Description

These homemade Buttermilk Bar Doughnuts are a nostalgic bakery favorite with a crisp, craggy exterior and a tender, cakey inside. Topped with a silky vanilla bean glaze, they’re simple to make and even better to eat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Doughnuts:

3 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 ¾ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
2 tbsp shortening
2 tbsp melted butter
4 egg yolks (room temperature)
¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)

For the Vanilla Bean Glaze:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
2 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
¼ cup warm water

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, shortening, and melted butter until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the buttermilk until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients on low speed until a sticky dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 60 minutes for easier handling.
Shape the Bars: Flour your hands and work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into bars approximately 3 ½ x 1 ½ inches. Lightly score the tops for a classic buttermilk bar appearance.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat shortening in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bars bottom-side down for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and craggy. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, and warm water until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze. Allow them to set for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a touch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.

Make sure the oil stays at a consistent 350°F for even frying.

These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Swap the glaze for chocolate or maple for variety!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 doughnut (approximately 100g)
Calories: 345 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: buttermilk bar doughnuts, vanilla bean glaze, homemade doughnuts, fried doughnuts, easy donut recipe, classic bakery donuts