Uncrustable Donuts Recipe

Name: Uncrustable Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 Uncrustables sandwiches; 6 cups canola or peanut oil; 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Time: 1 minute

These quick and delightful donuts are made by transforming Uncrustables sandwiches into golden, crispy treats, coated with sweet cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a fun breakfast or a delicious snack!

Ingredients

1 Uncrustables sandwich
6 cups canola or peanut oil, or as needed
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oil to 400F (200C) in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. This is essential to get that golden, crispy texture on the sandwiches.

Step 2: While the oil is heating, take a 1-inch cutter and carefully cut a hole in the center of each Uncrustable sandwich. Be sure to press the edges around the hole to seal the sandwich closed in the middle.

Step 3: Once the oil is hot, carefully fry each sandwich in the oil for about 8-10 seconds on each side, or until golden brown. Make sure to turn them gently to avoid breaking the sandwiches.

Step 4: After frying, place the donuts on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: On a separate plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently dredge each fried donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring its lightly coated.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 donut):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	521	-
Total Fat	40g	51%
Saturated Fat	7g	34%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	205mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	39g	14%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	21g	-
Protein	5g	11%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	53mg	4%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	126mg	3%

Note: Nutrient information is based on available data. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Recipe by: Nicole McLaughlin

Origin Story of Uncrustable Donuts

Uncrustable Donuts are a modern twist on two classic American favorites: donuts and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. The dish gained popularity thanks to the inventive nature of home cooks and social media influencers, who are always on the lookout for fun, easy-to-make recipes. The concept itself is an accidental discovery in the kitchen, when the idea of deep-frying pre-made Uncrustables sandwiches emerged. The result is a crunchy, gooey treat that combines the nostalgia of PB&J with the irresistible allure of a hot, crispy donut.

Regional Variations of the Uncrustable Donut

While the Uncrustable Donut is most commonly found in American households, particularly in the Midwest, regional variations are slowly emerging. Some variations might involve using different kinds of nut butter, like almond or cashew, while others could incorporate jelly flavors ranging from grape to exotic fruits like guava or passion fruit. In more adventurous kitchens, the concept of Uncrustable Donuts has even been explored with savory fillings like cheese and pepperoni, creating a unique blend of sweet and salty flavors.

How Uncrustable Donuts Differ from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional donuts, which are made from dough and often fried, Uncrustable Donuts use pre-made peanut butter & jelly sandwiches as their base. This shortcut makes them faster and more accessible, while still delivering the satisfying, crispy texture of a deep-fried donut. What sets them apart from other deep-fried sandwiches, such as fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, is their sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, reminiscent of churros, providing an extra layer of flavor. The innovative use of Uncrustables sets this dish apart from the usual donut repertoire, making it both fun and familiar.

Where to Serve Uncrustable Donuts

Uncrustable Donuts are perfect for informal settings and can be served as a fun treat at parties, picnics, or kids' birthday celebrations. They are also ideal for a quick snack when you're craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare. You might find them at local food festivals, where quirky and inventive food items are celebrated, or at modern dessert cafes looking to offer something nostalgic yet new. Their sweet and savory profile makes them a hit for brunch menus or as a surprise addition to a dessert spread.

Fun Facts about Uncrustable Donuts

The Uncrustable sandwich was originally invented by Smuckers in 2000, and quickly became a lunchbox staple for children and adults alike.
Because the Uncrustable Donut is such a recent invention, it has taken the internet by storm, with home cooks posting their versions of the recipe across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Although the original Uncrustable Donut recipe uses peanut butter and jelly, some people enjoy making savory versions with cheese, ham, or even pizza fillings.
In a nod to the ever-popular churro, the donut is dusted with a cinnamon-sugar coating that mimics the classic dessert snack, making each bite both crunchy and sweet.
These donuts are incredibly quick to make, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time and less than 1 minute of cooking, making them a perfect choice for a fast, indulgent snack.

Conclusion

Uncrustable Donuts are a creative fusion of comfort food and modern culinary experimentation. The dish reflects the growing trend of reinventing traditional snacks and desserts with new, unexpected twists. Whether you're making them as a quick snack or serving them at a party, these donuts are sure to be a hit for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia and fun in their food. So grab your Uncrustables, heat up some oil, and enjoy a donut experience that's both innovative and delicious!

FAQ about Uncrustable Donuts Recipe

Store leftover Uncrustable Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For best results, reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven to maintain the crunchiness of the cinnamon sugar coating.

Yes, you can freeze Uncrustable Donuts. Allow them to cool completely after frying, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Yes, you can use any neutral oil suitable for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. Make sure the oil is heated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal frying results.

If you don't have a 1-inch cutter, you can use a small round object, like the lid of a bottle or a spoon handle, to create the hole. Just make sure the hole is big enough to allow some of the filling to ooze out slightly during frying for that crispy, delicious effect.

Absolutely! If you don't have Uncrustables, you can use homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Simply trim the edges to remove the crust and proceed with cutting a hole in the center before frying.

To prevent burning while ensuring the donuts are cooked through, it's crucial to monitor the temperature of the oil. Fry the donuts for 8 to 10 seconds per side at 400°F (200°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly without allowing the filling to warm up.

Yes, you can use alternatives like pumpkin pie spice, cocoa powder, or even a mix of brown sugar and nutmeg for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different spices depending on your taste preferences.

To reduce greasiness, place the fried Uncrustable Donuts on paper towels to drain excess oil. You can also use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the donuts, which will help keep them crispy.