Tofu Donut Balls are a fun and unique treat that combine the soft, smooth texture of tofu with the sweet, doughy goodness of donut batter. These little bite-sized snacks are crispy on the outside with a tender center, making them perfect for anyone who loves a mix of fluffy and crunchy in each bite.
I love making these because they’re not your typical donut. Using tofu adds a light softness that you don’t usually find, and I’ve found they soak up the flavors of cinnamon, sugar, or whatever toppings I sprinkle on just perfectly. It’s a neat way to enjoy something sweet while sneaking in a bit of extra protein.
My favorite way to serve Tofu Donut Balls is warm, straight out of the fryer or oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re great for sharing at brunch or as a fun dessert when friends come over. Plus, they’re so easy to pop in your mouth, making them a total crowd-pleaser every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Firm Tofu: This is the heart of your donut balls, adding a soft, moist texture. Make sure to press out water well; otherwise, your batter can be too wet. If you can’t find firm tofu, extra-firm works fine too.
All-Purpose Flour: It holds the batter together and gives structure. For gluten-free options, try oat flour or a gluten-free blend, but the texture might be a bit different.
Sugar & Cinnamon: The sugar sweetens, while cinnamon adds warmth. Feel free to swap cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor twist.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Donut Balls Without Grease Overload?
Frying properly is key to crispy donut balls without soaking up too much oil. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a deep pan with enough oil to cover about half the donut balls.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too cool causes sogginess; too hot burns outside before inside cooks.
- Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady.
- Turn donut balls gently so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels right away to remove excess oil.
With these tips, you’ll get crisp outsides and tender, flavorful inside tofu donut balls every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep-fry thermometer – I recommend it to keep the oil at the perfect temperature for crispy, golden donut balls.
- Deep frying pan or heavy pot – holds enough oil and retains heat well for even frying.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – makes it easy to lift the donut balls out of hot oil safely.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the tofu mixture and rolling in cinnamon sugar.
- Kitchen towel or paper towels – helps drain excess oil from the fried balls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts – fold into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Flavor extracts like almond or lemon – swap vanilla to give a different aromatic twist.
- Coating options – dip in melted chocolate, honey, or sprinkle with colored sugar for fun variations.
- Spice it up – add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warm, spicy kick.
How to Make Tofu Donut Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup firm tofu, well drained and crumbled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to fry the donut balls in batches. So, in total, you can expect about 20-25 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for a tasty snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu Base:
First, take your firm tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Gently press it to remove any excess water. Crumble the tofu into small pieces and place them into a mixing bowl.
2. Make the Batter:
Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the crumbled tofu. Mix everything together until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter that holds together well.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan so it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat it on medium until the temperature reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly, it’s ready!
4. Fry the Donut Balls:
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry the donut balls in small batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
5. Drain and Coat:
Remove the fried donut balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tofu donut balls fresh and warm! They go great with a cup of coffee or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these soft, sweet, and crunchy little bites any time!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tofu! Just make sure to thaw it completely and press out as much water as possible before crumbling. This helps keep the batter from getting too wet.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the batter balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Donut Balls?
Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back some crispiness.
Can I Add Flavors or Mix-Ins?
Yes! Try stirring in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a pinch of nutmeg for variety. You can also experiment with different spices instead of cinnamon.