Pink Glazed Cartoon Donuts

This light and fluffy Homer Simpson Donut recipe brings the iconic pink-glazed treat from Springfield right into your kitchen. Creating these pillowy soft yeast donuts at home might take a little time, but the results are spectacularly authentic and absolutely worth the effort.

I first made these donuts for my nephew's cartoon-themed birthday party, and they became such a hit that they're now requested at nearly every family gathering. There's something magical about watching everyone's eyes light up when they see that iconic pink glaze.

Ingredients

• Instant yeast ensures reliable rising and that perfect fluffy texture
• Buttermilk adds tanginess and creates an incredibly tender crumb in the finished donuts
• Vanilla extract provides that classic sweet bakery aroma that makes homemade donuts irresistible
• Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that melt in your mouth quality
• Pink food coloring transforms ordinary glaze into the iconic Simpson's donut topping
• Colorful sprinkles complete the authentic look and add a delightful crunch to each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate Yeast

Combine warm water with instant yeast in a small bowl and let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy. The water should be around 105°F to 110°F which is the perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it. You'll know it's ready when the mixture looks creamy and slightly bubbly on top.

Create Dough

In a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the activated yeast mixture with flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix on low speed until everything comes together, then increase to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky to the touch.

First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and place in a warm spot to rise for 60 to 75 minutes. The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when you gently press a finger into it. This slow rise develops both structure and flavor that makes these donuts exceptional.

Shape Donuts

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out rounds with holes in the center. Place the cut donuts on parchment lined baking sheets, cover loosely, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until they look puffy. Handle the dough gently to preserve the air bubbles that create that perfect texture.

Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy saucepan to exactly 360°F, using a thermometer to maintain this temperature. Carefully lower donuts into the hot oil and fry for about 90 seconds per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Monitor the oil temperature between batches to ensure consistent results.

Glaze and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and enough pink food coloring to achieve that signature bright hue. Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets. Place on a wire rack to let the excess glaze drip off and allow the glaze to set completely.

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The first time I made these donuts, I accidentally added too much pink food coloring and ended up with electric fuschia donuts that looked like they came straight from a cartoon world. My kids thought they were even better than the "regular" version, and now we alternate between authentic pink and our special "super Springfield" version depending on the occasion.

Temperature Matters

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is perhaps the most critical factor in donut success. Too hot and the exterior burns while the inside stays raw, too cool and the donuts absorb excess oil becoming greasy. Invest in a good candy thermometer and adjust your heat source frequently. I find that letting the oil recover for 30 seconds between batches helps maintain that perfect 360°F sweet spot that produces golden, properly cooked donuts.

Make Ahead Options

While these donuts are certainly best fresh, there are ways to prep ahead that make morning donut making much simpler. The dough can be made and go through its first rise, then covered tightly and refrigerated overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling, cutting, and proceeding with the second rise. This cold fermentation actually enhances flavor development, giving your donuts an even better taste profile with notes of subtle sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These iconic donuts deserve a proper presentation. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a colorful display at parties or brunches. Pair with glasses of cold milk for kids or fresh coffee for adults to create that classic diner experience. For an extra special touch, create a donut bar where guests can choose their own sprinkles or even add additional toppings like crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate drizzle to customize their Homer Simpson experience.

Cultural Context

The pink frosted donut became a cultural icon thanks to its frequent appearances in The Simpsons, where it represents Homer's insatiable appetite and love for sweet indulgences. First appearing in the early episodes of the show which debuted in 1989, this donut has transcended its fictional origins to become a real world phenomenon. Many donut shops now feature their own version of the "Homer donut," and in 2007, when The Simpsons Movie was released, 7Eleven stores across America temporarily rebranded as Kwik E Marts and sold real life versions of these iconic treats.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While these donuts are traditionally fried for authentic texture, you can bake them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Note that baked versions will have a different texture and won't be as light and airy as the fried version. If baking, brush with melted butter before adding the glaze to maintain moisture.

→ What type of pink food coloring works best for the glaze?

Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant pink shade without thinning the glaze. For the iconic cartoon look, aim for a bright, almost neon pink rather than a pastel shade. Start with small amounts and build up to your desired color intensity.

→ Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before shaping and frying. For best results, glaze the donuts on the same day you plan to serve them, as the moisture from the glaze can make them soggy if stored too long.

→ What's the best way to maintain oil temperature while frying?

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and a reliable thermometer. Fry in small batches (2-3 donuts at a time) to prevent temperature drops. Allow the oil to return to 360°F between batches. If the oil gets too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly outside while remaining doughy inside.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates the acidity needed for proper dough texture. Alternatively, plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk works well too.

→ How do I get the classic donut hole shape without a cutter?

If you don't have a donut cutter, use two circular objects of different sizes - a large drinking glass for the outer edge and a bottle cap or small cookie cutter for the center hole. Alternatively, you can make filled donuts by cutting circles without holes and injecting custard or jam after frying.