Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Fried Dough Delights

Easy Fried Dough Recipe: Lemon Squeezy Delights!

By Laura TideJune 19, 2025

Fancy some homemade fried dough? This easy fried dough recipe gives you light, zesty lemon fried dough delights. Quick, carnival-style treat! Get the recipe now. ... Appetizers - Snacks

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sweet fried dough ? i know i do! this fried dough recipe is super easy and gives you proper carnival vibes.

Think elephant ear bread but with a lemony twist.

Brief Overview

This homemade fried dough recipe is inspired by classic american carnival food. its got a touch of zing with lemon.

It’s dead easy, taking only around 25 minutes total. you’ll get about 12 doughnuts – perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

One of the best things? it's quick and satisfying! this recipe offers a boost of simple pleasure with every bite.

Serve these at a family gathering. they're sure to be a winner. these aren’t just any fried scone .

Whacking Great Ingredients

Right, let’s get the bits and bobs sorted.

For the dough: you'll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. add 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup sugar.
A large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 lemon are key.
For Frying: About 4 cups vegetable oil will do the trick.
For Topping: Grab some icing sugar. Or whatever you fancy!

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Fried Dough Delights presentation

Get Your Kit On

You won't need much gear. a large bowl and whisk are essential. a rolling pin and pastry cutter (or knife) will help you shape the dough.

A deep fryer or heavy pot, a slotted spoon, and some paper towels are needed for frying. easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Get the Quick fried dough recipe Cooking

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Mix egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Pour wet into dry. Stir, but don't overmix!
Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is important.
Roll dough to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes.
Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side. Until golden!
Drain on paper towels.
Dust with sugar and scoff!

Cracking good Lemon fried dough recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't overmix your batter for the best dough. keep an eye on the oil temperature for an even bake. nobody wants soggy or burnt carnival fried dough recipe .

Drain the dough completely once you have taken it out of the oil! fresh is best so serve it as soon as you're done!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fried Dough Recipe Sorted!

Right, so you fancy making some amazingly easy fried dough ? sorted. don't worry. it's easier than putting the kettle on for a brew! this recipe is dead simple.

Even i managed it.

Main Ingredients for Our Sweet Fried Dough

Okay, gather 'round, you lot. Here's what you need. Don't stress if you don't have everything to the letter. We can usually wing it. For the Dough:

Flour: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour is the ticket.
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . This is what makes them lovely and puffy.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . A pinch to balance the sweetness.
Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar. For that sweet fried dough yumminess.
Egg: 1 large egg. Free-range if you can get 'em.
Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, whole or 2%. Full fat tastes best, obviously.
Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted. Makes the dough richer.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . A dash of pure vanilla extract.
Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon. Adds a zesty kick.
Frying Oil: 4 cups (950ml) vegetable oil, for frying. Sunflower oil works too.
Toppings: Powdered sugar, for dusting. Or whatever tickles your fancy!

Seasoning Notes for the Elephant Ear Bread Style.

Honestly, the lemon zest is the star. but you could add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour for a warmer vibe.

Or some nutmeg. you know, just a bit of a change. i bet a splash of almond extract would be quite nice in this fresh dough recipes , really bring out an extra layer of flavours.

Equipment Needed for this Easy Fried Dough Adventure

A big bowl. For mixing. Obviously.
A whisk. Or a fork. Whatever works.
A rolling pin. Or a wine bottle in a pinch. (Don't tell anyone I said that!)
A cutter or knife. For cutting out the dough shapes.
A deep fryer or big pan. For frying. (Careful now!)
A slotted spoon. Or one of those spider things.
Paper towels. For soaking up the excess oil.

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. Let's get this quick fried dough recipe done! Get the oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Fried Dough Delights

These sweet fried dough delights are a cinch to make. seriously, they're bursting with citrusy sunshine. think carnival fried dough recipe , but zesty! perfect for a quick dessert or fun family activity.

Dust with sugar or dollop with jam. you know?

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place: get your flour, sugar, egg, milk, butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract ready. like, properly ready.

Time-saving tips: measure out dry ingredients ahead of time. melt the butter in the microwave while you're at it. safety: hot oil, yeah? be careful.

Don't be a numpty, and keep the kids away.

Step-by-Step Process

Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a big bowl.
Mix egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest in another bowl.
Pour the wet stuff into the dry. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix! Honestly, that's key.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350° F ( 175° C) . Keep an eye on it.
Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick. Cut into shapes.
Fry dough pieces in hot oil for 2- 3 minutes per side. They should be golden brown.
Drain the elephant ear bread on paper towels. Get rid of that oil.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately!

