Here is a clean, traditional, photo-free recipe for the famous Hungarian Ribboned Carnival Doughnut — Farsangi Fánk, the light, airy doughnut eaten during Carnival season before Lent. The “ribbon” refers to the beautiful raised edge around the doughnut after frying.
Soft, fluffy, airy doughnuts with a signature raised ribbon edge, dusted with powdered sugar and traditionally served with apricot jam. A beloved Hungarian Carnival classic.
1 tbsp rum (optional but traditional — prevents the doughnuts from absorbing oil)
Pinch of salt
Grated lemon zest (optional)
For Frying
Neutral oil (sunflower, canola, peanut)
For Serving
Powdered sugar
Apricot jam (classic Hungarian serving)
🔥 Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar; let foam 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, remaining sugar, egg yolks, butter, rum, and yeast mixture.
Knead 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and soft.
Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
2. Shape the Doughnuts
Lightly flour your counter and roll the dough to ½ inch (1–1.5 cm) thickness.
Cut doughnuts with a round cutter (about 3 inches / 7–8 cm).
Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes more — this step makes them light and ribboned.
3. Fry the Doughnuts (The Secret to the Ribbon!)
Heat oil to 320–340°F (160–170°C) — medium, not too hot.
Place doughnuts in the oil top side down first.
Cover the pot for the first 30 seconds — THIS creates the traditional ribbon edge.
Uncover and cook until golden.
Flip and fry the other side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
4. Finish & Serve
Dust generously with powdered sugar.
Serve warm with a spoonful of apricot jam in the center.
💡 Tips for Perfect Farsangi Fánk (Just Like Hungarian Grandmas Make)
✔ Use room-temperature egg yolks — they make the dough tender. ✔ Rum prevents oil absorption (very traditional). ✔ Covering for the first 30 seconds gives the famous raised “ribbon.” ✔ Oil must not be too hot — slow frying keeps them airy and soft. ✔ Letting them rise properly is the key to light, fluffy doughnuts.
🍩 Variations
Vanilla-sugar coating instead of powdered sugar
Chocolate glaze
Custard-filled (modern bakery style)
Mini Carnival doughnuts for parties
If you want, I can also give you: 🎭 Hungarian Twisted Doughnuts (Csöröge / Forgácsfánk) 🎭 Hungarian Carnival Pancakes (Farsangi palacsinta) 🎭 Hungarian Cottage Cheese Doughnuts (Túrós fánk)
