These ricotta doughnuts are wonderfully soft, incredibly tender, and remarkably easy to make with absolutely zero rising time! This is the perfect homemade doughnut recipe for anyone seeking a delightful treat without the usual wait.
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Every now and then, culinary inspiration strikes in the most unexpected ways. For me, it was a peaceful weekend afternoon, a quick glance into the fridge, and the sight of a container of ricotta cheese nearing its expiration date. My mind immediately started racing with possibilities. And then, my eyes landed on a wonderful Christmas gift from my husband last year: a gleaming deep-fryer. The stars aligned. What better way to put that fryer to good use and prevent food waste than by whipping up a batch of glorious, homemade ricotta doughnuts?
The Journey to the Perfect No-Rise Doughnut
It’s funny how food memories linger. I recall an early blogging event where making doughnuts was the challenge. Back then, I opted for traditional yeast doughnuts, partly swayed by my husband’s preference. However, I secretly harbored a desire to try ricotta doughnuts. This time, there was no debate; it was my turn to choose, and oh, what a fantastic decision it turned out to be! These ricotta delights not only proved to be significantly easier to prepare but also delivered an absolutely exquisite flavor and texture that surpassed all expectations.
For those who might be hesitant about frying, let me reassure you: these doughnuts truly are one of the simplest and most rewarding treats you can make at home. The preparation process is unbelievably quick, requiring mere minutes to mix the ingredients. Unlike their yeast-based counterparts, there’s absolutely no waiting around for dough to rise or meticulous shaping required. You can have your batter ready to go even before your frying oil reaches the ideal temperature, making this a truly spontaneous dessert option.
Unveiling the Magic: Texture and Flavor Profile
I was genuinely astonished by the magnificent texture of these Ricotta Doughnuts. Having never made them before, I wasn’t entirely sure what to anticipate. What emerged from the fryer were golden, crisp-on-the-outside, yet unbelievably light and fluffy on the inside spheres of pure delight. The ricotta cheese works wonders, imparting an incredible tenderness and a subtle richness that makes each bite melt in your mouth. They are distinctly moist, preventing any dryness often associated with some fried pastries. Coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture, these doughnuts achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them incredibly addictive. Honestly, they rank among the best doughnuts I’ve ever tasted, let alone crafted myself!
This success has solidified my belief that my deep fryer will be a much-loved and frequently used appliance in my kitchen. As long as I can continue producing such exquisite and easy-to-make treats like these ricotta doughnuts, it will certainly earn its keep!
Mastering the Fry: Tips for Perfect Homemade Doughnuts
Frying can seem daunting, but with a few key tips, you’ll be a doughnut master in no time. The most critical aspect is maintaining the correct oil temperature. Too low, and your doughnuts will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. Too high, and they’ll brown quickly on the outside, remaining raw in the middle. A deep-fryer with a thermometer is ideal, but a heavy-bottomed pot and a candy thermometer will work just as well. Aim for a consistent 350°F (175°C).
- Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These won’t impart unwanted flavors to your delicate ricotta doughnuts.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the doughnuts in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature dramatically, leading to uneven cooking and greasy results. Give each doughnut enough space to float and cook evenly.
- Monitor the Temperature: Keep an eye on your thermometer. If the temperature drops too low, increase the heat slightly. If it climbs too high, reduce the heat or remove the pot from the burner for a moment to cool down.
- Drain Properly: Once golden brown and cooked through, use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the doughnuts directly to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb any excess oil, ensuring a lighter, crisper finish before coating them.
Ingredients Spotlight: The Secret to Heavenly Ricotta Doughnuts
The beauty of these ricotta doughnuts lies in their simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating their unique soft and tender texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: This is the star ingredient! Full-fat ricotta provides essential moisture and a delicate creaminess, contributing to the incredible tenderness of the doughnuts. It’s what gives them that distinct, melt-in-your-mouth quality and helps to eliminate the need for yeast, hence no rising time!
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the structure and fluffiness of the doughnuts.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the batter and helps with browning during frying. The additional sugar for the cinnamon coating provides that classic sweet finish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure for the doughnuts. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to tough doughnuts.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the subtle tang of ricotta and adds a comforting, aromatic note to the doughnuts.
- Cinnamon: Paired with sugar for the coating, cinnamon offers a warm, inviting spice that perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the fried ricotta.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
While a simple toss in cinnamon sugar is undeniably classic and delicious for these ricotta doughnuts, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and serving styles!
- Powdered Sugar: For a simpler, elegant touch, dust warm doughnuts generously with powdered sugar.
- Citrus Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of lemon or orange juice for a bright, tangy glaze that beautifully complements the ricotta.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled doughnuts for a decadent treat.
- Fruit Compote: Serve warm ricotta doughnuts alongside a spoonful of homemade berry compote or a fresh fruit salad for a lovely breakfast or dessert pairing.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of warm caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a sweetened cream cheese dip for an interactive dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These ricotta doughnuts are truly best enjoyed fresh, ideally warm from the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can briefly warm them in a toaster oven or air fryer at a low temperature (around 250°F / 120°C) for a few minutes until just warm and slightly re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Explore More Delicious Doughnut Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with homemade doughnuts, here are a few more recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Easy Biscuit Doughnuts
- Flavorful Apple Cider Doughnuts
- Classic Cake Doughnuts
- Joyful Homemade Funfetti Doughnuts
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricotta Doughnuts
- What makes ricotta doughnuts different from regular doughnuts?
- The key difference is the use of ricotta cheese, which provides incredible moisture and tenderness without the need for yeast. This means no rising time, making them much quicker to prepare than traditional yeast-leavened doughnuts.
- Can I make these doughnuts without a deep-fryer?
- Yes, you can! A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven filled with about 2-3 inches of oil works perfectly. Just be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately for the best results.
- Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese before using it?
- For most brands of ricotta, draining isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe, as the moisture contributes to the tender texture. However, if your ricotta seems excessively watery, you can lightly drain it through a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 15-30 minutes to remove some excess liquid.
- Can I bake these ricotta doughnuts instead of frying them?
- This recipe is specifically formulated for frying to achieve that characteristic soft interior and slightly crisp exterior. Baking them would result in a very different texture, more akin to a muffin or cake, rather than a traditional doughnut. For a baked doughnut, it’s generally better to use a dedicated baked cake doughnut recipe.
- What other coatings or glazes can I use?
- Beyond the classic cinnamon sugar, these doughnuts are fantastic with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a lemon zest glaze, a chocolate drizzle, or even served with a fruit compote. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
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Ricotta Doughnuts
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Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
16 – 24 doughnuts, depending on size.
Dessert
Italian
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola) over medium heat until it registers 350ºF (175°C) on a deep-fry thermometer.
- While the oil is heating, in a large bowl, stir together the eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and ricotta cheese until the mixture is mostly smooth. Incorporate the flour and vanilla extract, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate, shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
- Using a small ice cream scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon in size), carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry the doughnuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, typically 2-3 minutes per batch, flipping as needed.
- Transfer the fried doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels for a few minutes to drain excess oil. While still warm, transfer them to the bowl containing the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently to ensure each doughnut is fully coated. Continue cooking and coating the remaining batter in batches. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from Chocolate and Vanilla.
ricotta donuts, ricotta doughnuts, no-rise donuts, homemade donuts, Italian dessert