If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a humble potato into an unforgettable dessert, this recipe is the answer. Fluffy yeast-raised potato doughnuts are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft, airy perfection on the inside.
They offer a delightful twist on traditional dessert recipes and are guaranteed to wow everyone at the table with their unique texture and flavor.
What Makes Potato Doughnuts Special?
Potato doughnuts stand out among dessert recipes because of their incredible texture. The addition of starchy russet potatoes results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior that’s unlike anything you’ll find in store-bought doughnuts.
The doughnuts are hand-formed rather than rolled and cut, which gives each one a rustic, homemade charm that feels warm and inviting.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
In this recipe, simplicity meets brilliance. Everyday ingredients—like flour, sugar, and potatoes—are transformed into something extraordinary. Plus, these doughnuts are a great way to minimize food waste by putting leftover potatoes to delicious use.
Perfect for both casual weekend baking and special occasions, they’re versatile enough to suit any event.
Tips for Success
To make these doughnuts truly unforgettable, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content, which makes the dough light and fluffy. Avoid waxy varieties, as they can lead to dense results.
- Mind the Temperature: Ensure your milk and melted butter are warm (about 115°F) before adding them to the dough to help the yeast activate properly.
- Gently Handle the Dough: Over-handling can knock out the air from your dough, so handle it carefully to keep it soft and pillowy.
Additionally, refined coconut oil is recommended for frying because it provides a neutral flavor and creates a beautifully crisp exterior without overpowering the subtle sweetness of the doughnuts.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this dessert recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative twists you can experiment with:
- Banana Doughnuts: Swap the potato for mashed banana to add a natural sweetness. Increase the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency, and enjoy the fruity flavor.
- Purple Sweet Potato Magic: For a colorful twist, use murasaki (purple sweet) potatoes. This variation not only looks stunning but also adds a subtly nutty flavor. Perfect for impressing guests at gatherings.
- Spiced Up: Add warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a cozy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
These variations make the doughnuts adaptable to any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a creative dish for a holiday party.
Why These Doughnuts Are Perfect for Dessert
These potato doughnuts aren’t just delicious—they’re a memorable dessert experience. Their rustic, hand-formed appearance makes them feel homemade and comforting, while the unique texture keeps everyone coming back for more.
Sharing these fluffy doughnuts with friends and family is sure to create cherished memories. They’re easy to make, use simple ingredients, and offer endless possibilities for customization.
With their balance of crispy crust and soft interior, these doughnuts are the ultimate dessert recipe for anyone who loves trying something new in the kitchen.
So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, these fluffy yeast-raised potato doughnuts will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Fluffy Yeast-Raised Potato Doughnuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk warmed to 115°F
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and warm
- 1 large egg cold
- 2 quarts refined coconut oil or neutral oil for frying
Banana Variation:
- Replace potato with ⅓ cup mashed banana
- Increase flour to 3 cups
Purple Sweet Potato Variation:
- Substitute russet potato with ⅓ cup mashed purple sweet potato.
Instructions
Prepare the Potato
- Cook the potato (boil, steam, bake, or microwave) until tender.
- Peel and pass through a fine-mesh sieve or ricer to yield 3 oz (¾ cup). Allow to cool to 70°F before use.
Make the Dough
- Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, nutmeg, and baking soda in a food processor or stand mixer.
- Add milk, butter, egg, and the prepared potato. Process until a smooth dough forms (about 15 minutes if using a stand mixer on low).
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled, about 75 minutes.
Shape and Second Rise
- Divide dough into 16 portions (1.5 oz each). Shape into balls and gently stretch into 3-inch rings.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 75 minutes (or refrigerate overnight and return to room temperature before frying).
Fry Doughnuts
- Heat 2 inches of coconut oil to 375°F in a large pot.
- Fry doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a wire rack.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.