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Buttermilk Bar Donuts

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Unlock the secret to irresistible Buttermilk Bar Donuts! Our recipe’s gently mixed dough, chilled for optimal texture, creates uniquely shaped, tangy, light bars. Full instructions & nutrition inside.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup
  • Large egg: 1
  • Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
  • Vegetable oil, for frying: 3-4 cups

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until just combined and a soft dough forms; do not overmix.
  2. Step 2: Chill and shape the dough. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out and gently knead it a few times until smooth. Pat or roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a knife or a pastry wheel, cut the dough into rectangular bar shapes, approximately 1×3 inches. Place the cut donut bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat oil and fry donuts. Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, filling it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-360°F (175-180°C). Carefully lower 3-4 donut bars into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Drain and glaze. Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully remove the fried donuts from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack placed over paper towels to drain excess oil. While the donuts are still warm, prepare the glaze: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of milk (or water), and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder until smooth. Dip each warm donut bar into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then return them to the wire rack to set.

Notes

  • To keep your Buttermilk Bar Donuts wonderfully fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; avoid the fridge, as it can dry them out!
  • While these are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, a quick 5-10 second flash in the microwave will gently warm them through and refresh their texture.
  • Serve these warm, glazed beauties with your favorite cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a classic treat, or alongside fresh berries for a delightful dessert.
  • For truly tender, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, resist the urge to overmix your dough; mix until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, ensuring a delightfully soft crumb.

Nutrition