How to Make Layered Donuts at Home

Layered donuts are the perfect fusion of a croissant’s buttery layers and a donut’s sweet, crispy charm. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes them special, how they compare to croissants, how to make them at home (even with an air fryer), plus ideas for fillings, toppings, and beautiful gift packaging. Let’s dive in!

• How to Make Donuts Homemade – Easier Than You Think!
• How to Make a Perfect Fluffy Donuts at Home
• How to Make Baked Donuts at Home – Easy, No-Fry Donut Recipe

What is a Layered Donut?

A layered donut, sometimes called a croissant-donut hybrid, is a next-level version of the classic donut made using laminated dough. Unlike regular yeast or cake donuts, layered donuts are crafted by folding butter into the dough multiple times, creating delicate flaky layers that puff up beautifully when fried.

This technique, known as lamination, is the same method used for croissants and puff pastries. The result? A donut that’s crisp and golden on the outside, yet rich, buttery, and airy inside truly the best of both worlds.

Layered donuts became more popular thanks to artisan donut shops like Parlor Doughnuts, which use a signature process of layering dough with butter to create light, fluffy, and multi-dimensional textures. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, layered interior that melts in your mouth.

If you’ve only had traditional donuts, layered donuts will feel like a revelation more indulgent, more complex, and more rewarding to make at home.

Is a Layered Donut Similar to a Croissant?

Layered donuts and croissants share a fundamental similarity in their dough: both are made from laminated dough, which involves folding butter repeatedly into the dough to create multiple thin layers. This lamination process is what gives both pastries their signature flaky, airy texture. Croissant dough is traditionally made with yeast, flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and a generous amount of butter, which is folded into the dough multiple times to achieve those delicate, buttery layers that puff up when baked, resulting in a light and airy pastry.

Layered donuts use a similar laminated dough technique but differ in their cooking method and final form. Instead of being baked like croissants, layered donuts are typically shaped into rings or filled donut shapes and then deep-fried or air-fried. This frying process creates a crispy, flaky exterior with a soft, layered interior, combining the richness of croissant dough with the indulgence of a donut.

A popular hybrid of these two pastries is the "Cronut," invented in 2013 by Dominique Ansel in New York City. The Cronut features laminated dough with approximately 24 layers of buttery dough, fried like a donut, and often filled with pastry cream or other fillings. This creation sparked a nationwide craze, blending the flaky texture of a croissant with the shape and cooking style of a donut, offering a unique pastry experience that highlights the best of both worlds.

Detailed Comparison Table: Layered Donut vs. Croissant

So, Are They the Same?

Not exactly, but they’re delicious cousins. Layered donuts combine the delicate texture of croissant dough with the richness and joy of donuts. They’re crispier, slightly more indulgent, and perfect for those who want the elegance of a croissant with the comfort-food appeal of a donut.

In short: if a croissant is a Sunday morning in Paris, a layered donut is a celebration in every bite.

How to Make Layered Donuts at Home

Ingredients for Layered Donuts

To make delicious, layered donuts at home, you will need the following basic ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (around 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups)
• Active dry yeast (about 2 1/2 teaspoons)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup or slightly more)
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt)
• Butter (both softened and cold for lamination, roughly 4 tablespoons softened plus additional for layering)
• Whole milk, warmed (about 2/3 cup)
• Eggs (3 large)
• Oil for frying (canola or shortening)
• Optional ingredients for glaze or fillings such as powdered sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and heavy cream

Step-by-Step Process of Making Layered Donuts

1. Prepare the Laminated Dough

• Begin by proofing the yeast: combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until foamy.
• Whisk in eggs gently.
• Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, gradually add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. The dough will be wet and sticky, which is normal.
• Add softened butter in small increments, allowing it to incorporate fully. Knead the dough on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes until smooth.
• Place dough in a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to develop flavor and texture.

2. Laminate the Dough (Rolling and Folding Butter into Dough Multiple Times)

• On a lightly floured, cold surface, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle (about 18 x 12 inches).
• Spread softened butter evenly over two-thirds of the dough.
• Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, sealing the butter inside.
• Roll out again to the original rectangle size and fold again. Repeat this rolling and folding process 5-6 times to create multiple layers.
• Keep the dough cold throughout to prevent butter from melting, which is crucial for flaky layers.

3. Proof the Dough for Proper Rise

• After the final fold, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a floured donut or biscuit cutter to cut out donut shapes.
• Place the cut donuts on parchment-lined trays, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them proof in a warm spot until nearly doubled in size usually about 1 hour.

4. Fry or Air Fry the Donuts

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the donuts in batches for about 90-120 seconds per side until golden brown and flaky.
• Alternatively, lightly spray donuts with oil and air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier option.
• Drain fried donuts on paper towels or a wire rack.

