When it comes to indulgent yet simple desserts, nothing beats the charm of an Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut. These donuts strike the perfect balance between crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful tang from the buttermilk that leaves you wanting more. Have you ever been to a cozy family gathering where the moment you stepped in, you were greeted with the warm aroma of freshly fried donuts? That’s the feeling these donuts evoke!
What makes these treats even more special is their wholesome simplicity. Just like my popular Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, these donuts remind us that comfort food doesn’t need complex ingredients or techniques to shine. Whether they are served at a leisurely brunch or an evening gathering with loved ones, Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts are sure to win hearts!
So, roll up those sleeves, and let’s dive into the delightful world of buttermilk donuts!
What is an Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut?
Have you ever wondered about the name “old-fashioned”? Is it because they’re made with a family recipe passed down through generations, or simply because they taste like nostalgia? Whatever the origin, one thing is certain: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these donuts are a clear path. Picture this: you, on a Sunday morning, enjoying a golden, fluffy donut with a cup of tea or your favorite hot beverage. The sheer joy of biting into that blissfully sweet donut is unmatched!
If you’re looking to impress at your next family gathering, these donuts are the way to go. Trust me, your loved ones will be coming back for seconds, and you’ll have a delicious story to tell!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut
When it comes to homemade treats, nothing quite compares to the Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut. First, they boast a unique texture that is slight yet wonderfully comforting. Fried to a golden perfection, they have that crispy exterior that crumbles beautifully to reveal the soft, tender inner sweetness. Second, there’s the bonus of cooking at home—say goodbye to the pricey donut shop trips and hello to budget-friendly treats! And lastly, you have a canvas for toppings: whether you prefer a simple glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dash of cinnamon, the flavor combinations are endless.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic donut with glaze, I can guarantee this old-fashioned delight will quickly rise to the top of your favorites list. Don’t wait too long—grab those ingredients and start your baking adventure!
How to Make Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut
Quick Overview
Making Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts can be a fun and satisfying experience! With a preparation time of just about 20 minutes and fry time of approximately 5 minutes per batch, you’ll find that diving into this recipe is well worth it. The outcome? Soft, cake-like donuts that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside—a true delight for all your senses!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together nicely to ensure an even distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth. Then, add in the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be tender.
- Shape the Donuts: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out the donuts.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready for frying.
- Fry the Donuts: Gently place the donuts into the hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or your favorite glaze. Serve warm for the best experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donut
- Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, feel free to use coconut milk or almond milk in place of buttermilk.
- Timing: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Underheated oil can lead to greasy donuts, while overheated oil could burn them.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overmix your batter, as this can lead to dense donuts. Also, be patient while frying; allow them to brown before flip-flopping to ensure even cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, wrapped tightly. They can be kept in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their delightful texture and flavor, ensuring you enjoy every bite just as much as the first!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to some delicious Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts that are bound to impress! Happy frying!

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together nicely to ensure an even distribution.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth. Then, add in the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be tender.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out the donuts.
Frying
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, it's ready for frying.
- Gently place the donuts into the hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or your favorite glaze. Serve warm for the best experience!

Leave a Reply