There's nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, fluffy donut, and these are a true delight! With a soft, airy texture, a sweet vanilla glaze, and a topping of luscious, ripe peaches, they're a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe brings together classic comfort with a burst of summery fruit flavor that everyone will adore.
📜 Ingredients
For the Donuts:
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
½ cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
1 large egg, at room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
4 tablespoons milk (or water), plus more if needed
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
For the Peach Topping:
1 large fresh peach, peeled, pitted, and diced (or ½ cup canned peaches in light syrup, drained and diced)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water or lemon juice
📝 Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Once risen, gently punch down the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters (one for the donut, one for the hole), cut out the donut shapes. Re-roll scraps once to cut more donuts.
- Second Rise: Place the cut donuts and donut holes on parchment-covered baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy.
- Prepare Peach Topping: While the donuts are rising for the second time, combine the diced peaches, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon water/lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are slightly softened and the liquid has thickened into a light syrup. Let cool.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer fried donuts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with donut holes.
- Make the Glaze: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and alcohol-free vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze and Top: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, turning to coat, and return to the wire rack. While the glaze is still wet, spoon a small amount of the prepared peach topping into the center of each donut. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
💡 Chef's Tips
- For an extra fragrant donut, consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It beautifully complements the peach flavor.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can refresh them slightly.
