Golden, fluffy, and indulgently soft, these Gordon Ramsay-style doughnuts are a true bakery treat made right at home. Lightly crisp on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside, they’re perfect for filling, glazing, or simply tossing in sugar. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a rich filling, these doughnuts are a delicious homemade classic.
What is Gordon Ramsay Doughnut?
Gordon Ramsay’s doughnuts are traditional yeasted doughnuts made from enriched dough. After proofing and frying, they result in a tender interior with a golden crust. These doughnuts are often filled with jam, pastry cream, or topped with glazes and sugar, offering a base for countless variations.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Cake Swiss
- Gordon Ramsay Mince Pies
- Gordon Ramsay Molten Lava Cake
- Gordon Ramsay Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Soft and fluffy texture – Light interior with a perfect golden crust
- Versatile base dough – Fill, glaze, or sugar as you like
- Crowd-pleaser dessert – Loved by all ages
- Perfectly golden and airy – Just like bakery-style doughnuts
- Make-ahead dough – Prepare the night before, fry fresh the next day
- Customizable flavors – Add fillings, spices, or toppings your way
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
For the dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 7g instant yeast
- 50g granulated sugar
- 250ml warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for aroma)
For frying:
- Sunflower or vegetable oil, for deep-frying
For coating or filling (choose one or more):
- Caster sugar or cinnamon sugar, for coating
- Jam, pastry cream, or Nutella, for filling
- Glaze or icing sugar, for drizzling or dusting
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough: Add softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1½–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll it to about 1.5 cm thickness. Cut with a round cutter (or a glass) and place on a floured tray.
- Second rise: Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffed.
- Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–355°F). Fry doughnuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and cool: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
- Coat or fill: Roll in sugar while warm, or allow to cool and fill with jam or cream using a piping bag. Drizzle with glaze if desired.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Hot coffee or espresso – Balances the sweetness
- Fruit compote or jam – For dipping or extra filling
- Whipped cream or custard – Piped inside for richness
- Chocolate glaze or ganache – Drizzled or dipped
- Caramel sauce – Sweet and sticky companion
- Powdered sugar dusting – Classic and elegant
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Don’t overwork the dough – Knead until smooth but not stiff
- Let dough rise fully – Both rises are key for lightness
- Use a thermometer for frying – Temperature control is crucial
- Fry in small batches – Prevents oil temperature drop
- Drain well on paper towels – Keeps them from getting greasy
- Fill with a piping bag – For neat and even distribution
- Serve fresh – Best enjoyed the same day
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Fill with lemon curd or raspberry jam – Bright and tangy options
- Make mini doughnuts – Great for parties and kids
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to dough – For a warm spice note
- Use chocolate chips in the dough – For a sweet surprise
- Top with crushed nuts or sprinkles – Adds crunch and color
- Make a cream cheese glaze – A smooth, tangy topping
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Best enjoyed fresh – Within a few hours of frying
- Store in an airtight container – For up to 24 hours
- Avoid refrigerating – It dries them out
- Freeze unfilled doughnuts – Wrap tightly, freeze up to 1 month
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Doughnuts
- Oven method: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave briefly: 10–15 seconds max for a soft texture
- Avoid over-reheating: Prevents drying or hardening
Nutrition Value (per doughnut, unfilled):
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
How do I get my homemade doughnuts fluffy?
To achieve fluffy doughnuts, let the dough rise twice—once after mixing and again after shaping. This gives the yeast time to create air pockets, making the final texture light and airy.
Can I bake Gordon Ramsay doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, but the texture will be more like a sweet bun. For the classic crisp and fluffy doughnut, frying is recommended.
What is the best oil for frying doughnuts?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil. These maintain a steady frying temperature and don’t affect the flavor of the doughnuts.
Can I make the doughnut dough the night before?
Yes, after the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature the next day, then shape, proof, and fry as usual for freshly made morning doughnuts.
Final Words
Gordon Ramsay’s doughnuts are soft, pillowy, and bursting with flavor—just what you’d expect from a professional-quality bakery, right in your own kitchen.
PrintGordon Ramsay Doughnut
Gordon Ramsay’s doughnuts are traditional yeasted doughnuts made from enriched dough. After proofing and frying, they result in a tender interior with a golden crust. These doughnuts are often filled with jam, pastry cream, or topped with glazes and sugar, offering a base for countless variations.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-American
Ingredients
For the dough:
-
500g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
-
7g instant yeast
-
50g granulated sugar
-
250ml warm milk
-
2 large eggs
-
60g unsalted butter, softened
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for aroma)
For frying:
-
Sunflower or vegetable oil, for deep-frying
For coating or filling (choose one or more):
-
Caster sugar or cinnamon sugar, for coating
-
Jam, pastry cream, or Nutella, for filling
-
Glaze or icing sugar, for drizzling or dusting
Instructions
-
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
-
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
-
Knead the dough: Add softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a dough hook.
-
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1½–2 hours until doubled in size.
-
Shape the doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll it to about 1.5 cm thickness. Cut with a round cutter (or a glass) and place on a floured tray.
-
Second rise: Cover loosely with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffed.
-
Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (340–355°F). Fry doughnuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Drain and cool: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
-
Coat or fill: Roll in sugar while warm, or allow to cool and fill with jam or cream using a piping bag. Drizzle with glaze if desired.