I absolutely love how this Uncrustable Donuts Recipe turns simple, familiar sandwiches into an indulgent treat that’s perfect for a fun brunch or even a whimsical dessert. When I first tried frying these frozen Uncrustables, I was amazed at how they puffed up to look just like donuts—soft, golden, and ready to be coated in cinnamon sugar heaven.
You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for those days when you want a quick, show-stopping snack with minimal effort. It’s a clever twist on a classic lunchbox favorite, and the crispy, sugary exterior paired with the gooey filling inside is something my whole family goes crazy for. Trust me, this Uncrustable Donuts Recipe is a game-changer you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to reinvent a classic sandwich that kids always adore.
- Versatile Flavors: Uses both grape and strawberry-filled Uncrustables, so everyone can enjoy their favorite.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples with no complicated prep needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Uncrustable Donuts Recipe are straightforward, blending pantry staples with those classic frozen sandwich pockets that you might already have on hand. Choosing the right oil and perfectly thawed Uncrustables are the key here.
- Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil: These oils have a high smoke point perfect for frying without overpowering your donuts’ flavor.
- Uncrustables (grape and strawberry): Using a mix adds fun variety—make sure they’re thawed to get the best texture when frying.
- Sugar: Essential for the classic donut sweetness, it also helps the cinnamon stick nicely.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the sugar and fruity filling.
Variations
I love playing around with this Uncrustable Donuts Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s super flexible, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to match your taste or dietary preferences.
- Nut-Free Variation: Use vegetable oil if you’re avoiding peanut or tree nut allergies and choose nut-free Uncrustables for peace of mind.
- Flavor Switch-Up: Try all strawberry or all grape for a consistent flavor or experiment by mixing in other fillings if you spot new Uncrustable varieties.
- Dusting Ideas: Swap the cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Mini Versions: Cut Uncrustables into smaller pieces for bite-sized donut holes—great for parties or kids’ snacks.
How to Make Uncrustable Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil Just Right
Pour your chosen oil into a deep Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot and set it over medium heat. I like using a thermometer, but you can also watch for the oil to shimmer and “dance” — that’s your clue it’s heating up to the perfect 375-400°F range. This temperature is crucial; too hot and the donuts might brown too fast, too cool and they’ll soak up oil and become greasy.
Step 2: Prep Your Uncrustables
While the oil heats, take the Uncrustables out of their packaging and lay them out. Make sure they’re completely thawed—that’s the secret I discovered that prevents the inside from staying cold while the outside fries to perfection. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or just a couple of hours on the counter.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully drop 3-4 Uncrustables into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd your pot or the temperature will drop. Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to flip them gently, cooking each side for less than a minute or until they’re beautifully browned and puffy. Keep a close eye because they crisp up fast!
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating Magic
Transfer your golden donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Then, while still warm, swirl each one in a bowl of cinnamon sugar, making sure every side is coated generously. This is where that warm, nostalgic donut flavor really comes alive—trust me, you don’t want to skip it!
Pro Tips for Making Uncrustable Donuts Recipe
- Oil Temperature Check: Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for consistent results every time—I learned that the hard way after some greasy batches.
- Don’t Skip Thawing: Frying frozen sandwiches straight out of the freezer results in uneven cooking and a cold center.
- Flip Gently and Quickly: Using a spider strainer helps flip the donuts smoothly without breaking them apart.
- Cinnamon Sugar Timing: Coat your donuts while warm but not hot, so the sugar sticks perfectly without melting away.
How to Serve Uncrustable Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish or drizzle on a little honey or chocolate sauce. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair surprisingly well with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for an afternoon treat. For brunch, I like to serve them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to add some lightness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or casual get-togethers, I arrange these Uncrustable donuts on a tiered tray with a variety of dipping sauces—vanilla glaze, chocolate, and even peanut butter dip. They always disappear fast and get compliments every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. I find that leaving them out helps maintain the crisp exterior better than refrigeration, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried Uncrustable donuts before coating them with cinnamon sugar. Place them on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, reheat in a hot oven to crisp them back up before swirling in sugar.
Reheating
I recommend reheating gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that freshly-fried crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch, as it tends to make them rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use any flavor of Uncrustables for this recipe?
Yes! The classic grape and strawberry flavors work best because their sweetness balances perfectly with the frying process and cinnamon sugar coating. You can definitely experiment with others, just be mindful that cream cheese or savory fillings may not turn out as expected.
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Do I need a deep fryer to make Uncrustable donuts?
Nope! A heavy pot or Dutch oven is ideal for maintaining a steady oil temperature and safely frying the sandwiches. Just make sure you have a thermometer to monitor the heat, so your donuts come out crispy without absorbing too much oil.
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What oil is best for frying these donuts?
I prefer using canola or peanut oil because of their neutral taste and high smoke point. Vegetable oil works fine too. Avoid olive oil due to its lower smoke point and more pronounced flavor that doesn’t pair well with sweet treats.
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How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
If you have a thermometer, aim for 375-400°F. If not, look for oil that’s shimmering, with small ripples or “dance” on the surface. Test with a single Uncrustable; it should sizzle immediately but not burn quickly.
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Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can fry and freeze them without the cinnamon sugar. Reheat later in the oven and add the cinnamon sugar just before serving to maintain that crisp coating.
Final Thoughts
This Uncrustable Donuts Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that feels like a little kitchen magic—turning familiar frozen sandwiches into a delicious, crispy treat that’s both nostalgic and fun. I love pulling this out when I want to surprise my family or impress guests with minimal effort. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own; once you taste that first warm, cinnamon-sugary bite, I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
PrintUncrustable Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Uncrustable Donuts are a fun and delicious treat made by frying frozen Uncrustable sandwiches until golden and crispy, then tossing them in cinnamon sugar. This easy recipe transforms simple peanut butter and jelly snacks into crispy, cinnamon-coated delights perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Frying Oil
- ½ gallon canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil
Uncrustables
- 20 Uncrustables, thawed (10 grape flavor and 10 strawberry flavor)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Add the oil to a dutch oven and set it over medium heat on the stovetop. Allow the oil to heat for approximately five minutes until it reaches 375-400°F. You will know it is ready when the oil starts shimmering and moving slightly.
- Prepare Uncrustables: While the oil heats, remove the Uncrustables from their packaging and ensure they are thawed but still cold.
- Fry the Uncrustables: Carefully add 3 to 4 Uncrustables at a time to the hot oil. Fry each side for less than a minute until golden brown, using a spider or slotted spoon to flip them gently and prevent breaking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried Uncrustables from the oil and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, individually swirl each fried Uncrustable in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides for a sweet and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure oil is at correct temperature to avoid soggy or overcooked donuts.
- Do not overcrowd the oil when frying to maintain consistent temperature.
- Use a spider or slotted spoon for safe flipping and removal.
- You can experiment with different Uncrustables flavors for variety.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Uncrustable donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg