Elon Musk Says He Eats a Donut Every Morning, So We Perfected a Glazed One You Can Make at Home

When Peter Diamandis, a founding partner of the health company Fountain Life, posted that sugar is poison, Elon Musk answered with a few words about his breakfast that the internet has not forgotten. It turns out one of the most talked about people on the planet starts his day the same way many of us wish we could: with a donut. So we did the only sensible thing and perfected a classic glazed donut you can make at home..

The Breakfast Reply That Went Viral

In March 2023, Musk replied on Twitter, now X: “I eat a donut every morning. Still alive.” Fortune reported the exchange, and Diamandis did not let it go. He came back with: “Okay Elon, allow me to be more specific. Sugar is a slooow poison.” The back and forth was shared widely, and the story was picked up by Business Insider and other outlets.

It was not the first time Musk talked about food this way. On Joe Rogan’s podcast in 2020 he said, “I’d rather eat tasty food and live a shorter life.” Love it or not, it is a very honest answer, and plenty of people who have ever ordered dessert first can relate.

We are not here to judge anyone’s breakfast or to tell you what to eat every day. Donuts are a treat, and treats taste best when they are fresh. If you are going to have one, why not make it warm, light and glossy in your own kitchen, the old fashioned way?

Below is our favorite glazed donut recipe, with directions for frying or using the air fryer. If you love homemade treats, you will also enjoy our homemade donuts and fried treats that beat any bakery box, and for an oven version, try our baked strawberry donuts.

Classic Glazed Donut Recipe (Fried or Air Fryer)

Makes: about 12 donuts plus holes. Active time: 40 minutes. Rising time: about 2 hours.

Ingredients for the dough

• 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110 F
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant or active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour
• Neutral oil for frying, such as canola or vegetable (about 2 quarts)

Ingredients for the glaze

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Stir the warm milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk in the rest of the sugar, the eggs, melted butter, vanilla and salt.
3. Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and mix into a soft dough. Knead by hand for 6 to 8 minutes, or 5 minutes in a stand mixer, adding a little more flour only if it is very sticky. The dough should be soft and smooth.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled.
5. Punch down and roll out on a floured counter to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut with a 3 inch round cutter and a 1 inch cutter for the holes.
6. Place the donuts on squares of parchment, cover lightly and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
7. Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 350 F. Fry 2 or 3 donuts at a time for about 1 minute per side, until deep golden. Lift onto a rack set over paper towels.
8. Whisk the glaze until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, flip it over and set it on a rack so the extra drips off. Let it set for 10 minutes, or dip twice for a thicker shell.

Air fryer option: After the second rise, brush the donuts lightly with melted butter and air fry at 350 F for 5 to 6 minutes, until golden. They will be a little more bread like than fried donuts, but still very good when glazed warm.

Tips for a Light, Fluffy Glazed Donut

• Use a thermometer. If the oil is too cool, donuts soak up grease. If it is too hot, they brown before the middle cooks. Keep it close to 350 F and let it come back up between batches.
• Do not rush the second rise. A properly puffed donut feels airy and springs back slowly when you press it gently.
• Lift them on parchment. Sliding each donut into the oil on its parchment square keeps the shape perfect. The paper peels right off with tongs.
• Glaze while warm. A warm donut melts the glaze into a thin, shiny coat that sets like the bakery kind.

Make Ahead: Shape at Night, Fry in the Morning

Want warm donuts for breakfast without waking up at dawn? Make the dough the night before, let it rise once, then roll, cut and set the donuts on parchment. Cover well and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy, then fry and glaze. Glazed donuts are best the same day, but you can keep leftovers in a loosely covered container for a day.

So, would you start your morning the Musk way, with a warm glazed donut and a cup of coffee, or do you save donuts for the weekend? Tell us how you take yours.

Sources: Fortune, March 30, 2023, reporting Musk’s reply on X and his 2020 comments on The Joe Rogan Experience.