Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

Discover a delightful treat featuring soft donut holes fried to golden perfection, then generously dusted with powdered sugar to create a whimsical mountain presentation. These pillowy bites are best enjoyed warm and paired with a selection of dipping sauces like chocolate, raspberry jam, or vanilla custard for added flavor contrast. Perfect for sharing, this sweet arrangement combines familiar ingredients such as flour, eggs, and vanilla with an easy frying technique, bringing an inviting dessert experience to any occasion.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:51:00 GMT
Fluffy powdered donut holes mountain, a sweet dessert piled high, ready to dip and enjoy. Save
Fluffy powdered donut holes mountain, a sweet dessert piled high, ready to dip and enjoy. | dunebasil.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 recipe became an instant hit at my family gatherings, especially loved by kids and adults alike.

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.
A close-up of a delightful powdered donut holes mountain, with sweet, sugary spheres perfect for sharing. Save
A close-up of a delightful powdered donut holes mountain, with sweet, sugary spheres perfect for sharing. | dunebasil.com

Sharing these donut holes has created many joyful family moments at our table.

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

Calories: 210 per serving (approx 4 donut holes without sauces). Total Fat: 8 g. Carbohydrates: 32 g. Protein: 4 g.

Image of a freshly prepared powdered donut holes mountain with tempting dipping sauces to savor. Save
Image of a freshly prepared powdered donut holes mountain with tempting dipping sauces to savor. | dunebasil.com

This recipe is perfect to impress guests with a fun dessert mountain that tastes just as good as it looks.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best oil for frying donut holes?

Vegetable oil heated to 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without absorbing excess oil.

How can I ensure the donut holes are soft inside?

Gently mix the batter without overmixing to maintain lightness, and fry at the correct temperature for 2-3 minutes per side to cook through while preserving softness.

What dipping sauces complement powdered donut holes?

Chocolate sauce, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard or caramel offer a variety of sweetness and textures that enhance the donut holes' flavor.

Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.

How should I store leftover donut holes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven to restore softness and warmth before serving.

Powdered Donut Holes Mountain

A towering mound of soft donut holes lightly dusted in powdered sugar with dipping sauces.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Information Meat-Free

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 (optional)

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

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Form Batter: Gently fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 04

Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 inches and heat to 350°F.

Step 05

Fry Donut Holes: Using a small cookie scoop or spoons, drop tablespoon-sized batter portions into hot oil in batches.

Step 06

Cook Until Golden: Fry each donut hole 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until evenly golden and cooked through.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Dust with Powdered Sugar: While warm, roll the donut holes generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 09

Assemble Platter: Arrange coated donut holes in a mountain formation on a serving platter.

Step 10

Serve with Sauces: Offer immediately alongside dipping sauces of choice.

Essential 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 sauces

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy
  • Possible cross-contamination with nuts or soy in chocolate sauce

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 4 g