Who can resist a freshly baked sugar doughnut? That heavenly aroma of fried dough and sugar is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But have you ever wondered how many calories are in one of these delicious treats? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the calorie count of a sugar doughnut and provide you with two different recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Calories in a Sugar Doughnut
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s first take a look at the nutritional information of a typical sugar doughnut. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one medium-sized sugar doughnut contains approximately:
- 250 calories
- 13 grams of fat
- 30 grams of carbohydrates
- 15 grams of sugar
- 3 grams of protein
Recipe 1: Classic Sugar Doughnut
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
- Using a doughnut cutter or a biscuit cutter, cut out doughnuts from the dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, turning once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss the warm doughnuts in the sugar until coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Doughnut or biscuit cutter
- Paper towels
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these classic sugar doughnuts warm with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Variations:
For a fun twist, try adding different flavors to the dough or coating. Add cinnamon to the dough for a cinnamon sugar doughnut or coat in powdered sugar for a classic twist.
Substitutions:
For a dairy-free version, swap out the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
Storage:
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips:
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy doughnut. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil to test. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it’s ready.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake these doughnuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying them. However, they won’t be as crispy as the fried version.
Recipe 2: Vegan Sugar Doughnut
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
- Using a doughnut cutter or a biscuit cutter, cut out doughnuts from the dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, turning once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss the warm doughnuts in the sugar until coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Doughnut or biscuit cutter
- Paper towels
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these vegan sugar doughnuts warm with a tall glass of almond milk or a hot cup of tea.
Variations:
For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough and coat in powdered sugar.
Substitutions:
For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage:
Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips:
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy doughnut. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil to test. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it’s ready.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
A: Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or canola oil.
Conclusion
Now that you know the calorie count of a sugar doughnut, you can indulge in this sweet treat in moderation. Whether you prefer a classic or vegan version, these recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet. So why not try making your own doughnuts at home? Your taste buds will thank you!