Long John Recipe

For a great dough, you need:2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast1 1/4 cups whole milk2/3 cup granulated sugar (divided)2 large eggs1 large egg yolk1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)These ingredients make a dough that’s tender and rises well. The first 2 cups of flour are key for the dough’s structure. More flour is added as needed for softness.

Want to make your Long John even better? Try these optional ingredients:A pinch of nutmeg for a warm, rich flavor1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance sweetnessThese extras can turn your dough into a flavorful treat. Your Long John donuts will be unforgettable.

Choosing the right yeast is crucial for a good rise and texture. Active dry yeast is recommended for its reliability and consistent results.Make sure to dissolve the yeast in warm milk (about 110°F). This step is essential for the dough to rise right, making your donuts light and fluffy. The dough should rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, taking about 1 hour. After shaping, let the donuts rise again for 15 to 30 minutes.IngredientAmountPurposeActive Dry Yeast2 1/4 teaspoonsLeavening AgentWhole Milk1 1/4 cupsMoisture and FlavorGranulated Sugar2/3 cup (divided)Sweetness and Yeast ActivationLarge Eggs2Richness and StructureLarge Egg Yolk1Additional RichnessUnsalted Butter1/2 cup (melted and cooled)Flavor and TendernessAll-Purpose Flour4 1/4 cupsStructureStep-by-Step Guide to Making the DoughMaking the perfect dough for Long John donuts is a detailed process. It starts with preparing the yeast mixture. Then, you knead the dough and let it rise.

Begin by warming a cup of milk to 110°F (43°C). Mix a packet of active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar into the warm milk. This helps the yeast activate well.After a few minutes, the mixture should foam. This means the yeast is working.

In a big mixing bowl, mix two beaten eggs, melted butter, sugar, and the yeast mixture. Add 4 to 5 cups of all-purpose flour slowly, mixing well. The dough will start as sticky.Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.This takes about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

After kneading, place the dough in a bowl coated with grease.. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place.The best rising temperature is between 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). This step is key for the dough to double in size. It can take 1 to 2 hours.Use tips like a slightly heated oven or a warm, draft-free area for rising.When the dough has risen enough, it’s ready for making delicious Long John donuts.Preparing the Vanilla Custard FillingThe heart of any delightful Long John donut is the creamy, rich custard filling. To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need 4 cups of whole milk, 6 large egg yolks, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, and your choice of vanilla flavoring.https://youtube.com/watch?v=sBfdHBvtbbAFirst, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well mixed. Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.Put the mixture back in the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 to 8 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the cold butter and vanilla to enhance the flavor and richness.When the custard has thickened, transfer it to a bowl.Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before using.This vanilla custard filling makes about 3 cups, perfect for your Long John donuts.Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately ½ cup) of the *creamy donut filling*:Calories456 kcalCarbohydrates63 gProtein11 gTotal fat18 gSaturated fat9 gPolyunsaturated fat2 gMonounsaturated fat6 gTrans fat0.2 gCholesterol397 mgSodium80 mgPotassium283 mgFiber0.1 gSugar52 gVitamin A870 IUCalcium246 mgIron1 mgThis rich and smooth custard is perfect for Long John donuts. You can also make crème légère by folding in 1 cup of whipped cream, or diplomat cream by mixing 1 teaspoon of gelatin with 3 tablespoons of water. For the best consistency, refrigerate your custard in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Making the Chocolate GlazeThe chocolate glaze on a Long John donut is a highlight. To get it right, follow our easy recipe. This way, your donuts will be perfect.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter¼ cup cocoa powder1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract3-4 tablespoons milkThis mix makes a rich, smooth glaze. It sticks well to the Long John, making every bite a joy.

To make the glaze, whisk the ingredients until smooth. Start by melting the butter and mixing in the cocoa powder. Then, add the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk, stirring until it’s smooth.If the mixture is too thick, stir in a little more milk. Do this a teaspoon at a time. This keeps the glaze just right, covering your Long John donuts perfectly.Frying the Long John DonutsThe secret to perfect Long John donuts is in the frying process.The key is maintaining the oil at the proper temperature.. This ensures they get that golden brown outside everyone loves.

Frying donuts at the right temperature is key. The oil should be at 375°F. If it’s too low, they’ll be greasy. Too high, and they’ll burn.Using a good thermometer helps keep the oil at the perfect temperature. This is crucial for the donuts’ texture and taste.

