Cinnamon-Sugar Donut Bites: The Queue-Builder Every Trailer Needs

Why this works in a trailer

Bite-size doughnuts hit the sweet spot of smell, speed, and price. They’re easy to portion, fast to fry, and perfect for bundles (6, 12, or family box). The cinnamon-sugar toss creates theatre at the service window and keeps the line moving.

Ideal trailer setup

• Core gear: Countertop fryer (16–20 L), spider skimmer, hotel pans, wire rack, digital thermometer, heat-lamp or warming drawer.
• Power/venting: 240 V preferred for recovery; pair with hood or a certified ventless fryer option.
• Flow: Proof → fry → toss → cup/box at the pass-through. Keep the sugar dredge beside the window for showtime.

Trailer-friendly recipe (yeasted dough)

Yields: Home (≈72 bites) • Trailer batch (≈800 bites)

Base dough (home)

• 500 g bread flour
• 55 g sugar
• 8 g salt
• 7 g instant yeast
• 250 g warm milk (or water)
• 1 large egg (50 g), room temp
• 60 g butter, softened (or neutral oil)

Method (home)

1. Mix dry; add milk + egg; knead 6–8 min until smooth; work in butter last.
2. Bulk rise 60–75 min (dough doubled).
3. Portion with a #60 scoop or cut 10–12 g nuggets; proof 20–30 min.
4. Fry at 175–180 °C / 350–355 °F for 75–90 s, flipping once.
5. Toss in 8:1 sugar:cinnamon while warm.
   

Trailer batch

Multiply ingredients by 11× (≈5.5 kg flour). Mix in a 20 qt or larger bowl. Portion with a depositor or scoop; stage pre-portioned nuggets on oiled sheet pans. Keep a runner feeding the fryer.

Hold/serve

Best within 15–20 min of fry. Use vented cups or trays so steam escapes and sugar stays crisp.

Cost & pricing snapshot 

• Ingredients for ~800 bites: ≈ CA $35–$45
• Sell 6 for $4.50 or 12 for $8 → at 800 bites you realize ~CA $250–$500 gross margin after food cost (labour, fuel, permit fees not included).
  (Run your own numbers with our calculator.)

Pro trailer tips

• Oil: High-oleic canola or peanut oil for stability; filter every 2–3 service hours.
• Speed: Use a shallow tote for pre-portioned nuggets to shorten proof-to-fry travel.
• Weather: Sugar clumps in humidity—refresh the dredge pan every 30–45 min.
• Allergens: Contains gluten, egg, dairy (if using milk/butter). Post signage.