2-Ingredient Donuts: Zero Fuss, Maximum Yum!
As a busy home chef, I know the struggle of wanting homemade baked goods without committing hours or dozens of ingredients.
Enter the 2-Ingredient Donut: a game-changing bite of sweetness that whips up in minutes, tastes like you spent all morning in the kitchen, and uses only self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. No yeast. No proofing.
No complicated steps. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are foolproof, adaptable, and delightfully tender.
Why You’ll Love These 2-Ingredient Donuts
- Ridiculously Simple: Two main ingredients—self-rising flour and Greek yogurt—form the dough.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Bake, air-fry, or lightly fry to suit your equipment and preference.
- Healthier Twist: Using Greek yogurt offers protein, tang, and moisture without excess fat or sugar.
- Customizable: From vanilla glaze to cinnamon sugar, dress them up any way you like.
- Ready Fast: Twenty minutes from start to finish means homemade donuts are within reach any day of the week.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes/Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup (130 g) | For homemade: combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt |
| Greek yogurt (plain) | 1 cup (240 g) | Full-fat or 2% for best texture; dairy-free yogurt works too |
| Optional Add-ins | ||
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | For a hint of flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | Swirl in for warmth |
| Cocoa powder | 1 tbsp | For chocolate donuts |
Equipment & Prep
- Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl & whisk or spatula
- Donut pan (preferred) or round cookie cutter + smaller cutter for holes
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (for neat shaping)
- Baking sheet, air-fryer basket, or skillet (for frying)
- Prep Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), or preheat air-fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the donut pan or line the baking sheet with parchment.
- If frying: pour oil to a depth of ½ inch in a heavy skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- Combine 1 cup self-rising flour with 1 cup Greek yogurt in your bowl.
- Optional: Stir in vanilla extract or spices now.
- Gently fold until just combined—avoid overmixing. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
2. Shape the Donuts
- Donut Pan Method:
- Transfer dough into a piping bag or sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- Pipe rings into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
- Freeform Method:
- Dust counter with flour.
- Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.
- Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut circles, then a 1-inch cutter to punch centers.
3. Cook the Donuts
- Baking (Oven):
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, rotating pan halfway.
- Donuts should be lightly golden and springy to the touch.
- Air-Frying:
- Arrange in a single layer; don’t overcrowd.
- Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Quick Frying:
- Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 1 minute per side.
- Drain on paper towels immediately.
4. Glaze & Finish
- Classic Sugar Glaze:
- Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 Tbsp milk (or water) until smooth.
- Dip donuts, then set on rack to let excess drip off.
- Alternatives:
- Cinnamon-Sugar: Toss warm donuts in a ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon mix.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt ¼ cup chocolate chips with 1 tsp oil; drizzle.
- Powdered Sugar Dust: Shake through a sieve for an elegant finish.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Dough Too Dry? Add yogurt 1 tsp at a time until just sticky.
- Dough Too Wet? Fold in small amounts of flour until manageable.
- Soggy Bottoms? Ensure oven or fryer is fully preheated. Donuts should hit high heat immediately for a good rise.
- Uniform Size: Use a piping bag for even rings or weigh portions (about 40 g dough each).
- Overmixing Woes: Stops gluten development—stir just until no streaks remain.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Chai Donuts
- Add 1 tsp chai spice blend to dough.
- Glaze with brewed chai-infused milk.
- Lemon-Poppy Seed Donuts
- Fold in 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 Tbsp poppy seeds.
- Drizzle with lemon juice + powdered sugar icing.
- Chocolate Cocoa Donuts
- Replace 2 Tbsp flour with 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin-Spice Donuts
- Substitute ½ cup yogurt with ½ cup pumpkin puree.
- Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice; bake at same temperature.
- Berry Swirl Donuts
- Dollop 2 Tbsp berry jam into batter before shaping.
- Lightly swirl with a skewer for a marbled effect.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair With: Fresh-brewed coffee, chai tea, or a creamy smoothie.
- Presentation: Stack on a tiered board, sprinkle with edible flowers, or serve in colorful liners.
- Garnish Ideas: Toasted nuts, shaved coconut, lemon slices, or fresh berries.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Store glazed or plain donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 5 days, but may dry—reheat before serving.
- Freezing:
- Unglazed: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
- Glazed: Freeze on a tray, then bag for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Reheating Tips: Cortez in toaster oven or air-fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes to refresh texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut, Baked & Glazed)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- (Values vary with glazes and substitutions.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes—combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt to mimic self-rising flour.
How do I make these vegan?
Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt (soy or coconut works best) and use a vegan glaze (plant milk + powdered sugar).
What’s the best way to reheat leftover donuts?
Warm for 3–5 minutes at 325°F (160°C) in an oven or air-fryer for a fresh-from-scratch texture.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely. Just double ingredients and bake in two pans or in batches—don’t overcrowd.
Why didn’t my donuts rise?
Likely due to old baking powder in store-bought self-rising flour or overmixing. Always check your flour’s freshness and stir gently.
These 2-Ingredient Donuts prove that delightful treats don’t require hours or complicated steps—just a little ingenuity and the two simplest ingredients. Go ahead, indulge in bakery-style donuts at home today!
