Vanilla donuts

Vanilla Donuts - a quick, simple, and irresistible dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

We are about to indulge in a classic dessert that will delight everyone around! Vanilla donuts are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a party, these donuts are always a guaranteed hit.

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of sparkling water (for a fluffier texture)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh taste)
- Oil for frying
- 100 g vanilla sugar (for dusting the donuts)

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in 100 ml of sparkling water, along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring your donuts will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix the dry ingredients well. Once the yeast has risen, add it to the flour mixture along with the remaining sparkling water. Mix everything until you obtain a smooth dough.

Step 3: Kneading
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Shaping the donuts
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface and roll it out to about 1 cm thick. Use the rim of a glass to cut out round shapes from the dough. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Frying
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the donuts (the test with a piece of dough: if it rises immediately, the oil is ready). Fry the donuts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

Step 6: Finishing
After frying, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. While they are still warm, generously dust them with vanilla sugar. They will have a wonderful aroma of vanilla and lemon.

Serving:
Vanilla donuts are delicious served plain, but for an extra treat, you can serve them with fresh whipped cream or fruit jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a perfect contrast between sweet and tart.

Variation suggestions:
For a unique twist, you can add chocolate pieces to the dough or try different flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg. Additionally, the donuts can be glazed with melted chocolate for an attractive appearance and a decadent taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure with these vanilla donuts. They will surely become a favorite in your home!