Who doesn’t love a soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy donut? Among all the different types of donuts, buttermilk donuts stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. Made with buttermilk, these donuts have a slight tanginess that perfectly balances their sweetness.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about buttermilk donuts, what they are, their history, ingredients, and even how you can make them at home. We’ll also look at different variations, compare them to old-fashioned donuts, and answer some common questions.

Chef’s Feedback on Buttermilk Donuts

“When I first made buttermilk donuts, I wasn’t expecting them to be so addictive. The buttermilk gives them a unique flavor that’s hard to resist. They have a crispy outer layer but remain soft inside, making them perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to regular donuts!” – Chef Laura Martinez

Understanding Buttermilk Donuts

Buttermilk donuts are a type of cake donut made with buttermilk instead of regular milk. This ingredient gives the donuts a slightly tangy taste while also making them softer and more flavorful. Unlike yeast donuts, which are light and airy, buttermilk donuts are denser but still incredibly tender.

How They Differ from Other Donuts

There are many types of donuts, but buttermilk donuts have a few special characteristics that set them apart:

“Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that makes these donuts so special. It not only adds flavor but also reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture.” – Chef Laura Martinez

Here’s a quick comparison of buttermilk donuts with other popular types:

Donut Type	Texture	Flavor	Leavening Agent	Cooking Method
Buttermilk Donut	Soft inside, crispy outside	Slightly tangy and sweet	Baking soda & buttermilk	Fried or baked
Yeast Donut	Light and airy	Mildly sweet	Yeast	Fried
Cake Donut	Dense and crumbly	Very sweet	Baking powder	Fried or baked
Old-Fashioned Donut	Crisp and cracked outside, soft inside	Sweet with a hint of spice	Baking powder & buttermilk	Fried

History and Popularity of Buttermilk Donuts

Origins of Buttermilk Donuts

Donuts have been around for centuries, but the buttermilk donut is a relatively newer creation. Traditional cake donuts, which rely on baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast, became popular in the 19th century. The addition of buttermilk to the recipe was a game-changer, making the texture softer and the flavor richer.

Buttermilk itself has been used in baking for hundreds of years. Bakers quickly discovered that mixing buttermilk with baking soda creates a reaction that helps dough rise, resulting in a fluffier texture. Over time, this method became a favorite for making cake-style donuts.

Why Buttermilk Donuts Are Loved Today

Buttermilk donuts remain popular for several reasons:

“There’s something special about a donut that’s crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. The slight tang from the buttermilk gives it a unique depth of flavor.” – Chef Laura Martinez

Here’s why people love buttermilk donuts:

Rich Flavor: The mild tanginess enhances the sweetness, making them taste even better.
Perfect Texture: Crisp on the outside, soft and cake-like on the inside.
Versatile: Can be glazed, powdered, or topped with various flavors.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and no yeast.

These donuts have gained a cult following, with home bakers and donut shops alike embracing their timeless appeal. They’re often seen at bakeries alongside old-fashioned donuts, which share a similar texture but may have slightly different ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Buttermilk Donuts

The Role of Buttermilk in Donut Making

The secret to a great buttermilk donut lies in its key ingredient buttermilk. But why is buttermilk so important?

It adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the donut.
The acidity helps activate baking soda, creating a light and fluffy texture.
It keeps the donuts moist and tender while preventing them from becoming too dry.

Many bakers also prefer buttermilk over regular milk because it enhances the overall richness of the donut. If you don’t have buttermilk at home, you can create a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Other Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Texture

A great buttermilk donut recipe includes a few must-have ingredients:

Ingredient	Purpose in the Recipe	Quantity (Typical Recipe)
Buttermilk	Adds moisture, flavor, and softness	1 cup
Flour	Provides structure	2 ½ cups
Sugar	Sweetens the donuts	¾ cup
Eggs	Adds richness and binds ingredients	2 large eggs
Baking Soda	Helps donuts rise for fluffiness	1 teaspoon
Butter	Adds richness and flavor	4 tablespoons (melted)
Vanilla Extract	Enhances the overall flavor	1 teaspoon
Salt	Balances sweetness	½ teaspoon

These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness in each bite.

