Who doesn’t love donuts with a splash of color and crunch? Fruity Pebble donuts bring a delightful twist to the classic donut, infusing a burst of flavor and fun with every bite. These bright, colorful treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Imagine biting into a fluffy donut, glazed with milk infused with Fruity Pebbles, and topped with that familiar rainbow crunch. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence. If you love Fruity Pebbles cereal, these donuts are going to hit the spot!
Ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself? This recipe is simple to follow, and with a few ingredients, you’ll be making bakery-quality donuts right at home. Let’s dive into the steps and create these colorful masterpieces.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (675g)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (360ml), warmed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (75g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (11g)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (5g)
- Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola), about 2 quarts
For the Fruity Pebble Glaze:
- ½ cup Fruity Pebbles (25g), plus extra for topping
- ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruity Pebble Milk
Start by infusing the Fruity Pebble flavor into your glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ½ cup of Fruity Pebbles and ½ cup of milk. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, leave the mixture to sit overnight. This gives the milk time to absorb all the cereal’s fruity flavor.
Pro Tip: Make extra Fruity Pebble milk to drizzle on top of the finished donuts for added sweetness and flair!
2. Make the Donut Dough
While your Fruity Pebble milk is infusing, it’s time to work on the dough.
Activate the Yeast:
- Warm 1 ½ cups of milk to about 95°F (35°C). Use a microwave in 15-second intervals and check the temperature. Add 1 tablespoon of instant yeast and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar to the warm milk, whisking to combine. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the milk-yeast mixture with the eggs. Mix on medium speed until just combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 ½ cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the stand mixer, a spoonful at a time, allowing the dough to come together.
Incorporate Butter:
- Once the dough begins to form, gradually add ½ cup of softened butter (in small chunks) to the dough. Continue kneading for 5–10 minutes. The dough should be sticky but smooth, and it will pull away from the sides of the bowl when ready.
Note: If your dough feels too sticky, dust it with a bit of flour, but avoid adding too much. A slightly sticky dough will result in light, fluffy donuts.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is fully kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
Pro Tip: To create the perfect rising environment, turn your oven to 200°F for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the dough in the warm oven to rise.
4. Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of ¾ inch.
Using a 3-inch donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters of different sizes), cut out your donuts. Don’t forget to save the donut holes for frying! Place the cut-out donuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them with a towel. Let them rise for another 45 minutes until puffy.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a glass or a jar lid to cut the dough.
5. Fry the Donuts
Heat about 2 quarts of neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is crucial here to maintain a steady frying temperature.
Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the oil at a time using a slotted spoon or spatula. Fry each side for 45 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as it will lower the oil temperature.
Transfer the fried donuts to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining donuts and donut holes.
Safety Tip: Be cautious when frying, and always fry away from your body to prevent splashing.
6. Make the Fruity Pebble Glaze
After the donuts have cooled, it’s time to glaze them. First, strain your prepared Fruity Pebble milk into a medium bowl using a fine mesh sieve, discarding the soaked cereal.
In the bowl with the milk, add 2 cups of powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
7. Glaze the Donuts
Dip the top of each cooled donut into the Fruity Pebble glaze, letting any excess drip off. Immediately sprinkle extra Fruity Pebbles on top while the glaze is still wet. Set the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Pro Tip: For an extra crunchy topping, lightly toast the Fruity Pebbles before sprinkling them on the donuts!
Donut Variations and Tips
Try Different Cereal Toppings
While Fruity Pebbles are the star of this recipe, you can switch it up with other cereals like Cocoa Pebbles, Frosted Flakes, or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch for unique flavor profiles.
Flavor the Dough
For a more intense flavor, try adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough. These subtle additions will elevate your donuts to a new level of deliciousness.
Bake Instead of Fry
If you want a healthier option, bake the donuts instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep in mind that baked donuts won’t have the same crispy exterior as fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Sugar | 18g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.
Conclusion
These Fruity Pebble donuts are the ultimate combination of fun and flavor. The vibrant colors, paired with the crispy glaze and fluffy interior, make them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this recipe is bound to impress.
Be sure to experiment with toppings, flavorings, and even shapes to make the recipe your own. And remember, frying donuts takes a bit of practice, but with patience and care, you’ll be making bakery-quality donuts at home in no time!