Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)

Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)  are a timeless Greek dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and generously soaked in honey, Loukoumades are a true embodiment of Greek hospitality and culinary tradition.

What are Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)?

Originating from Greece, loukoumades are a delectable dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This sweet treat is often referred to as Greek donuts, and it is easy to see why.

Made from a simple dough recipe consisting of flour, lukewarm water, dry yeast, sugar and salt, the dough is then allowed to rise in a warm environment before being formed into small balls of dough. These dough balls are then fried in vegetable oil until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, they are removed from the oil and drained on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

To add a touch of sweetness, loukoumades are traditionally soaked in a sweet honey syrup made from honey, water, and sugar. The syrup is poured over the donuts, allowing them to absorb the sweet flavors and become even more delicious.

Finally, loukoumades are often garnished with a sprinkle of sesame or walnuts and a dusting of ground cinnamon, adding an extra layer of flavour and texture. The result is a mouth-watering dessert that is both crispy and soft, sweet making it impossible to resist.

Why Make this Recipe

Bursting with flavour, these golden brown delights offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.Making these honey donuts is a great idea for several reasons.

1. They are a beloved traditional treat in Greek and Cypriot cuisine, bringing an authentic taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Embrace the richness of their history and cultural significance as you savour each mouth-watering bite.
2. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, ensuring that even novice home cooks can whip up a batch of these delectable donuts with ease. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, dry yeast, warm milk, and honey syrup, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering dessert that will impress friends and family alike.
3. This Loukoumades recipe utilises only a few basic pantry ingredients such as flour, yeast, sugar and salt.
4. The recipe is Vegan and can be enjoyed during Lent.

Loukoumades (Greek donuts) step by step

Prepare the syrup

Add the cinnamon stick to the mixture. The cinnamon stick will infuse the syrup with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Make the Dough

To make your own Loukoumades (Greek Donuts), begin by combining 500mls lukewarm water with yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes until it becomes frothy, a sign that the yeast is activating. Next, add  flour in a separate bowl, make well in the middle and add the activated yeast along with salt. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and allow to rest in a warm environment until it doubles in size.

Let the Dough rise

Cover the dough with a tea towel and allow to rest in a warm environment until it doubles in size for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the donuts. Scoop up a small amount of batter with a spoon or your fingers and use another spoon or your fingers to slide the batter into the hot oil. You can shape them into round balls or any other desired shape.

Fry the Dough

Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into medium-heated vegetable oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the donuts with the slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Finishing touches

To add an authentic touch, you can either dunk Loukoumades (Greek Donuts) in cold syrup  or sprinkle them with sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, or chopped walnuts for an extra burst of flavour. Each bite will be a symphony of textures, combining the softness of the dough with the enticing crispiness.

Different Toppings

Loukoumades, the beloved Greek donuts, are irresistibly delicious on their own, but their flavour can be taken to another level with the addition of various toppings.

1. Traditionally, Loukoumades are generously coated with sweet honey, chopped walnuts and cinnamon which add a luscious and aromatic touch. The sticky golden honey not only enhances the sweetness of the donuts but also infuses them with a distinct Greek flavour.
2. The second most popular way by which Loukoumades are enjoyed is by dunking them in syrup.
3. Another classic topping for Loukoumades is sugar. As the sugar gently dusts the warm donuts, it creates a delicate sweetness and a beautiful snowy appearance. Sugar will add extra sweetness and crunchiness to every bite.
4. Ground cinnamon and sugar is another traditional combination that elevates the flavour of loukoumades. With its warm and fragrant notes, cinnamon adds a comforting touch to the donuts. The subtle spiciness complements the sweetness of the dough, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
5. For those seeking a modern twist, Loukoumades can also be topped with a luxurious chocolate sauce. Melt chocolate in Bain Marie with a little bit of cocoa and pour over Loukoumades.
6. To add some crunch and texture, chopped pistachios can be sprinkled over the toppings. The nutty and earthy flavor of pistachios pairs wonderfully with the honey and chocolate, providing a satisfying contrast.

How to Serve Loukoumades

Loukoumades (Greek Donuts) are traditionally served warm with various toppings. I particularly enjoy them in the summer with a few scoops of pistachio ice cream!

Can You Reheat Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)?

Loukoumades are a delectable treat that is best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, there may be occasions when you have leftovers or want to enjoy them at a later time. In such cases, you may be wondering if you can reheat loukoumades. The good news is that while reheating a fried treat like loukoumades can be a bit challenging, it is still possible to enjoy them again.

While reheating loukoumades is possible, it is important to note that the results may not be as perfect as the freshly made ones. Reheating them after they have been soaked in sugar syrup may cause them to become soggier. It is best to avoid reheating loukoumades that have already been soaked in syrup for optimal taste and texture.

There are two popular methods for reheating loukoumades: the oven method and the air fryer method.

Oven method:To reheat them in the oven, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). Place the loukoumades on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat will help revive their golden brown crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Air fryer method: Another option is to reheat loukoumades using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the loukoumades in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat them for about 2-3 minutes. The air fryer method can quickly crisp up the exterior, giving you a similar texture to freshly fried loukoumades.

In conclusion, although reheating fried treats like loukoumades can be a bit tricky, you can still enjoy them again using the oven or air fryer methods. Just be mindful of the sugar syrup and opt for fresh loukoumades whenever possible for the best indulgence.

What Other Recipes are Similar to Loukoumades?

If you love Loukoumades, then look no further that my Kourkoubinia ( fried phyllo dough) and Tulumba ( fried dough) recipes.

Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)

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Rating: 5.0/5

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Serves: 30 Prep Time: 40 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes 30 minutes

Ingredients

Loukoumades dough

• 8gr dry yeast
• 200g (1 1/2 cups) strong bread flour
• 100gr (1/2 cup) plain flour
• 300mls (1 1/4 cups) water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Vegetable Oil

Syrup

• 300mls (1 1/4 cups) water
• 400gr granulated sugar
• 150gr (1/2 cup) honey
• 1 cinnamon stick

Garnish

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• ground cinnamon

Instructions

Syrup

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar and add a cinnamon stick.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently to dissolve the sugar. The mixture will initially be cloudy but will become clear as it heats.
3. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Let it boil for 5 minutes and add finally add honey.
5. Set syrup aside to cool down.

Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)

1. To prepare Loukoumades (Greek Donuts), begin by combining 500mls lukewarm water with yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, a sign that the yeast is activating.
2. In a separate bowl add flour and make a well in the middle. Add the fat mixture and salt and knead. Knead until a soft dough is formed.
3. Allow the dough to rest in a warm environment until it doubles in size (30-40 minutes).
4. Once the dough has risen, it's time to shape the donuts. Scoop up a small amount of batter with a spoon or your fingers and use another spoon or your fingers to slide the batter into the hot oil. You can shape them into round balls.
5. Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into medium-heated vegetable oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the donuts with the slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
6. To add an authentic touch, you can either dunk Loukoumades (Greek Donuts) in cold syrup.Allow Loukoumades to absorb the syrup for a while before serving. This will give them a deliciously sweet and sticky texture.

Garnish

1. Sprinkle them with sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, honey or chopped walnuts for an extra burst of flavour. Each bite will be a symphony of textures, combining the softness of the dough with the enticing crispiness.