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    Home » Breakfast and Brunch Recipes » Sweet Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Published: Sep 4, 2014 · Modified: May 8, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 48 Comments

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts

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    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts are crispy on the outside, and soft and pillowy on the inside. Not to mention they're completely coated with an irresistible cinnamon and sugar mixture which is sure to have you doing the happy donut dance!

     
    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
     

    I originally shared this recipe in 2014. I've recently updated this post with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe. 

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

     Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts are crispy on the outside, and soft and pillowy on the inside. Not to mention they're completely coated with an irresistible cinnamon and sugar mixture which is sure to have you doing the happy donut dance! - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    The ingredient list:

    • mashed sweet potatoes (leftovers work great for this recipe)
    • all-purpose flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • ground cinnamon
    • freshly grated nutmeg
    • brown sugar
    • granulated sugar
    • shortening
    • eggs
    • milk
    • pure vanilla extract
    • light-colored oil for frying (I use peanut oil, but canola or vegetable oil is fine)
    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    The gift of homemade donuts:

    There is nothing as heartwarming and comforting as the gift of a homemade donut! If you're lucky enough to be the recipient of one (or a dozen), then you know what I'm talking about.

    If you have someone you love with all your heart, make them a batch of Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts. No words needed. Feel the love!

    The step-by-step photo instructions:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
    • In another large bowl, blend together the shortening, brown sugar, milk, mashed sweet potato, vanilla, and eggs.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, beating just until a soft dough is formed.
    • Turn the dough out on a counter and sprinkle with enough flour so the dough is still soft but not too sticky.
    • Roll the dough to an approximate ½" thickness.
    • Use a round cutter to cut out donuts (rerolling the scraps is recommended to make 24 donuts).
    • Use your thumb and press a hole in the center of each, stretching if needed.
    • Bring approximately 3" of oil to a temperature of 375-degrees, and carefully add the donuts (2 or 3 at a time) to the hot oil.
    • Fry the donuts on both sides until golden brown and puffed.
    • Carefully remove the fried donuts from the oil using a large slotted spoon and immediately toss the hot donuts in cinnamon sugar.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Can sweet potato donuts be frozen?

    These Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts freeze wonderfully well, so even though this recipe makes approximately 2 dozen, you don't have to eat them all at one time...unless of course, you have family and friends that will help you devour them within moments of placing them on a plate.

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts are crispy on the outside, and soft and pillowy on the inside. Not to mention they're completely coated with an irresistible cinnamon and sugar mixture which is sure to have you doing the happy donut dance! - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    How do sweet potato donuts taste?

    Once these Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts take a swim in the hot frying oil and become golden brown, they then take a dip in a cinnamon sugar bath which coats each donut with just the right amount of spicy sweetness. Ohhhh! Ahhhh!

    If you're a little skeptical of how Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts will taste, don't be. You're going to absolutely love them! While they're a wonderful autumnal treat, they can be made and eaten any time of the year.

    Watch out apple cider donuts! These Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts will give you a run for your money!

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    Aging and taste bud changes:

    We brought my father-in-law a dozen of these Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts. As he's aged (he's 94 and under hospice care), his taste buds for sugary sweet treats have increased tremendously.

    Even though he's mostly on a pureed diet (don't worry, I brought him plenty of pureed foods, too) I knew he'd be able to enjoy and appreciate these soft, sweet, cake-like treats.

    Did you know that as we age our taste buds more acutely recognize sweet foods as opposed to any other type of food? We learned this fact from his day nurse, and I find it fascinating. Who knew? You can read more about how our sense of taste changes in this article from  Bon Appetite.

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    Additional breakfast sweets you'll also enjoy:

    • Sweet Streusel Strawberry Crescent Muffins
    • Blueberry Lemon Scones with Lemon Icing
    • Homemade Sticky Caramel Sweet Rolls
    • Flaky Blueberry Cheese Danish

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon and Sugar.

