4 Ingredient Donut Recipe
Are you looking for a simple, budget-friendly treat that you can whip up with pantry staples and serve with joy to your family or guests? You’re in the right place! In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a soft, delicious, and incredibly easy 4 ingredient donut recipe that’s perfect for everyday breakfasts, tea-time fellowships, or special gatherings—all without breaking the bank.
This easy 4 ingredient donut recipe is a favorite in my home. It’s not only soft and tasty but also dependable and quick to prepare. If you’re a homemaker or a Christian stay-at-home mom seeking to stretch your budget while still offering something delightful and made with love, these donuts are for you.
With just four basic ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and water—you’ll be amazed at what you can create. I trust this donut recipe will be a blessing to your home, a simple way to offer warmth and kindness through hospitality, and a delicious reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients to serve your family well.
You most likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry, which makes it even more convenient. Actually, that’s how I first came up with this recipe. I needed something fairly quick for breakfast for my household yet I knew I have flour, sugar, yeast and oil in my pantry.
These donuts are especially wonderful during hard economic times because they prove that with faith, creativity, and a little preparation, we can still glorify God in our kitchens.
If you choose, you can also add a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement. While I kept this recipe to four ingredients for simplicity’s sake, adding half a teaspoon of salt will take the taste to the next level—something you might want to try if you’re not strictly limited to four items.
Let’s get started with our easy donut recipe!
4 Ingredient Donut Recipe | Budget-Friendly & Homemade
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons as needed
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter (You can improvise with a glass or round cutter (for shaping) & a bottle cap or small cutter (for donut holes)
- 1 Frying pan or deep pot
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsps sugar
- 1 heaped tsp instant yeast
- Cooking oil for deep frying (Plus additional 2 tbsps of oil for mixing)
- Slightly over 1 cup of warm water
- (Optional: ½ teaspoon salt for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Start by combining 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 1heaped teaspoon of yeast in a bowl. Mix well. If you're adding salt to enhance flavor, add it after the initial mixing, ensuring it doesn’t come into direct contact with the yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead
- Make a well in the center and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Slowly add water a little at a time while mixing with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to knead until you get a soft and sticky dough. Depending on your flour brand and kitchen conditions, you may need slightly more or less water.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface.Knead the dough for 3–5 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise
- Gather the dough into a ball, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and place it in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it doubles in size. If it's cold, you can create a warm microclimate using a bowl of warm water under the dough bowl—just be sure it's warm, not hot.
5. Prepare the Surface and Roll the Dough
- Once risen, beat down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1 centimeter in thickness.
5. Cut Out the Donuts
- Use donut cutter to make the donut shapes.If you don't have a donut cutter, you can improvise with a wide-mouthed glass or cup to cut the donuts. For the holes, use a bottle cap or similar tool. Remove the excess dough and repeat the process. Don’t use too much flour while re-rolling—just enough to keep things from sticking.
6. Let the Donuts Rest
- Once cut, place the donuts on a tray, cover them with a clean towel, and let them rest for another 15–20 minutes.
7. Heat the Oil and Fry
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Test the temperature with a small piece of dough. It should rise and start frying gently. Once it has fried to a golden color on both sides, carefully slide in just enough donuts to avoid crowding. Flip once they float to the top to avoid large air bubbles.Fry each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- These donuts are best served warm and fresh. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect with tea or coffee. Whether for your family or guests, these donuts will bring smiles all around!
Why You’ll Love This Easy 4 Ingredient Donut Recipe:
- Budget-friendly: Just a few pantry staples
- Quick to make: No need to wait for specialty ingredients
- Family-approved: Loved by adults and kids alike
- Perfect for hospitality: A warm, homemade treat shows love and care
These homemade donuts are ideal for Christian homemakers seeking to steward their kitchens well. You can confidently serve them at your next tea with friends, Bible study group, or as a weekday family breakfast.
I’ve also made a 4 ingredient mandazi recipe, another simple and tasty option that many have enjoyed. You can check it out here.
If you try this easy 4 ingredient donut recipe, let me know how it turns out. And remember—you can always enhance the flavor with a bit of salt if you’re not strictly sticking to four ingredients. Either way, it will be delightful.
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Thank you for joining me in the kitchen. May your efforts in homemaking and hospitality always reflect the beauty of Christ’s love.
Until next time—grace and peace to you!
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