Easy Homemade Nutella Donuts: Your Go-To Recipe for Quick, Decadent Treats Made with Biscuits
Transform ordinary canned biscuits into extraordinary Nutella-filled donuts! This incredibly easy recipe requires minimal effort, fries up quickly, and delivers a delicious, pillowy donut bursting with hazelnut chocolate and topped with crunchy pistachios. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a special dessert!
Embarking on a journey through the majestic Panama Canal aboard the Coral Princess with Princess Cruises was an unforgettable experience. Beyond the breathtaking views and engineering marvels, the culinary delights onboard were truly inspiring. Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared several recipes inspired by my incredible trip, but today, I am thrilled to unveil what might just be my absolute favorite: homemade Nutella donuts!
My love affair with Nutella runs deep, so when I first encountered these delectable treats on the ship, I knew I had to try them. It’s probably a good thing I discovered them towards the end of my voyage; otherwise, my self-control would have been severely tested every single day. These delightful pastries were more than just a sweet bite; they were a moment of pure bliss that instantly transported me to a world of deliciousness.
The Coral Princess boasts an exceptional dining experience, and one of its standout features is the International Cafe. This charming spot is a haven for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. In the mornings, it overflows with an array of fresh pastries, perfect for starting your day. Later on, it transitions to offering a selection of delicious sandwiches and salads. What makes it truly remarkable is that it’s open 24 hours a day. Whether you’re craving a midnight latte or a sweet treat to enjoy while sailing through the canal, the International Cafe has you covered.
Among their daily offerings, the Nutella Donuts quickly became a personal highlight. Each donut was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, and delightfully soft on the inside, filled with a modest amount of Nutella, then drizzled with a touch more, and finally crowned with finely chopped pistachios. While undeniably delicious, I couldn’t help but feel that they could benefit from a more generous filling. So, upon returning home, I made it my mission to create a version that truly satisfied my Nutella cravings, proving that you can indeed never have enough of that heavenly hazelnut spread!
The Secret to Effortless Homemade Donuts: Canned Biscuits!
For a while now, I’ve been eager to experiment with using pre-made biscuits to create homemade donuts. The idea first sparked during a blog trip to Breckenridge, and I’ve been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to try it. These Nutella Donuts proved to be that perfect chance, and I’m ecstatic with the results! This recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it incredibly accessible for anyone, regardless of their baking experience.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. Forget about yeast, rising times, or complicated doughs. All you need to do is open a can of refrigerated biscuits, gently drop them into hot oil, fry them until golden, and then generously fill them with Nutella. The biggest challenge you’ll face is trying to stop at just one!
Tips for Perfect Frying and Filling
Achieving the perfect fried donut texture is key. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature, ideally around 360°F (180°C). Using a thermometer is highly recommended to maintain consistent heat, as oil that’s too cool will result in greasy donuts, and oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside is cooked. When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook only 3-4 biscuits at a time to keep the oil temperature stable and allow for even cooking. You’ll want them to be golden brown and puffed up, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once fried, transfer the donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil and cool slightly. This step is crucial for preventing soggy donuts. As for filling, I found that a piping bag fitted with a round tip (like Wilton 1A) makes the process incredibly easy and neat. Simply insert the tip into the side of a cooled donut and squeeze in the Nutella. You can add as little or as much as you like – I personally go for a generous amount until it just starts to back out, ensuring every bite is rich with hazelnut chocolate goodness!
If you don’t have a piping bag, don’t worry! You can use a small knife or a chopstick to create a cavity in the side of the donut, then carefully spoon in the Nutella. Alternatively, you could cut the donuts in half like a sandwich and spread the Nutella, though the filled version is truly something special. My friend Sandra from A Dash of Sanity also has a fantastic version of these donuts, showcasing just how good and popular this method is. Whichever technique you choose, the goal is the same: maximum Nutella enjoyment!
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Donut Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamt of making homemade donuts but felt intimidated by the traditional process involving yeast and lengthy proofing times, this biscuit-based recipe is your perfect introduction. It demystifies donut making, transforming it into a fun, quick, and rewarding kitchen adventure. You still get that coveted light, fluffy, and perfectly fried dough that donuts are known for, but with a fraction of the effort.
The convenience of using canned biscuits means these delicious treats can be whipped up for a spontaneous weekend breakfast, an unexpected dessert craving, or even a fun activity with kids. The taste is remarkably close to what you’d find in a professional bakery, but with the added satisfaction of having made them yourself. Plus, you have complete control over the amount of filling and topping – a customizability that’s hard to beat!
Beyond Nutella: Creative Variations to Explore
While Nutella and pistachios create a divine combination, this basic biscuit donut recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to unleash your creativity with other fillings and toppings:
- Jam or Jelly: Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam makes for a classic filled donut.
- Custard or Cream: A smooth vanilla custard or a light whipped cream can be a delightful surprise.
- Fruit Curds: Lemon or lime curd would add a zesty, refreshing tang.
- Different Spreads: Peanut butter, cookie butter, or even a caramel sauce could be fantastic alternatives.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always elegant.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a churro-like flavor.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melted chocolate or a simple chocolate glaze adds another layer of decadence.
- Sprinkles: A festive touch for birthdays or celebrations.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can replace pistachios for a different crunch.
No matter how you choose to customize them, these easy homemade donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re warm, sweet, and comforting – truly the perfect treat to brighten any day.
Looking for more delicious recipes inspired by our cruise or just fantastic home cooking? Check out some of these other great ideas:
- Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – A wholesome yet indulgent treat.
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil – An easy and flavorful meal, perfect for a crowd.
- Classic Lime Margarita – The perfect refreshing cocktail for any occasion.
- Bran Muffins – A healthy and hearty breakfast option.
- Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes by Baked by an Introvert – A sophisticated and sweet dessert.
- Jamaican Jerk Chicken by Lemons for Lulu – A vibrant and spicy main course.
Nutella Donuts
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Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle Biscuits (8 count)
- Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (as desired for filling and drizzling)
- Chopped Pistachios (for topping)
- Vegetable Oil (or other neutral frying oil), about 4-6 cups
Instructions
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In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven, add about 4 to 6 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 360°F (180°C). A kitchen thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy.
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Carefully drop 3-4 biscuits into the hot oil at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry the biscuits for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and beautifully puffed up.
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Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried donuts from the hot oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or on paper towels, to drain excess oil and cool down. Repeat with the remaining biscuits.
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While the donuts cool slightly (they should still be warm but easy to handle), prepare your Nutella filling. Scoop Nutella into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (such as Wilton 1A or similar). If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off will also work.
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Insert the tip of the piping bag into the side of a cooled donut. Gently squeeze the Nutella into the center. You can fill it as little or as much as you desire. For a truly decadent experience, fill until the Nutella just begins to show at the entry point.
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For an extra touch, drizzle a little more Nutella over the top of each filled donut. Immediately sprinkle a generous amount of chopped pistachios over the wet Nutella so they adhere.
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Serve these delightful Nutella donuts immediately while they are still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Love this simple Nutella donut recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! Your feedback helps others discover delicious treats.
**This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own and reflect my genuine experience and enthusiasm for these delicious, cruise-inspired treats.
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