Donuts, or doughnuts, are a beloved treat enjoyed by people across the globe. These deep-fried rings of dough come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, but they generally fall into two types of donuts: yeast donuts and cake donuts. Knowing the differences between these two types of donuts can help you choose the right one for your palate.
Yeast donuts are light and fluffy, thanks to the yeast used in their dough, making them one of the most popular of the two types of donuts. Cake donuts, on the other hand, have a denser texture due to the baking powder used as a leavening agent. Both types of donuts have their unique characteristics, and choosing between the two types of donuts often comes down to personal preference.
The Origins of Donuts
Before diving into the different types of donuts, it’s important to understand where donuts came from. While donuts have become a symbol of American culture, their origins are far more global. People in ancient Greece and Rome developed the concept of fried dough by frying dough balls and coating them with honey or fish sauce. However, Dutch settlers brought the donuts we know today to the United States in the 19th century.
Donuts in Early America
Dutch settlers introduced “olykoeks” (oily cakes) to the New World. Bakers originally made these early donuts as balls of sweetened dough fried in fat. Often, they left the center uncooked, so they began adding nuts or fruit to fill the gap hence the name ‘dough-nut’. Over time, the modern ring-shaped donut evolved, with the hole in the middle ensuring even cooking.
The Role of Donuts in American History
In the early 20th century, donuts gained even more popularity during World War I, when volunteers from the Salvation Army, known as “Doughnut Girls,” served them to soldiers on the front lines. The comforting taste of donuts helped soldiers feel connected to home, and they quickly became a part of American life. Today, people celebrate donuts as a versatile snack, enjoying them in everything from casual breakfasts to upscale desserts.
Yeast Donuts
The first type of donut we’ll explore is the yeast donut, also known as a raised donut. As the name suggests, bakers use yeast as the leavening agent for these donuts, giving them a soft, fluffy texture. They tend to have a light, airy bite and are often larger than cake donuts.
How Are Yeast Donuts Made?
The key ingredient in yeast donuts is, of course, yeast. Yeast is a leavening agent that ferments sugars in the dough, causing the dough to rise and expand. This results in a soft and airy texture that’s characteristic of yeast donuts. The process of making yeast donuts involves several steps:
- Mixing the Dough: Mix flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, and milk to make the dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Proofing: After kneading, the dough needs to rest and rise (a process known as proofing). This can take up to two hours, allowing the yeast to activate and create air pockets in the dough.
- Cutting and Shaping: After the dough rises, bakers roll it out and cut it into rings or other shapes. Many bakers use a donut cutter, which creates the classic donut shape with a hole in the center.
- Frying: The donuts are then fried in hot oil until they’re golden brown on the outside. The frying process takes just a few minutes, but it’s crucial to achieving the perfect texture.
- Glazing or Filling: After frying, bakers can coat yeast donuts in a sugar glaze, fill them with custard or jelly, or top them with various icings.
Bakers recognize yeast donuts for their light, fluffy texture, which makes them perfect for absorbing glazes and fillings. A popular example is the famous glazed yeast donut from Krispy Kreme, which has become an icon of this donut style.
Popular Variations of Yeast Donuts
Yeast donuts come in many forms, ranging from simple glazed donuts to more elaborate varieties. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Glazed Donuts: The classic yeast donut, covered in a thin layer of sugary glaze.
- Jelly-Filled Donuts: These donuts are typically round, without a hole in the center. They are filled with fruit preserves or jelly and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Boston Cream Donuts: Bakers often create this popular variation by filling it with custard and topping it with a layer of chocolate frosting.
- Maple Bars: Rectangular yeast donuts coated in maple-flavored glaze.
- Long Johns: Similar to maple bars, but sometimes filled with custard or jelly.
Each of these variations highlights the versatility of yeast donuts. Whether you prefer a simple glaze or a rich filling, there’s a yeast donut for every taste.
Cake Donuts
The second major type of donut is the cake donut. As the name suggests, these donuts have a texture similar to cake, thanks to the use of baking powder or baking soda as the leavening agent. Cake donuts are denser and less airy than yeast donuts, making them ideal for soaking up rich toppings like frosting or sprinkles.
How Are Cake Donuts Made?
Unlike yeast donuts, cake donuts don’t require any rising time. This makes them quicker to prepare, but the process is still intricate:
- Mixing the Batter: Cake donut batter is made with flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and baking powder. The batter is thicker than yeast donut dough, giving it a firmer texture.
- Shaping the Donuts: Bakers often pipe the batter into donut molds or drop it into the oil using a spoon or scoop. This gives cake donuts their characteristic round shape.
- Frying: Like yeast donuts, cake donuts are fried in hot oil until they’re golden brown. However, cake donuts tend to be smaller and denser, so they require less frying time.
- Toppings: After frying, bakers can coat cake donuts with a variety of toppings, including powdered sugar, frosting, or sprinkles.
Bakers recognize cake donuts for their firm, crumbly texture, which makes them perfect for dipping in coffee. Many bakeries specialize in old-fashioned cake donuts, which have a cracked, rustic appearance that adds to their charm.
