Donuts can be soft and light or dense and chewy, but the best ones manage to carry their flavor and toppings without losing form. These recipes cover air-fried shortcuts, cereal-covered treats, and fruit-glazed finishes, all designed to maintain a solid structure. You won’t find soggy bottoms, collapsed dough, or frosting that slides off here. Each donut holds together whether it’s layered with peanut butter, topped with cereal, or glazed with chocolate. The goal is a sweet build that looks good, stays firm, and delivers flavor from the first bite to the last. These 15 options prove you can go bold without sacrificing integrity.
Cereal Topped Donuts
These donuts get coated with frosting and layered with cereal, creating crunch on top without dragging the dough down. The base is sturdy enough to support heavier toppings without caving. The texture stays light but not airy. Every bite mixes soft donut and crisp cereal without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Cereal Topped Donuts
Red Velvet Donuts
These donuts get coated with frosting and layered with cereal, creating crunch on top without dragging the dough down. The base is sturdy enough to support heavier toppings without caving. The texture stays light but not airy. Every bite mixes soft donut and crisp cereal without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Donuts
Peanut Butter Donuts
These bake with peanut butter right in the batter, giving them density without heaviness. The crumb is soft and chewy with clean edges. Glaze clings without soaking in. They deliver full peanut flavor while keeping a solid structure.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Donuts
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
This quicker version uses the air fryer to bake without drying. The donuts stay light with a firm outside and moist interior. Pumpkin flavor holds through the quick cook. They’re shaped to rise evenly and hold glaze without cracks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts
A rich peanut base meets chocolate glaze that firms up just enough to stay in place. The donut stays thick and chewy with a clean bite. Each piece holds balance and doesn’t crumble. It’s a strong mix that won’t go soft.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts
Mochi Donuts with Brown Butter & Sea Salt
Made with glutinous rice flour, these donuts bake into chewy rounds with extra bounce. Brown butter glaze firms with a glossy finish and the salt doesn’t melt in. They keep shape even when handled. Every bite is stretchy, sweet, and intact.
Get the Recipe: Mochi Donuts with Brown Butter & Sea Salt
Strawberry Cereal Donuts
These donuts layer berry glaze and fruity cereal that stays crunchy. The base holds firm under toppings and doesn’t bend under weight. Texture stays soft inside and crisp outside. The pink coating keeps from dripping or pooling.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cereal Donuts
Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts (Quick & Easy!)
Made from simple dough and air-fried in minutes, these still develop a satisfying crust. Cinnamon sugar sticks to the exterior without soaking through. The interior stays pillowy but not airy. Quick doesn’t mean flimsy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts (Quick & Easy!)
Chocolate Glazed Blood Orange Donuts
Chocolate glaze firms on top while a citrus glaze layers underneath for tart contrast. These donuts stay neat despite dual toppings. The crumb is soft but stable. They slice clean and present well.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Glazed Blood Orange Donuts
Puff Pastry Apple Donuts
Puff pastry gives these a flakier texture that still holds a donut shape. Apple filling stays contained without leaking out. Each ring bakes golden with crisp edges. They lift easily and stack without squish.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Donuts
Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts (Deliciously Easy!)
Pre-made dough transforms quickly into golden rounds with crisp outsides. Sugar clings to the surface while the inside stays fluffy. The donuts rise evenly and don’t deflate. They’re fast, clean, and hold toppings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts (Deliciously Easy!)
Air Fryer Lucky Charms Marshmallow Donuts
These bake up soft but strong enough to hold marshmallows without collapse. Glaze helps the cereal stick without becoming sticky. Each donut holds roundness and doesn’t flatten. It’s a colorful treat that keeps its shape.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lucky Charms Marshmallow Donuts
Sourdough Donuts Recipe
Sourdough starter gives rise without artificial lift, baking into airy but strong donuts. The crumb holds tight and doesn’t split. Glaze coats evenly and sets with shine. They’re old-school in method, modern in form.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Donuts Recipe
Apple Cider Donuts
A tight crumb and spiced cider base give these structure and bold flavor. They fry or bake with clean edges and a deep color. Cinnamon sugar coats the surface without melting in. They’re balanced, solid, and crisp on the outside.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donuts