Pro Tips

Expert technique: for extra lemon fried dough recipe , brush with melted butter and lemon zest after frying. oh my gosh! common mistakes: overmixing makes tough dough.

Low oil temperature makes soggy dough. avoid both! make-ahead option: the fresh dough recipes can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Just bring to room temperature before rolling out.

Honestly, this quick fried dough recipe is so simple, even i can't mess it up (and that's saying something). i remember one time, i was trying to impress my mates with this homemade fried dough .

I totally forgot the baking powder. they were like little hockey pucks. lesson learned: don't forget the raising agent! and if you are fried dough without yeast , you will be better with baking powder instead of yeast.

If you ever wonder where to find the best fried scone , well, you already found it. Enjoy your Easy fried dough !!!

Recipe Notes

Plating Up Like a Pro

Right, so you've got your gorgeous easy fried dough . now what? forget being shy! pile them high on a plate, dust with that powdered sugar like it's snow on the alps.

Honestly, presentation does matter! for the fancy folks? drizzle with honey or a rich chocolate sauce.

Fancy a bit of summer? strawberry slices with a dollop of whipped cream makes a smashing addition. a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade pairs brilliantly.

You know, something to cut through that sweetness. or why not try it with a flat white from the local cafe?

Storing These Bad Boys

Okay, let's be real. These sweet fried dough treats are best devoured fresh. However, life happens, doesn't it?

Refrigeration: Keep them in an airtight container. They'll last for about 2 days.
Freezing: Not really recommended, honestly. The texture gets a bit weird. Nobody wants weird homemade fried dough .
Reheating: If you must, a quick blast in the microwave (about 20 seconds) might do the trick. Or even better a few minutes in the air fryer, bringing them back to that golden perfection.

Mix It Up a Bit

Feeling adventurous? I love to mix things up.

Dietary Adaptations: To make a fried dough without yeast recipe, adapt the recipe to use self raising flour.
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In autumn, swap the lemon zest for some mixed spice for that cozy flavour.

Nutrition Time!

Alright, quick and dirty breakdown. each serving (about 2 pieces) clocks in around 250 calories. it has about 4g of protein, 12g of fat, and 30g of carbs.

This includes around 8g of sugar. remember, this is an estimate for the basic recipe, carnival fried dough recipe , toppings can change everything! so maybe don't have 10 and call it "healthy", ok?

These are a treat, you know? a bit of elephant ear bread style indulgence. they're not health food, and they're not meant to be.

It's about enjoying yourself and a little bit of what you fancy.

Seriously, this quick fried dough recipe is a game changer. Go on, give it a go. You'll be chuffed you did!

Lemon Fried Dough: Easy Carnival Treat At Home!

Frequently Asked Questions

My fried dough is coming out greasy! What am I doing wrong?

A greasy fried dough usually means your oil temperature wasn't hot enough. Aim for 350°F (175°C) and use a thermometer to be sure. Also, don't overcrowd the pan; frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and prevents the dough from absorbing too much oil. Be sure to drain them well on paper towels after frying - like getting the chips just right at the chippy!

Can I make this fried dough recipe ahead of time?

Fried dough is truly best enjoyed fresh, while it's still warm and crispy. However, if you must prepare ahead, you can make the dough and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature slightly before rolling and frying. Just remember, freshly fried is the gold standard - like a proper Sunday roast straight from the oven!

What kind of oil is best for frying this fried dough recipe?

Neutral-flavored oils with a high smoke point are ideal for frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart an unwanted flavor. Think of it like picking the right fuel for your car – you want something that gets you where you're going without any hiccups!

My dough is too sticky to roll out. Help!

A sticky dough usually means there's too much moisture. Don't fret! Lightly flour your work surface and your rolling pin. If the dough is still too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes easier to handle. Remember, less is more - like adding just the right amount of milk to your tea!

Can I add other flavours to this fried dough recipe?

Absolutely! Get creative! Cinnamon sugar is a classic, but you could also try dipping them in melted chocolate, drizzling with honey, or dusting with cocoa powder. For a savoury twist, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and herbs after frying. Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic – like remixing your favourite Beatles song!

How can I make this fried dough recipe healthier? Are there any substitutions?

While fried dough is definitely a treat, there are ways to make it slightly healthier. You can try baking the dough instead of frying, though the texture will be different. Using whole wheat flour can add some fiber. For substitutions, you could try using applesauce in place of some of the butter or opting for a sugar substitute. But let's be real, it's still fried dough – moderation is key, like enjoying a cheeky Nando's after a long week!