I’m sharing one of my favorite Fasnacht recipes today, and trust me, these golden potato beauties are worth every minute. The secret? Real mashed potatoes that create the most pillowy, tender texture you can imagine. There’s something magical about biting through that crisp, sugar-dusted exterior into the warm, fluffy center. Whether you’re celebrating Shrove Tuesday or just craving something deliciously comforting, these traditional treats hold a special place at any table. But what makes this version different from all the others?
Why You’ll Love these Golden Potato Fasnachts
When you bite into one of these golden potato fasnachts, you’ll instantly understand why they’ve been a treasured treat for generations. The secret? That fluffy, pillowy texture comes from real mashed potatoes in the dough, creating a perfect balance between light and substantial.
I’m obsessed with how these treats manage to be both crispy on the outside and tender inside. Can anything be more satisfying than warm fried dough dusted with powdered sugar? Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just basic ingredients you probably have now. The traditional slit in the center isn’t just decorative—it helps them cook evenly.
What Ingredients are in Golden Potato Fasnachts?
These traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treats rely on simple pantry staples combined with the secret ingredient—potatoes—that gives them their signature tender texture.
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup scalded milk, cooled
- ½ cup potato cooking water (the water you boiled your potatoes in)
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons shortening or butter
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3–4 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil or lard for frying
- Powdered sugar for topping
The quality of your ingredients matters here—using russet potatoes creates the fluffiest texture, and saving that starchy potato water adds extra flavor while activating the yeast perfectly, something my grandmother would never let me forget.
How to Make these Golden Potato Fasnachts
Making these potato fasnachts requires a bit of patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. Start by combining 1 cup of mashed potatoes with ½ cup scalded milk that’s been cooled, ½ cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons of shortening or butter in a large bowl. This mixture should be lukewarm, not hot, or you’ll kill the yeast—and nobody wants dead yeast at a fasnacht party.
Next, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in ½ cup of warm potato water (that’s the water your potatoes cooked in), letting it get foamy before adding it to your potato mixture. Stir in 1 beaten egg and gradually add 3-4 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
The kneading process doesn’t need to be intense, just about 3-5 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Can you overknead fasnacht dough? Technically yes, but it’s pretty forgiving. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. There’s something magical about returning to find your dough transformed, puffed up like a proud little pillow.
After the rise, roll the dough to about ¾ inch thickness and cut into whatever shape tradition calls for in your family—squares, rectangles, or circles all work beautifully. Don’t forget to cut a slit in the center of each piece, which helps them cook evenly and creates that classic fasnacht look.
For those who make homemade pasta regularly, you could also use a pasta maker machine to roll the dough to a consistent thickness before cutting.
Give the cut dough another 45-60 minutes to rise before the grand finale—frying. Heat your oil or lard to about 350°F (too cool and they’ll be greasy, too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through). Carefully drop the fasnachts into the hot oil, cooking until they’re a gorgeous golden brown on both sides. The most important tip? Resist adding too much flour during rolling. A slightly sticky dough means a lighter, fluffier fasnacht that will have everyone asking for your secret. Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar and serve these pillowy potato delights while still warm for the authentic Pennsylvania Dutch experience.
What to Serve with Golden Potato Fasnachts
Now that your golden fasnachts are fried to perfection, let’s talk about what to pair with these Pennsylvania Dutch treasures. The classic approach? A steaming mug of coffee, black or with cream. The bitter notes balance the sweetness beautifully.
For the kids (or kids at heart), try cold milk or hot chocolate—nothing cuts through that sweet dough like dairy.
Want something more substantial? Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a decadent breakfast spread. Feeling fancy? A dollop of homemade jam or apple butter adds fruity contrast.
The humble fasnacht, elevated by perfect pairings.
Leftovers and Storage for these Golden Potato Fasnachts
Most golden potato fasnachts won’t last long in your kitchen, but if you’re lucky enough to have extras, proper storage is key. I recommend placing them in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days.
Want to extend their life? Pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days, though they’ll gradually lose that perfect texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. The toaster’s great too, giving them a nice crisp exterior again.
Golden Potato Fasnachts Substitutions and Variations
While storage keeps your fasnachts fresh, let’s explore how you can personalize this Pennsylvania Dutch classic to make it truly your own.
Can’t find shortening? Butter works beautifully, giving a richer flavor. Dairy-free folks can substitute plant milk and vegan butter. For a whole-grain twist, replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat.
Not a plain fasnacht fan? Try adding cinnamon to your dough, or orange zest for brightness. You can even shape them differently—traditional squares, rounds, or fun shapes for kids.
The glaze options are endless, too. Maple, chocolate, vanilla, or even a savory cheese topping.
Final Thoughts
After journeying through the wonderful world of potato fasnachts, I’m convinced these golden treats deserve a special place in everyone’s recipe collection. There’s something magical about the way these humble ingredients transform into pillowy, fried perfection.
Whether you’re honoring tradition or simply craving something deliciously different, potato fasnachts offer that perfect balance of comfort and celebration. The recipe isn’t complicated, just thoughtful. For those looking for a healthier treat option, consider trying wholesome snack bars made with nutritious ingredients like zucchini, oats, and natural sweeteners.