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon and Sugar

    Renee Goerger
    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts are crispy on the outside, and soft and pillowy on the inside. Not to mention they're completely coated with an irresistible cinnamon and sugar mixture which is sure to have you doing the happy donut dance!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Breakfast, brunch, Snack
    Cuisine American, donuts, fried
    Servings 24 donuts
    Calories 204 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the dough;

    • 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    • ¼ cup shortening, I used butter flavor
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cups prepared mashed sweet potatoes
    • ½ cup milk
    • 4-6 cups peanut oil, canola or vegetable may be substituted

    For the cinnamon & sugar topping;

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    To make the donuts;

    • In a large, high sided pot, heat the oil to 375-degrees.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
    • In a separate bowl cream together the shortening and brown sugar. Add in the eggs, vanilla, mashed potatoes, and milk. Blend until fully incorporated.
    • Add the flour mixture, ⅓'d at a time and on low speed into the creamed shortening mixture until all the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and pliable.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
      *Note - if the dough seems too sticky, knead in a little extra flour. You're looking for a soft dough but not an extremely sticky dough.
    • Roll the dough out to an approximately,  uniformly ½" thickness.
    • Use a 3" round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter that has been dipped in flour and cut out as many circles as you can. Set them aside on a lightly floured surface.
      *Note - You can re-roll the scraps and continue cutting circles from the remaining dough.
    • Use your thumb to poke holes into the center of the circles (more flour on your hands may be needed) and gently stretch the donuts into shape.
    • Use a large slotted spoon or spider strainer and carefully place about 4-5 donuts in the hot oil to fry about 3-4 minutes on each side or until deeply golden brown.*Note - if the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown quickly and still be raw in the middle. Try and keep your oil temperature as constant as possible to avoid this. Or, if it's not hot enough, the oil will saturate the dough making your donuts greasy.
    • Carefully removed the cooked donuts from the oil (using the strainer) and place them into a bowl with the cinnamon sugar. Toss to coat.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Notes

    These donuts freeze well for up to 3 weeks if wrapped well with parchment paper or wax paper in between each donut.
    *Tip - to check if your oil is up to temperature without a thermometer, dip the handle of a wooden spoon in the hot oil, and if small bubbles form (think champagne bubbles), you're good to go.
    Tools and equipment:
    measuring spoons, measuring cups, stand mixer or hand mixer, whisk, large slotted spoon, rolling pin, baking sheets (optional), large high sided pot (for frying), 2 large bowls, 1 medium bowl, nutmeg grater (optional), 3" round cookie (or biscuit) cutter, thermometer.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1600IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's donut recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts with Cinnamon & Sugar - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    The pleasures of induction cooktop cooking:

    What I love about the induction cooktop method of frying is that the oil temperature stays constant, no matter how many batches of Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts, French fries, or fritters you're making.

    The induction cooktop is also portable, so as long as you have an outlet to plug into, you're good to go. One thing you will need to be aware of is that not all cookware is induction cooktop compatible. In order for cookware to be induction cooktop compatible, it must be made of magnetic-based metal, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.

    Once you have the proper cookware for induction cooktop cooking (which you may already have in your cabinets), you're ready to fry up these incredibly delicious Mashed Sweet Potato Donuts in a matter of minutes.

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

    More Sweet Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    • Blueberry Cheese Danish on a baking sheet with a rack with a bowl of blueberries in the background.
      Blueberry Cheese Danish with Homemade Laminated Dough
    • A pile of Glazed Apple Cider Donuts on an orange platter with sunflowers in the background.
      Glazed Apple Cider Donuts
    • A tall glass filled with a Low Calorie Pumpkin Pie Milkshake and an orange straw.
      Skinny Pumpkin Spice Malted Milkshake
    • A Cranberry Orange Scone on a holiday plate along with cranberries and pistachios.
      Cranberry Orange Scones with Pistachios

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley says

      June 04, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      Really love the use of sweet potatoes in these donuts! So tasty!

      Reply
    2. Gina says

      June 04, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      DELICIOUS!!! I will definitely be making these again!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 04, 2021 at 1:45 pm

        Awesome, Gina.
        Thanks!

        Reply
    3. Gigi Cuccaro says

      September 10, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      What a great addition to my kitchen! Thanks for a chance to win this great item. Hmm! Time to make the doughnuts!

      Reply
    4. Lana@NevrEnoughThyme says

      September 10, 2014 at 5:05 pm

      I sure would love to have an extra stovetop space for holiday cooking!

      Reply
    5. Amber @ Fit Foodie Runs says

      September 09, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have one! For the endless possibilities to create! I love to cook - in the kitchen, just because daily - homemade donuts would be amazing and the start! Come on rafflecopter! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Anonymous says

      September 09, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      I would love to win this! These donuts look amazing! Dee Fedor dfal182 at gmail dot com

      Reply
    7. Tracey A. says

      September 09, 2014 at 12:40 pm

      I am so impressed with the professionally detailed instructions and pictures on ths beautifully done site. These donuts look to die for! Thanks for including all the details.