“If you want your buttermilk donuts to have a deeper flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the batter. It adds a nutty, caramel-like taste that takes the donuts to the next level.” – Chef Laura Martinez

How to Make Buttermilk Donuts at Home

Making buttermilk donuts at home is easier than you might think! With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Buttermilk Donuts

This classic buttermilk donut recipe requires no yeast, making it quick and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Buttermilk	1 cup	Adds moisture and flavor
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups	Forms the structure
Sugar	¾ cup	Sweetens the donuts
Eggs	2 large	Helps bind the ingredients
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Creates a light texture
Butter	4 tablespoons	Adds richness
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Enhances flavor
Salt	½ teaspoon	Balances sweetness
Oil (for frying)	As needed	For deep-frying

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients while stirring.
Incorporate the butter: Melt the butter and mix it into the dough. Stir until everything is well combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
Roll and cut: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a glass and bottle cap) to cut out shapes.
Heat the oil: In a deep pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of dough, it should sizzle and rise.
Fry the donuts: Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Drain and cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Let them cool before adding toppings.

Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor

“The key to perfect buttermilk donuts is maintaining the right oil temperature. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too low, and they absorb too much oil, making them greasy.” – Chef Laura Martinez

Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of tender.
Use fresh oil – Old oil can give the donuts an unpleasant taste.
Let the dough rest – A short 10-minute rest before rolling out helps relax the gluten, making the donuts softer.

Popular Variations of Buttermilk Donuts

While classic buttermilk donuts are already delicious, there are many ways to change things up with different flavors and toppings.

Classic Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts

Old-fashioned buttermilk donuts have a distinct cracked texture and a slightly crisp outer layer. They are usually fried at a slightly lower temperature, which allows them to develop those signature cracks. These donuts are best enjoyed plain or lightly glazed.

Buttermilk Bar Donuts and Their Unique Shape

A buttermilk bar donut is a rectangular-shaped donut that is slightly denser than regular ones. It’s typically deep-fried and covered in a sweet glaze. This style originated from classic old-fashioned donuts, but the shape makes them stand out.

“Buttermilk bar donuts have more surface area for the glaze to stick to, making them extra delicious!” – Chef Laura Martinez

Glazed, Powdered, and Other Delicious Toppings

There are endless ways to top buttermilk donuts! Here are some popular choices:

Vanilla glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Chocolate glaze: Melted chocolate mixed with butter and a splash of milk.
Powdered sugar: Lightly dust the donuts for a classic look.
Cinnamon sugar: Toss warm donuts in a blend of cinnamon and sugar.
Maple glaze: A sweet glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic buttermilk donut, making them perfect for any occasion.

For more delicious donut recipes, check out Blueberry Donuts on Traay Recipes!

Buttermilk vs. Old-Fashioned Donuts: Are They the Same?

Many people wonder if a buttermilk donut is the same as an old-fashioned donut. While they share some similarities, they are actually quite different in terms of texture, taste, and preparation.

Key Similarities Between the Two Donut Types

At first glance, both donuts might seem identical. Here’s what they have in common:

Cake-like texture: Both are considered cake donuts since they don’t use yeast for rising.
Buttermilk in the recipe: Most traditional old-fashioned donuts also contain buttermilk, which helps create their signature texture.
Fried preparation: They are both deep-fried, giving them a crispy exterior.
Cracked surface: Due to their thick batter, both donuts tend to develop cracks when fried, which helps absorb glazes and toppings better.

Differences in Texture, Taste, and Preparation

Even with their similarities, buttermilk donuts and old-fashioned donuts have some distinct characteristics:

Feature	Buttermilk Donut	Old-Fashioned Donut
Texture	Soft inside, crisp outside	Denser and drier with deep cracks
Flavor	Slight tanginess from buttermilk	Mildly sweet with a hint of spice
Shape	Round with a smooth surface	Irregular shape with deep ridges
Frying Temp.	Fried at a higher temp (around 350°F)	Fried at a lower temp (around 325°F)

“If you love a softer donut with a mild tangy flavor, go for a buttermilk donut. But if you prefer a crispier, more textured donut, an old-fashioned donut is the way to go!” – Chef Laura Martinez

Both donuts are delicious in their own way, and it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you like the smooth finish of a buttermilk donut or the craggy edges of an old-fashioned donut, you’re in for a treat!

Baking vs. Frying Buttermilk Donuts

When it comes to making buttermilk donuts, you have two main options: frying or baking. Both methods have their own benefits, and the choice depends on your preference for taste and texture.

Traditional Frying Method for Crispy Donuts

Frying is the most common way to prepare buttermilk donuts because it creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft.

How to Fry Buttermilk Donuts Properly

Use the right oil: Canola or vegetable oil works best because they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C): A thermometer helps maintain the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn. If too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
Fry in small batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop, resulting in greasy donuts.
Drain on paper towels: This removes excess oil and keeps them crispy.

“Fried buttermilk donuts have that irresistible crunch, but they can be a little heavy. If you want a lighter option, try baking!” – Chef Laura Martinez

Baked Buttermilk Donuts: A Healthier Alternative

Baking is a great option for those who want a healthier version of buttermilk donuts without sacrificing too much flavor.

How to Bake Buttermilk Donuts:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the dough: Follow the same steps as the fried version.
Use a donut pan: Pipe or spoon the batter into a greased donut pan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes: They should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Let cool before glazing: Unlike fried donuts, baked ones benefit from extra moisture, so adding a glaze helps enhance their flavor.

Method	Pros	Cons
Frying	Crispier texture, classic donut taste	Higher in oil and calories
Baking	Healthier, easier cleanup	Slightly denser, less crispy

Both methods result in delicious buttermilk donuts, so the best choice depends on what you’re looking for, crispy and rich or light and fluffy.

Common Questions About Buttermilk Donuts (FAQs)

Many people have questions about buttermilk donuts, especially when comparing them to other types of donuts. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.

Are Buttermilk and Old-Fashioned Donuts the Same?

No, buttermilk donuts and old-fashioned donuts are similar but not exactly the same. Both are cake-style donuts, but old-fashioned donuts have a rough, cracked surface and a denser texture. Buttermilk donuts are usually smoother and slightly softer due to the buttermilk in the recipe.

“Old-fashioned donuts are fried at a lower temperature, which creates more cracks and ridges. Buttermilk donuts, on the other hand, have a finer texture with a hint of tanginess.” – Chef Laura Martinez

Can I Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk in Doughnuts?

Yes! Buttermilk is a great substitute for regular milk in most donut recipes. Since it is slightly acidic, it helps activate baking soda, making the donuts fluffier. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.

What Is a Buttermilk Bar Donut?

A buttermilk bar donut is a rectangular-shaped donut made with buttermilk. It is fried until golden brown and usually coated with a sugary glaze. Buttermilk bars have a slightly crispier texture compared to round buttermilk donuts, and their shape allows them to hold more glaze.

Why Does Buttermilk Make Donuts Better?

Buttermilk improves donuts in several ways:

Adds flavor: The slight tanginess balances the sweetness.
Improves texture: The acidity helps break down gluten, making the donuts softer.
Creates a fluffier donut: When combined with baking soda, it helps the donuts rise properly.

“Once you try a buttermilk donut, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among bakers!” – Chef Laura Martinez

Final Thoughts on Buttermilk Donuts

Buttermilk donuts are a delicious treat that combines a crisp exterior with a soft, flavorful center. Their slight tanginess, thanks to the buttermilk, makes them stand out from regular donuts. Whether you fry or bake them, top them with glaze or powdered sugar, they are always a hit.

If you love homemade donuts, trying a buttermilk donut recipe is a must! They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and taste even better than store-bought ones.