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Loukoumades served on a plate with honey, cinnamon and walnuts.

Greek Deep Fried Donuts with Honey - Loukoumades

Christianna | Siftnwhisk
These bite sized sweet deep fried balls are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are served warm with honey and they are sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped walnuts. Loukoumades are a crowd pleasing dessert!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 36
Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Loukoumades

  • 1 cup Lukewarm Water (110-115 F)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp Corn Starch
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Oil Sunflower or Canola Oil
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour

For Frying

  • 3 cups Oil Sunflower or Canola Oil

Garnish

  • Honey or Maple Syrup
  • Cinnamon
  • Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

Instructions
 

Loukoumades

  • In a bowl add the lukewarm water, sugar and active dry yeast and whisk till the yeast is completely dissolved.
  • Stir in the ground cinnamon, salt, corn starch, honey and oil.
  • Add the all-purpose flour and incorporate well. The batter should be thick with no lumps.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place until doubled in size for about 1 hour.

For Frying

  • Pour the oil into a deep frying pan and place it over medium-high heat.
  • Fill a mug with water and dip a spoon into it.
  • Place some of the dough in your palm and squeeze it. Dip the spoon into the water, spoon out the dough between your thumb and index finger and slip it into the oil. See notes if using a piping bag.
  • Fry in batches, until every donut is golden brown on all sides for about 3 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan so every donut is fried properly.
  • Use a slotted spoon to stir the donuts. Remove them carefully from oil when ready.
  • Place the donuts in a baking pan lined with paper towels to drain.
  • Repeat the same steps for the remaining batter. Remember to dip the spoon into the water every time for easy release of the dough.

Garnish

  • Move drained donuts in a platter. Drizzle with honey, dust cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
  • Serve them warm. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The water should be lukewarm nor hot or cold. Use your finger to check the temperature.
  • You can also use a mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the flour. Beat at high speed for about 2 minutes.
  • If the yeast hasn't bubbled, it means it has expired. Toss it and use another packet.
  • I used my oven with the light on to create a warm environment for the dough. If where you live is cold, try preheating your oven for a minute and then place the dough in to rest.
  • When the dough rise the batter should be bubbly.
  • You can test if the oil is heated by throwing some of the dough in. If it starts sizzling, the oil is ready.
  • The water will prevent the dough from sticking to the spoon. However, there is a risk of oil splashing all over the place if you do not do it correctly. Alternatively, you can use oil to dip the spoon.
  • Piping the dough: The method given in this recipe is the traditional way of making loukoumades. If you do not want to get your hands dirty you can fill a piping bag with the batter and pipe the dough directly into the frying pan. Use a scissor to cut dough into preferred size.
  • The number of servings will depend on the size of loukoumades.
  • Avoid overcrowding the frying pan because the donuts will stick together and they won't fry properly.
  • You will know the donuts are ready when they are puffy and golden brown on the outside. 
  • I would not recommend making the dough in advance. To achieve ultimate crispiness is best to prepare and fry loukoumades on the same day.
  • Loukoumades are best enjoyed warm and on the same day. Otherwise, they can be stored at room temperature for 1 day. 
  • Traditionally we use Greek thyme honey. If it's not available where you live opt for a good quality honey.
  • Besides honey, you can top loukoumades with chocolate ganache.
  • Have any questions about the recipe or want to ask for substitutions? Please contact us.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 17mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
Keyword active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, honey, oil, sugar
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