Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Featured in: Soft Weekend Bakes

This dish features soft, golden donut holes fried to perfection, then generously dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Arranged into a playful mountain shape, it invites sharing and offers a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, raspberry jam, and caramel custard. Made with simple ingredients including flour, eggs, milk, and warm spices, it's a delightful treat for gatherings. Proper frying temperature ensures even cooking and crispy exteriors while maintaining soft interiors.

Variations include adding citrus zest or cinnamon for extra flavor and substituting gluten-free flour for dietary needs. Best enjoyed fresh and warm, the donut holes create a charming centerpiece for any dessert occasion.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Powdered Donut Holes Mountain: A beautiful, sweet mountain of golden-brown donut holes, heavily dusted. Save
Powdered Donut Holes Mountain: A beautiful, sweet mountain of golden-brown donut holes, heavily dusted. | saffronhollow.com

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.

This recipe became a family favorite during our weekend brunches, as everyone loved piling the donut holes into a mountain and dipping them into their preferred sauces.

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.
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Making this recipe was a joyous family activity; kids loved helping roll the donut holes in powdered sugar and choosing their favorite dipping sauces.

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)

Freshly fried Powdered Donut Holes Mountain: Imagine tender, warm donut holes piled high with powdered toppings. Save
Freshly fried Powdered Donut Holes Mountain: Imagine tender, warm donut holes piled high with powdered toppings. | saffronhollow.com

Enjoy your powdered donut holes fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature is best for frying donut holes?

Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying, resulting in a golden crust and soft interior.

Can gluten-free flour be used?

Yes, substituting a gluten-free flour blend works well for a gluten-free option without compromising texture.

How should donut holes be coated?

Roll warm donut holes generously in powdered sugar immediately after frying for a light, sweet coating.

What dipping sauces complement this dish?

Chocolate sauce, raspberry jam, vanilla custard, or caramel sauce add variety and sweetness to the dish.

How can I add extra flavor to the batter?

Incorporate citrus zest or cinnamon into the batter to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

A towering stack of pillowy donut holes dusted with sugar, paired with assorted dipping sauces.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Recipe by Mira Dalton

Recipe Type Soft Weekend Bakes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Donut Holes

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 large eggs
07 3/4 cup whole milk
08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 Vegetable oil, for frying

Coating

01 1 cup powdered sugar

Dipping Sauces (optional)

01 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
02 1/2 cup raspberry jam, slightly warmed
03 1/2 cup vanilla custard or caramel sauce

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 02

Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until homogenous.

Step 03

Form batter: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 04

Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, maintaining approximately 2 inches depth.

Step 05

Fry donut holes: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter carefully into hot oil using a cookie scoop or spoons, frying in batches.

Step 06

Cook until golden: Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 07

Drain excess oil: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain briefly.

Step 08

Dust with powdered sugar: While still warm, roll each donut hole generously in powdered sugar to coat evenly.

Step 09

Assemble serving: Arrange donut holes stacked in a mountain formation on a platter.

Step 10

Serve with sauces: Present immediately alongside assorted dipping sauces as desired.

Equipment Needed

  • 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 sauces

Allergy Notice

Review every item for potential allergens, and reach out to a provider with any uncertainty.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.
  • Potential cross-contamination with nuts or soy in chocolate sauce.
  • Verify individual product labels for allergen information.

Nutrition Stats (per portion)

Details here are for general advice—always consult a health expert for specific needs.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 4 g