Duck Donuts Recipe

I love donuts—especially Duck Donuts! There’s just something about their warm, fresh flavor that gets me every time. If you’ve ever had a donut craving hit, you know how strong it can be. Rather than driving all the way to a shop, I decided to try making my own version of a duck donuts recipe at home. And let me tell you, these donuts are delicious.

They’re golden, slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and topped with sweet glazes like vanilla or chocolate. You can even add fun toppings like bacon bits or sprinkles.

The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complex steps. You can make these donuts with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they fry up quickly, making them a great treat anytime you want something sweet and special.

If you’re new to donut-making or just want to recreate that Duck Donuts, you’re going to love this easy duck donuts copycat recipe.

What Makes Duck Donuts So Good?

Duck Donuts are known for their made-to-order freshness. Unlike other donuts that may sit out for a while, these are fried right in front of you and served warm. That means you’re getting a warm, perfectly cooked donut every single time. No sad, day-old donuts here.

But what really sets them apart is their unique texture. Duck Donuts have this amazing crispy outside that gives way to a soft, cake-like inside. It’s like biting into a little piece of heaven.

And let’s not forget about the toppings! Duck Donuts lets you customize your treat with all sorts of yummy glazes and toppings. From classic vanilla to maple bacon, the options are endless. This mix-and-match approach means you can create your perfect donut every time you visit.

What Are Duck Donuts Fried In?

Duck Donuts are fried in soybean oil. This type of oil is great for frying because it has a high smoke point, which means it can get really hot without burning. That’s key for getting that perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture we all love.

Now, for our homemade version, we’re going to use vegetable oil. It’s easier to find and works just as well. The important thing is to make sure your oil is hot enough before you start frying. Too cool, and your donuts will soak up too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. We’re aiming for that sweet spot of 350°F (175°C).

How to Make Copycat Duck Donuts at Home

Here’s a simple version of the duck donuts recipe you can try at home. It’s easy, quick, and super satisfying.

Ingredients for Duck Donuts:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Toppings and Glazes:

• Vanilla glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2-3 tbsp milk
• Toppings: Bacon bits, sprinkles, crushed nuts, etc.

Recipe Substitutions

• For a dairy-free version, swap milk for almond or soy milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for an even lighter texture.
• No vanilla extract? Try almond extract for a unique flavor twist.

Kitchen Appliances

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Deep fryer or large, deep pot
• Thermometer (if not using a deep fryer)
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Piping bag or zip-lock bag

Recipe Instructions

Step1. Prepare the Donut Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a thick batter.

Step 2. Fry the Donuts:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter in circles directly into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and drain on paper towels.

Step 3. Dip and Decorate:

Now comes the fun part! Prepare your glazes by mixing the ingredients for the vanilla or chocolate glaze. Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip them into your glaze of choice. Then, top with your favorite toppings—bacon bits, sprinkles, or crushed nuts. Get creative! You can even drizzle a second glaze over the top for extra sweetness.

Step 4. Serve Warm and Enjoy.

Serve the donuts while they’re still warm and fresh. This is when they taste the best—just like Duck Donuts! You can also get a “take-home donut kit” experience by setting up a donut decorating station at home, perfect for kids or family gatherings.

Recipe Notes

• Don’t crowd the fryer. Fry just a few donuts at a time.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil with a small drop of batter. It should sizzle and rise to the top quickly.
• For extra fluffy donuts, let the batter rest for 10 minutes before frying.
• Always fry in fresh, clean oil for the best taste.

Recipe Variations and Additions

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and roll warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add lemon zest and poppy seeds to the batter. Top with a lemon glaze.
• Apple Cider Donuts: Replace half the milk with apple cider and add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the batter.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix peanut butter into your glaze and top with chopped peanuts.
• S’mores Donuts: Top chocolate-glazed donuts with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are best served warm, right after glazing. For the full Duck Donuts experience, set up a DIY topping bar. Put out bowls of different glazes and toppings, and let everyone create their own masterpiece. It’s super fun for kids and adults alike.

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat. And hey, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not use them to make an epic ice cream sandwich? Yum.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the donuts (before glazing) for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven before adding the glaze.

Reheating: To warm leftover donuts, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Duck Donuts Recipe FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as fried ones.

My donuts aren’t as fluffy as I’d like. What went wrong?

A couple things could cause this. Make sure your baking powder is fresh – old baking powder won’t give you that fluffy rise. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until everything is combined, then stop. Overmixing can make your donuts tough.

Why are my donuts greasy?

If your donuts are coming out greasy, your oil probably isn’t hot enough. Make sure it’s at 350°F before you start frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot – this can lower the oil temperature too much.

My glaze is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

Easy fix! If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Keep adjusting until you get the consistency you want.

How long will these donuts stay fresh?

They are best eaten fresh, but you can store them for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

If you’re craving warm, freshly-made donuts, this Duck Donuts recipe is for you. It’s easy to make, customizable, and so satisfying! Plus, you can get creative with glazes and toppings to make them your own.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the homemade donut experience as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more fun recipes.