipping experience.