      Reply
    8. Meseidy says

      September 08, 2014 at 4:19 am

      I've been craving a Fall donut!

      Reply
    9. Tina Woo says

      September 08, 2014 at 3:27 am

      I love your Wonder Woman painted ornament. My ex-SIL collected Wonder Woman items, I wish I knew how to get in touch with her to tell her about it.

      Reply
    10. ♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says

      September 07, 2014 at 9:16 am

      I like the Breakfast At Tiffany's Inspired Painted Coffee Mug!
      Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

      Reply
    11. ♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ says

      September 07, 2014 at 12:32 am

      The NuWave PIC2 does the thinking for you and it has 100 hours of memory! It is so easy to use.
      Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

      Reply
    12. Mary Kirkland says

      September 06, 2014 at 1:25 am

      I've never used one of these and would love to have one to cook more things. Looks like it would be a lot of fun.

      Reply
    13. Deborah Gardner says

      September 05, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      I always burn foods in saucepans and pots because I have a hard time heating them evenly. This would be perfect!

      Reply
    14. AnnaZed says

      September 05, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      It's always great to have another cooking or hot-spot when things get really rolling in the kitchen.
      ******************
      {in the contest I am Margot Core on the Rafflecopter}

      Reply
    15. Kim Bee says

      September 05, 2014 at 8:22 pm

      Very cool giveaway. I've never used an induction before (weird since I'm a food blogger right) but I hear such amazing things about them. I'd love to have one. I hear they heat up fast, and maintain consistent heat.

      Reply
    16. Rebecca {foodie with family} says

      September 05, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      Boy. I'd be one very popular woman if I made these doughnuts! And I'd love an induction cooktop for my cooking demos!

      Reply
    17. Zenetta Smith says

      September 05, 2014 at 6:48 pm

      I would love to win the Induction oven because I love to cook but my kitchen is very small and I don't have a lot of room so the Induction cooker would save space for me.

      Reply
    18. Angela| Mind Over Batter says

      September 05, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      Why would I love to win this induction cooktop? Because it's donut frying season! And who wants to be bothered with thermometers and the inevitable waiting for oil to heat and stay hot when all I want to do is shove donuts in my mouth?

      Reply
    19. Martha @ A Family Feast says

      September 05, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      My husband has been pining for an induction cooktop for years! Love this giveaway! (Those donuts look delicious too!)

      Reply
    20. Susan says

      September 05, 2014 at 11:50 am

      I've had potato donuts before and they are delicious, so I can only imagine how much better they are with sweet potato! I've used an induction stove top once before but was figuring it out on the go at a hotel. Would love to try it at home and break my fear of frying!

      Reply
    21. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

      September 05, 2014 at 11:32 am

      These donuts are absolutely amazing!!!

      Reply
    22. elangomatt says

      September 05, 2014 at 7:06 am

      I'd like to win the induction cooker because the stove in my apartment is pretty old and high heat on it seems more like medium heat on most stoves. A source of higher heat would making doing things like searing faster and easier!

      Reply
    23. Tina Woo says

      September 04, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      An induction cooktop is second on my wish list (a sous vide machine is number 1). Somehow I believe I would magically become Top Chef-worthy just by owning one!
      On the serious side, since it keeps uniform heat, heats up quickly and doesn't get hot itself, I'm thinking it would be awesome for making jam in the summertime, when the fruit is at it's ripest but also when my West-facing kitchen is being slowly roasted by the 100+ degree desert heat.

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        September 05, 2014 at 12:32 am

        Tina, I'm so glad you entered to win the induction cooker. However, I feel a need to tell you...they do in fact get hot! Very hot!!! I was surprised too because on the infomercial I watched, they placed their hands right on the cook surface right after cooking. Don't let that fool you. They are just like other cook surfaces...they get hot! Still, I enjoy mine and I wish you good luck in the giveaway. I know if you win, you'll enjoy it too.

        Reply
      • Tina Woo says

        September 06, 2014 at 3:30 am

        A somewhat dishonest infomercial??? I guess I can't reallyyyyyy be shocked. But I'm thinking it still wouldn't heat up the kitchen as much as the stovetop. And right now, after yet another 100+ degree day, I'll take any little help I can get!

        Reply
    24. Lauren Kelly Nutriton says

      September 04, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Oh my goodness these look incredible! Can't wait to make them!

