Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This delightful creation features light, fluffy donut holes fried to golden perfection, then generously dusted with powdered sugar. Arranged in a mountain shape, they invite sharing and enjoyment. Complemented by an assortment of dipping sauces like chocolate, raspberry jam, and caramel custard, each bite offers a balance of sweetness and texture. The batter includes warm spices like nutmeg, enriching the flavor. Ideal for gatherings, this dish promises a playful yet comforting experience with every bite.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:04:00 GMT
A towering mountain of powdered donut holes, a classic American dessert, ready to be enjoyed. Save
A towering mountain of powdered donut holes, a classic American dessert, ready to be enjoyed. | honeyflint.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 dessert brings a festive feel to any gathering and always delights guests with its fun presentation and sweet flavors.

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.
Warm, fluffy powdered donut holes piled high on a platter, ready to be dipped into a sauce. Save
Warm, fluffy powdered donut holes piled high on a platter, ready to be dipped into a sauce. | honeyflint.com

This treat brings back fond memories of family celebrations where everyone eagerly reached for the sweet mountain of donut holes.

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 donut holes coated in powdered sugar form a tempting mountain on a serving plate. Save
Freshly fried donut holes coated in powdered sugar form a tempting mountain on a serving plate. | honeyflint.com

Serve these delightful donut holes fresh and warm to fully enjoy their soft texture and sweet coating.

Recipe FAQs

What oil temperature is best for frying donut holes?

Maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden exterior without absorbing excess oil.

Can I add flavors to the donut holes batter?

Yes, adding citrus zest or cinnamon enhances the flavor, giving a subtle aromatic twist to the donut holes.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftover donut holes in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispness.

What dipping sauces complement powdered donut holes?

Chocolate sauce, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard or caramel sauce offer delightful contrasts to the sweet, soft dough.

Is it possible to make these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-free preferences without sacrificing texture.

Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Towering pillowy spheres coated in sugar, served with chocolate, raspberry, and caramel dips for an indulgent treat.

Prep duration
25 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Total duration
45 minutes
Recipe by Julia Fenmore

Recipe group Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet info Meatless

What you'll need

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

Dipping Sauces

01 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
02 1/2 cup raspberry jam, warmed
03 1/2 cup vanilla custard or caramel sauce

Preparation steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 04

Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 05

Fry Donut Holes: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter carefully into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 06

Cook Until Golden: Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until donut holes are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Apply Coating: While still warm, roll each donut hole generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 09

Assemble Presentation: Arrange the coated donut holes in a mountain shape on a serving platter.

Step 10

Serve with Sauces: Serve immediately alongside assorted dipping sauces of choice for an appealing presentation.

Tools needed

  • 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 item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk).
  • Chocolate sauce may contain nuts or soy; verify product labels.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Information here is just a guide—talk to your doctor for personal advice.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams