In the quiet backstreets of Kyoto, I stumbled upon a small stall that changed my view of donuts forever. The smell of warm oil and butter pulled me in. No glaze. No filling. Just a humble, golden-brown ring of dough — perfectly crisp, slightly sweet, and deeply nostalgic.
That plain donut, served in a crinkled paper pouch, brought me a kind of comfort I hadn’t known I missed.
As a traveler and memory-keeper, I write recipes not just from the kitchen — but from the heart. This is the donut that inspired it all.
What Makes a Plain Donut So Special?
The Beauty in Simplicity
There’s something elegant about a donut that doesn’t need dressing up. A plain donut is all about balance — soft inside, golden on the outside, and kissed with just a hint of spice. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just is.
A Donut Without Distractions
Unlike yeast-raised or frosted varieties, these donuts rely on classic baking techniques and real ingredients. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
My Tried & True Old-Fashioned Plain Donut Recipe
Ingredients (Yields 8–10 donuts)
- 250g all-purpose flour (approx. 2 cups), plus more for dusting
- 1g ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon)
- 4g salt (¾ teaspoon)
- 9g baking powder (2 teaspoons)
- 45g melted butter (3 tablespoons), cooled
- 100g sugar (½ cup)
- 50g egg (1 large, at room temp)
- 120g plain yogurt (½ cup, room temp)
- Neutral high-smoke point oil for frying (e.g. canola)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for finishing)
Looking for a baked version instead? Try our simple, delicious plain donut recipe made with just a few ingredients — perfect for everyday cravings.
Instructions
- Set up a fry-safe station with oil heating slowly to 350°F (180°C).
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, egg, and yogurt until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients — mix just until combined (don’t overwork).
- Flour your surface, pat dough into an oval, and roll to ½-inch thick.
- Cut out donuts with a donut cutter or pastry rings. Re-roll scraps.
- Fry for 2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels or rack.
Optional Add-On
While warm, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet, memory-like finish.
Variations & Memories from the Road
Simple Twists on the Classic
Add orange zest or roll in cinnamon sugar for a nod to the street carts of Hanoi. Want a Mediterranean touch? A pinch of anise takes me back to pastries I once had on a ferry leaving Santorini.
Travel Moments Where Donuts Made Everything Better
On a train between Florence and Rome, I once opened a paper bag with a warm donut inside. It was plain, a bit crushed, but tasted like every bit of comfort I carried with me that day.
These moments live in the recipes we make. And this one? It travels well.
FAQ — People Also Ask About Plain Donuts
Q: How many calories in a plain donut?
A: Typically between 180–300 calories depending on size and method.
Q: Can dogs eat plain donuts?
A: They shouldn’t — donuts contain sugar and fat that aren’t good for pets.
Q: Are plain donuts healthy?
A: Compared to frosted or filled donuts, they’re lighter and contain fewer calories. But if you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert, check out these low calorie brownie recipes — all the flavor, none of the regret.
Q: Are plain donuts vegan?
A: Traditional ones aren’t, but you can swap in plant-based butter, yogurt, and egg replacer.
Q: How are plain donuts made?
A: Mix ingredients, shape the dough, then fry or bake until golden and crisp.
Q: What makes plain donuts different?
A: No glaze. No extras. Just a cake-style ring of comfort and history.
A Donut to Remember — From Kyoto, With Love
This isn’t just a recipe — it’s a story told in flour and oil. A plain donut, made by hand, tastes like warmth, still mornings, and quiet memories. Whether you fry them for friends or enjoy one solo on a Sunday, may this donut bring a little travel, taste, and tenderness to your kitchen.
If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Kyoto, don’t miss Koé Donuts — a beautifully designed spot near Nishiki Market that serves organic, light donuts with a travel‑worthy twist. Visit Koé Donuts Kyoto