      Reply
    25. Shulie Foodwanderings says

      September 04, 2014 at 10:43 pm

      Hi Renee those mashed sweet potatoes donuts look incredible. I never thought of making sweet potato ones so thanks for this fantastic version and making me think outside my comfort zone.

      Reply
    26. Pam says

      September 04, 2014 at 8:00 pm

      What a great recipe for doughnuts. I bought a induction plate 3 years ago and I love it. Nice giveaway I will share it. 🙂

      Reply
    27. Rusthawk says

      September 04, 2014 at 7:17 pm

      I would like the induction to do my frying to regulate the temp properly. Nice donut recipe!

      Reply
    28. Sharyl Wolter says

      September 04, 2014 at 6:43 pm

      We have an electric cook top. I'm not a fan. I would love this!

      Reply
    29. Maria RePass says

      September 04, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      Sweet potato donuts are delicious. I'll have to try your recipe. I've been looking at induction burners for a while. Mainly to control the temperature more accurately while brewing beer, but frying is a use I never thought of. How cool!

      Reply
    30. Paula-bell'alimento says

      September 04, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      So I can make these donuts of course ; )

      Reply
    31. deneen says

      September 04, 2014 at 6:10 pm

      I love the idea of frying in such an efficient manner!

      Reply
    32. Maryann says

      September 04, 2014 at 5:45 pm

      I have never tried induction cooking and it looks like it would be fun. Donuts on Sunday morning after church.

      Reply
    33. Robin Chesser says

      September 04, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      I have been wanting an induction cooktop cooker for what seems like forever but only has been for awhile, I'm always being asked to cook at other peoples homes but do not always like their stoves, weird I know but true, the NuWave Cooktop would be a totally great addition to my kitchen.

      Reply
    34. Jenny Hartin says

      September 04, 2014 at 4:58 pm

      I have been wanting one of these forever! And pass me a donut.

      Reply
    35. RJ Flamingo says

      September 04, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      I've never had a sweet potato donut, either, but these look heavenly! Pinned, Stumbled, and entering this fab giveaway - I've always wanted to try induction cooking, but didn't want to invest in an entire cooktop, so this is a great solution!

      Reply
    36. Souffle Bombay says

      September 04, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      Oh yum! I have never had a sweet potato donut (or a pie even)! Looks and sounds so good! And I want that Nuwave!!

      Reply
    37. claire @ the realistic nutritionist says

      September 04, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      Ohmy GOD these look divine!!!

      Reply
    38. Linda Mire says

      September 04, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      I have a very small stove top, so I would love an extra cooking surface. The Nuwave sounds awesome. Those donuts look pretty darn good too! Thanks.

      Reply
    39. Kimberly says

      September 04, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Because I tend to run out of burners when I'm cooking for my extended family!

      Great giveaway ... and great doughnuts!

      Reply
    40. Anonymous says

      September 04, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      I would love to win this! I have getting greasy, soggy fried items from the temp of the oil dropping when I add the foods. Yuck! Hope Mandy and David had a great wedding! I love their glasses!
      Kreyes6(at)yahoo.com

      Reply
    41. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      September 04, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Oh my gosh, Renee - I was SO looking forward to seeing this recipe. They look and sound like perfection. I do love apple cider dougnuts, but I'm willing to give these a go, as well...hurry up cool weather! 😉

      As for an induction cooktop, well, I'd love to have one as an extra cooking surface during the holidays, also to take along with me when I do cooking classes for a local community center, and now that you mention - I'd love to use it to keep frying oil at an even temp! Thanks for the chance 🙂

      Reply
    42. MaryB says

      September 04, 2014 at 5:39 am

      Oh, I have been wanting one of these for the longest time! We entertain a lot and it would be so handy to have another cooking spot. We also host "cooking parties" which are so much fun but having space for 5 "teams" to work can get kind of crazy. This would be wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.

      Reply
      • MaryB says

        September 04, 2014 at 5:42 am

        Oops - forgot to say I love the baked goods painted coffee mug from your shop. So cute!

        Reply
    43. Lexiquin says

      September 04, 2014 at 2:16 am

      Having another way to cook--and, especially in a more efficient manner--is the reason I would like this induction cooktop.
      I love the champagne flutes you painted 😉

      Reply
    44. Hani/Haniela's says

      September 04, 2014 at 1:48 am

      What a wonderful thing to do for your father-in-law. I love donuts and these sound so earthy, like the look of the soft dough in the picture, it makes for the best donuts.
      Thank you for this fantastic giveaway too Renee.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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