When you're crafting the perfect weekly meal plan, you might not think to include something as indulgent as doughnuts—but maybe you should. These sweet, pillowy bites of happiness don’t just belong in bakeries or coffee shops. Made at home, doughnuts can be a joyful and intentional addition to your weekly routine.
Whether you're meal prepping breakfast for the week or treating your family to a homemade weekend brunch, there's always room in your meal plan for something sweet.
Why Doughnuts Deserve a Spot in Your Meal Plan
Healthy eating doesn’t mean eliminating joy. A balanced meal plan should include everything from nutrient-packed greens to the occasional indulgence. Homemade doughnuts offer:
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Control over ingredients – bake or fry, choose your flour, and adjust sweetness
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Portion flexibility – make minis, halves, or full-sized
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Customizable flavors – think cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or fruity fillings
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A satisfying treat – mentally and physically rewarding
Adding doughnuts as a planned treat (rather than a spontaneous splurge) helps keep cravings in check and adds fun to your food routine.
Ingredients for Classic Doughnuts
There are two primary styles of homemade doughnuts: yeast-raised (fluffy and airy) and cake doughnuts (denser and rich). Here's a classic yeast-raised version:
Doughnut Dough:
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Glaze (optional but highly recommended):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Doughnuts
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Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it foam (about 5 minutes).
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Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
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First rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
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Shape the doughnuts: Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness, cut using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters.
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Second rise: Let shaped doughnuts rest for 30 minutes.
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Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each doughnut 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Glaze and enjoy: Dip warm doughnuts in glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Meal Plan Tips: Storing and Reheating Doughnuts
Doughnuts can absolutely be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week:
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Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.
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Store: Keep doughnuts in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days.
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Freeze: Freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze fresh!
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Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
Bonus: Baked doughnuts are even easier to prep and store for busy mornings!
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to rotate flavors into your meal plan? Try these fun takes:
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Chocolate Glazed – add cocoa to the glaze
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Maple Bacon – maple glaze + crumbled bacon
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Strawberry Iced – pureed strawberries in glaze
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Filled – inject with jam, custard, or Nutella
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Pumpkin Spice – perfect for fall meal plans!
Balancing Indulgence in Your Meal Plan
Incorporating doughnuts intentionally into your meal plan lets you enjoy them without guilt. Plan them for:
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Weekend brunches
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After-school snacks
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Special weekday treats
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Meal prep breakfasts (especially mini baked versions!)
When you plan your indulgences, you're more likely to stay consistent with your nutrition goals and enjoy your meals fully.
Final Thoughts
Homemade doughnuts bring joy to your kitchen and balance to your meal plan. Whether you're frying up golden, fluffy rings or baking a batch of healthy minis, this sweet treat proves that planning your meals doesn’t have to mean skipping dessert. With thoughtful portions and a little creativity, doughnuts can be a delicious part of your food routine.
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