Popular Variations of Cake Donuts
Just like yeast donuts, cake donuts come in many delicious forms. Some of the most popular variations include:
- Chocolate Cake Donuts: Rich and decadent, bakers make these donuts with cocoa powder and often top them with chocolate glaze or sprinkles.
- Old-Fashioned Donuts: These classic cake donuts feature a rustic, cracked appearance, and bakers often dip them in a simple glaze.
- Cider Donuts: A fall favorite, bakers make cider donuts with apple cider and dust them with cinnamon and sugar.
- Blueberry Cake Donuts: Bakers pack these donuts with real blueberries and often glaze them with sweet icing.
- Sour Cream Donuts: A tangy twist on the traditional cake donut, these donuts have a moist, tender crumb thanks to the addition of sour cream.
Cake donuts have a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with a hot beverage. Whether you’re enjoying them plain or with a rich topping, cake donuts are a delicious and timeless treat.
For more inspiration on cake designs and how they can be adapted into desserts, check out this article on birthday cake ideas.
Other Donut Variations
While yeast and cake donuts are the most common types, there are many other variations worth exploring. Some of these have cultural significance, while others are simply creative twists on the classic donut formula.
1. Potato Donuts
Bakers make potato donuts, also known as Spudnuts, using potato starch or mashed potatoes instead of flour. These donuts are lighter than cake donuts, with a slightly chewy texture. Potato donuts were especially popular in the mid-20th century, with a chain of Spudnut shops spreading across the United States. While the chain no longer exists, some independent Spudnut shops remain, keeping this unique variation alive.
2. Crullers and Fritters
Crullers are twisted, fried donuts with a light and airy texture, similar to yeast donuts. In the United States, French crullers are particularly popular. Bakers make these donuts with choux pastry, which puffs up as it fries, creating a delicate, airy interior.
Bakers shape fritters irregularly and often fill them with fruit, such as apples or peaches. Apple fritters are especially popular, with chunks of apple mixed into the dough and topped with a sweet glaze.
3. Beignets and Malasadas
Beignets are French-style donuts that are particularly popular in New Orleans. Bakers craft these square-shaped donuts from choux pastry and dust them with powdered sugar. Enjoy beignets fresh and warm, often paired with a cup of coffee.
Malasadas are Portuguese donuts that are widely popular in Hawaii. Bakers make these donuts with yeast dough, fry them until golden brown, and then roll them in sugar. While they often serve malasadas plain, some fill them with custard or fruit preserves.
For more food inspirations, you might want to explore delicious sandwich ideas such as the brisket sandwich.
The Rise of Artisanal Donuts
In recent years, the world of donuts has expanded beyond traditional varieties. Artisanal donut shops have popped up in cities across the globe, offering unique flavors and creative toppings. These shops focus on high-quality ingredients, often using locally sourced produce and organic flours. Some of the most popular artisanal donut flavors include:
- Bacon and maple: A sweet and savory combination featuring crispy bacon and a maple glaze.
- Matcha: A Japanese-inspired flavor made with matcha green tea powder.
- Lavender and honey: A floral, fragrant donut topped with honey glaze.
- S’mores: A donut topped with chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and toasted marshmallows.
Artisanal donuts are often larger and more decadent than traditional donuts, making them a popular choice for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a unique flavor or a gourmet take on a classic, artisanal donuts offer something for everyone.
Donuts and Pop Culture
Donuts have not only become a staple of everyday life but have also earned a place in pop culture. One of the most iconic representations of donuts is through Homer Simpson from the long-running animated series The Simpsons. Homer’s love for donuts, particularly pink-frosted ones with sprinkles, has become an iconic image associated with the character.
Donuts also frequently appear in movies, television shows, and even art. In many ways, donuts symbolize indulgence and simplicity a small, comforting treat that brings joy to people of all ages.
FAQs
What is the difference between yeast donuts and cake donuts?
Yeast donuts are light and fluffy because they are made with yeast, which allows them to rise. Cake donuts, on the other hand, are dense and crumbly, made with baking powder or soda instead of yeast.
Are yeast donuts healthier than cake donuts?
Yeast donuts tend to be lower in fat and calories compared to cake donuts because they contain less sugar and butter. However, both types can be high in calories depending on the toppings or fillings used.
What are potato donuts made of?
Bakers make potato donuts, or Spudnuts, with potato starch or mashed potatoes instead of traditional flour. This gives them a lighter, fluffier texture compared to cake donuts.
What are crullers?
Crullers are twisted donuts made from choux pastry. They are light and airy, with a crispy outer layer. French crullers are particularly popular in the U.S, often served with a simple glaze.
Can I make donuts at home?
Yes! Both yeast and cake donuts can be made at home with the right ingredients and equipment. Yeast donuts require a bit more time because of the rising process, while cake donuts are quicker to make. You can also experiment with different toppings and fillings to customize your donuts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the light, airy texture of yeast donuts or the dense, satisfying bite of cake donuts, there’s no denying the universal appeal of these two types of donuts. Donuts come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, allowing for endless customization and enjoyment. From the classic glazed donut to the creative flavors found in artisanal shops, the two types of donuts yeast and cake offer something for everyone. The next time you’re enjoying one of the two types of donuts, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and variety that make this humble pastry so beloved worldwide.
For a deep dive into more donut-related content, like the history of powdered donuts, check out this resource.