Long John Donut Made Easy: Fluffy, Glazed, and Delicious

Craving a decadent treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat? Long john donut is here to save the day! With their fluffy texture, irresistible glaze, and endless filling possibilities, these bar-shaped delights are the ultimate indulgence for any pastry lover.

Whether glazed with chocolate, filled with creamy custard, or adorned with sprinkles, the long johns donut offers a versatile canvas for creativity and flavor. Let’s learn how to craft these bakery-style donuts at home and transform your kitchen into a dessert haven.

Table of Contents

What is a Long John Donut?

A long john donut is a yeast-raised, bar-shaped pastry typically topped with icing or glaze. Unlike round donuts, its elongated shape provides a larger surface area for toppings and fillings. Common fillings include vanilla custard, whipped cream, and fruit jams, while popular toppings range from chocolate glaze to colorful sprinkles.

The long john donut is closely related to the cruller and the Boston cream donut, yet its unique shape and texture set it apart. It’s the perfect treat for those who want a little extra indulgence with every bite. From chocolate glazes to fruit jams and custard fillings, the possibilities are endless. You can even search for long john donuts near me to find local bakeries that serve these sweet treats!

Why Long Johns Are a Must-Try

The long john donut’s appeal lies in its:

Customizable Flavors: Whether you prefer the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of vanilla, or the tang of fruit, long john donuts cater to every taste.
Satisfying Size: Its larger shape makes it more filling than a traditional round donut.
Classic Comfort: With its soft, pillowy texture and rich toppings, the long john embodies the comfort of classic pastries.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional bakery flavors or enjoy experimenting with unique combinations, the long john donut recipe is a treat that never disappoints. If you’re looking for more festive baking ideas, don’t miss our Italian Christmas Biscuits recipe—another perfect treat to share with family and friends!

Ingredients and Tools for Making Long John Donut

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze and Filling:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or any flavor of choice)
Optional: Melted chocolate, fruit jam, or custard for fillings

Tools

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Sharp knife or pastry cutter

Deep fryer or large pot
Thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
Cooling rack

Piping bag (optional for fillings)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Long John Donut

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Yield: 8-10 donuts
Method: Frying

Cuisine: American

Instruction

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour and the yeast mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead and Let Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Donuts

Once risen, roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into rectangular or oval shapes, approximately 4 inches long. Transfer the shaped pieces to a parchment-lined tray and cover them with a towel. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.

Add Glaze or Fillings

Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over them. For filled donuts, use a piping bag to inject custard, whipped cream, or jam into the center of each donut.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set before serving. Pair your homemade long john donuts with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dough Not Rising: Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date and using warm (not hot) milk.

Oil Too Hot or Cool: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F to prevent undercooked or overly greasy donuts.
Glaze Too Thin: Add more powdered sugar to thicken your glaze, or refrigerate it briefly before applying.

Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)

Calories: 260

Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 11g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g

Cholesterol: 45mg

Creative Toppings and Fillings for Long John Donut

Chocolate Lovers: Top with melted chocolate and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

Fruit-Filled Delight: Use raspberry or strawberry jam for a tangy twist.
Vanilla Dream: Fill with vanilla custard and drizzle with a white icing glaze.
Seasonal Flair: Add festive sprinkles or colored icing for holidays and special occasions.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed cookies over a caramel glaze.

Rediscover the joy of homemade long john donuts with this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe ensures success every time. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious results! And for more mouthwatering recipes, visit So Damn Delish!

FAQs

Q: Can I bake long john donuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. While the texture will be slightly different, they will still be delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover donuts?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, and refrigerate overnight. Shape and fry the donuts the next day for fresh results.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly denser texture, or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Keep in mind, this may affect the texture of the dough slightly.

Q: Can I make Long John donuts without yeast?
A: While yeast gives these donuts their fluffy, airy texture, you could use a baking powder-based dough for a quicker, non-yeast version. However, the texture will be more biscuit-like than the classic Long John donut.

Q: How can I make Long John donuts more festive for the holidays?

A: You can add colored icing, sprinkles, or themed toppings (like crushed candy canes or seasonal fruit fillings) to match the holiday theme. They make excellent treats for special occasions.