Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

Experience a playful dessert with a towering arrangement of light and fluffy donut holes, each generously coated in powdered sugar. These bite-sized treats fry to golden perfection, offering a tender interior with a slight crisp on the outside. Accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard, this dish invites you to enjoy a delightful and interactive tasting experience. The batter combines warm spices like nutmeg, adding subtle depth to the sweetness, while frying ensures a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for sharing and indulging, this sweet mountain is as fun to eat as it is to serve.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:26:00 GMT
A majestic mountain of powdered donut holes, sweet and fluffy, ready to be dipped. Save
A majestic mountain of powdered donut holes, sweet and fluffy, ready to be dipped. | epicurestates.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 has become a favorite at family gatherings for its fun presentation and delicious taste.

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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| epicurestates.com

Making this recipe always brings joy to our family as we gather around the towering donut hole mountain.

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

Per serving (approx 4 donut holes without sauces): Calories 210, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 4 g.

Freshly fried powdered donut holes piled high, a delectable dessert with creamy chocolate sauce alongside. Save
Freshly fried powdered donut holes piled high, a delectable dessert with creamy chocolate sauce alongside. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy the sweet mountain treat immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best oil temperature for frying?

Maintain 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking for a crispy exterior and moist interior.

Can I add flavors to the batter?

Yes, adding citrus zest or cinnamon enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

How do I prevent donut holes from absorbing excess oil?

Drain them on a wire rack or paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.

What dipping sauces pair well with these donut holes?

Chocolate sauce, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard complement the sweetness and add variety.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a suitable alternative.

Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Soft, pillowy donut holes dusted with powdered sugar served with assorted dipping sauces for a delightful treat.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
45 min


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

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, for dusting

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

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Phase 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Phase 03

Form Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.

Phase 04

Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches in a heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C).

Phase 05

Portion and Fry: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil in batches.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Drain Excess Oil: Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain briefly.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Arrange for Serving: Stack the donut holes into a mountain shape on a serving platter for presentation.

Phase 10

Serve with Sauces: Offer immediately alongside chocolate sauce, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard or caramel sauce as dipping options.

Necessary 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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.
  • Potential cross-contact with nuts or soy in chocolate sauce; verify labels carefully.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein: 4 g