5. Add Glaze or Toppings After Cooling

• Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip them in glaze or sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon sugar.
• Popular glaze options include vanilla-maple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and heavy cream whisked until smooth.
• You can also add fillings like pastry cream or fruit jam by piping them into the donuts after frying.

Tips for Perfect Flaky Layers and Avoiding Dough Sticking

• Always work with cold dough and cold butter to maintain distinct layers and prevent tearing.
• Lightly flour the work surface but avoid excess flour which can make the dough tough.
• Use gentle lifting motions when rolling to prevent sticking without compressing the layers.
• Press finger indents after each fold to keep track of your laminations.
• When cutting donuts, dip your cutter in flour and stamp straight down without twisting to maintain clean edges and preserve layers.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature precisely; overheating or underheating can affect texture and oil absorption.

Ideas for Fillings and Toppings for Layered Donuts

Layered donuts offer a versatile canvas for a wide range of delicious fillings and toppings, allowing you to customize them to suit any taste or occasion. Here are some popular and creative ideas to inspire your homemade layered donut creations:

Popular Fillings for Layered Donuts

• Fruit Jams: Classic choices like raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or apricot jam add a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery, flaky layers.
• Custard or Cream Fillings: Smooth vanilla custard, pastry cream, or whipped cream provide a rich, creamy contrast to the flaky texture. You can also try flavored custards like lemon curd or chocolate cream for extra indulgence.
• Chocolate Ganache: A luscious, silky chocolate ganache filling adds decadence and pairs perfectly with the donut’s buttery layers.
• Nutella or Peanut Butter: For a nutty twist, fill your donuts with creamy Nutella or peanut butter. These fillings add richness and a satisfying depth of flavor.

Donut Fillings: Delicious and Easy-to-Make Donut Filling Ideas

Topping Ideas for Layered Donuts

• Classic Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A simple dusting of granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix enhances the donut’s natural sweetness and adds a pleasant texture.
• Glazes:
  • Vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a sweet, glossy finish.
  • Chocolate glaze for a rich and indulgent topping.
  • Caramel glaze adds a buttery, sweet flavor that complements the layers perfectly.
• Sprinkles or Chopped Nuts: Add a fun crunch and vibrant color with rainbow sprinkles, crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Seasonal Toppings:
  • Salted caramel and pistachio for a sophisticated flavor combination.
  • Toffee apple crumble topping for a cozy autumn vibe.
  • S’mores-inspired toppings with mini marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and crushed graham crackers for a campfire favorite.

Experiment with Savory Fillings

For those looking to push the boundaries, savory fillings can offer a unique and unexpected twist on layered donuts. Consider fillings such as:

• Cream cheese and chives
• Herb-infused ricotta
• Spiced pumpkin or sweet potato puree
• Savory bacon jam or caramelized onions

These savory options create a delightful contrast to the buttery, flaky dough and can be perfect for brunch or a special snack.

Can I Make Layered Donuts with an Air Fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can make layered donuts using an air fryer! This method offers a healthier and cleaner alternative to traditional deep-frying while still preserving the flaky, buttery layers that make layered donuts so special.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Layered Donuts

• Less Oil, Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, reducing fat content and calories while still delivering a crispy exterior.
• Cleaner Cooking: The air fryer minimizes oil splatter, making cleanup easier and your kitchen less messy.
• Preserves Layers: When the laminated dough is properly proofed and handled, the air fryer retains the flaky layers and buttery texture characteristic of layered donuts.

How to Make Layered Donuts in an Air Fryer

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Prepare the Donuts: After proofing and shaping your laminated dough into donuts, brush each one lightly with melted butter to enhance browning and flavor.
• Air Fry: Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart for even cooking. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it, until the donuts turn golden brown.

Ideas for Packaging Layered Donuts as Gifts

Layered donuts aren’t just delicious they’re visually stunning. With their golden, flaky layers and luscious toppings, they make for charming edible gifts. But presentation is everything. Beautiful, functional packaging not only protects your donuts but also elevates the experience for the recipient.

Why Packaging Matters for Layered Donuts Given as Gifts

Whether you’re gifting homemade donuts to friends or offering them in your bakery, the right packaging:

• Preserves freshness and structure (especially those delicate layers)
  
• Enhances visual appeal
  
• Reflects your personal brand or sentiment
  
• Makes your gift Instagram-worthy and shareable!
  

Conclusion

Mastering the art of layered donuts at home brings together the buttery flakiness of croissants with the sweet indulgence of donuts. Whether you fry them traditionally or use a healthier air fryer method, these pastries offer endless creative possibilities with fillings and toppings. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself, homemade layered donuts are a delightful way to impress your taste buds and loved ones alike.