Heat the oil to 375°F before adding the donuts.Fry each donut for about 1 minute per side until they achieve a golden brown hue.Place the fried donuts on a wire rack to drain excess oil—this helps retain their crispiness.To avoid overcrowding, fry the donuts in small batches, which helps keep the oil temperature stable.Use oils with high smoke points such as canola, vegetable, sunflower, or soybean oil to achieve optimal results.Here is a comparison of the best oils for frying Long John donuts:Oil TypeSmoke PointFlavor ProfileCanola Oil400°FNeutralVegetable Oil450°FNeutralSunflower Oil440°FSlightly nuttySoybean Oil450°FNeutralBy focusing on the right oil temperature and following these tips, you can make perfect Long John donuts. They’ll have that perfect crunch and soft inside everyone adores.Filling the Donuts with CustardDelicious custard-filled donuts are a perfect treat. They balance creamy, sweet filling with fluffy fried dough. After frying your Long John donuts, it’s time to fill them with velvety vanilla custard. This process may seem tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it becomes straightforward.To start, prepare a piping bag with a narrow tip. This will help you inject the custard into each donut without making a mess. Make sure your custard is smooth and well-chilled. This makes it easier to work with and reduces the risk of it leaking out during the filling process.Insert the narrow tip into one end of the donut.Gently press the bag to pipe the filling inside. Aim to distribute the filling evenly so every bite is filled with the delicious custard.How to fill donuts effectively often depends on your technique. If you find the custard oozes out too easily, try holding the donuts over a bowl to catch any excess. Patience is key; filling the donuts too quickly can cause them to burst. Remember, a light touch will yield the best results. For lovers of custard-filled donuts, the effort is well worth it, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.Glazing the Long John DonutsThe final step is adding donut glaze, making your Long John donuts look and taste amazing. Glazing right is key for that shiny, smooth finish. It’s what makes these donuts stand out.

First, get your chocolate glaze ready. Then, hold each donut and dip the top into the glaze. Make sure it’s coated evenly for the best taste.After dipping, let any extra glaze fall off. Place the donuts on a wire rack. This makes the glaze spread evenly and looks professional.

Let the glazed donuts sit for a bit. Place them in a cool, dry spot. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.When the glaze sets, it becomes firm and not sticky. This makes the donuts look great and easy to handle. Enjoy your glazed Long John donuts anytime!Tips for Perfect Long John DonutsWhether you’re a pro or new to baking, making Long John donuts is fun and tasty. These tips will make sure your donuts are perfect every time.

Don’t overwork the dough. This makes your donuts tough, not soft and fluffy. Just knead enough to mix, then let it rest and rise as told.Be careful with the flour. Start with two cups, then add more slowly until it’s just right. Don’t add too much at once.Timing and handling are key. Let the dough rise fully, about an hour, for the best texture. After shaping, let it rise again for 15 to 30 minutes. This second rise makes them light and fluffy.

Keeping the right temperature is crucial. Fry Long John donuts at 375°F. Too hot, and they’ll brown too fast. Too cold, and they’ll soak up too much oil.Use a thermometer for exact temperature control.Fry each side for approximately a minute until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack to drain oil and prevent sogginess.For the best taste, make donuts just before serving. While they can last up to two days or be frozen for two months, fresh ones are best.By following these tips, you’ll make delicious Long John donuts every time. Happy baking!FAQ

A Long John donut is a special pastry. It’s long and bar-like, unlike round donuts. It’s filled with various icings and fillings, making it a tasty treat.

To make Long John donuts, you need yeast, milk, sugar, eggs, butter, and flour. These ingredients make the dough soft and fluffy.

Yes, you can add extra flavor. Try using nutmeg or vanilla to make them even more delicious.

It’s important to pick the right yeast. Active dry yeast is best for making the dough rise right and giving it the perfect texture.

First, warm the milk and mix in the yeast and sugar. Wait until it gets foamy, then add it to the other ingredients.

After mixing the yeast, add eggs, melted butter, and sugar. Then, add flour slowly until it’s sticky. Knead until it’s smooth.

Let the dough rise in a warm place. It should double in size. This step is key for the right texture.

For the filling, you need milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook it until it’s thick and smooth, then cool it before filling the donuts.

For the glaze, you’ll need butter, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix these together until it’s smooth.

Make sure the glaze is smooth and not too thin. This will help it set right on the donuts, giving them a shiny look.

Fry the dough at 350 degrees F for golden, perfectly cooked donuts. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature.

Keep the oil temperature just right. Too hot, and they cook too fast. Too cold, and they soak up too much oil. Don’t overwork the dough to keep them soft.

After frying and cooling, fill the donuts with custard. Use a piping bag to get the custard evenly inside.

Dip the filled donuts in chocolate glaze. Then, set them on a wire rack to let excess glaze drip off and solidify.

Let the glaze set until it’s smooth and shiny. This usually takes a few minutes on a wire rack.

Don’t overwork the dough and keep the oil at the right temperature. This prevents the donuts from being tough or too oily.

Temperature control is key for perfect Long John donuts. The right oil temperature ensures they cook evenly and have the right texture.