The Thunder Bay Persian is a soft, cinnamon-spiced doughnut topped with a signature pink strawberry icing, making it one of Canada’s most beloved regional treats. Originating in Thunder Bay, Ontario, this fluffy fried pastry is known for its unique oval shape and irresistibly sweet frosting. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a nostalgic indulgence, Persians are a must-try for any dessert lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Canadian Treat – A classic from Thunder Bay that has delighted generations.
- Fluffy & Sweet – The soft doughnut base pairs perfectly with the creamy strawberry icing.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A show-stopping treat for family gatherings or weekend baking.
- Customizable Frosting – Swap strawberries for raspberries or experiment with different flavors.
- Easy to Make at Home – No need to travel to Thunder Bay to enjoy this iconic dessert!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
For the Pink Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fry:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut into oval shapes using a knife or a cutter. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each doughnut for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble:
- Once the doughnuts have cooled, generously spread the pink frosting over each one.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10 Persians
Variations
- Baked Persians: Instead of frying, bake the doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Raspberry Frosting: Swap out strawberries for raspberries for a tart twist on the classic pink icing.
- Chocolate Persian: Replace the strawberry puree with melted chocolate for a rich, chocolatey topping.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of pink frosting, use maple syrup mixed with powdered sugar for a Canadian-inspired glaze.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted Persians in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Frosted Persians should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted Persians for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Warm Persians in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
1. What makes Thunder Bay Persians different from regular doughnuts?
Unlike traditional ring-shaped doughnuts, Persians are oval-shaped, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a signature pink icing.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter version.
3. Why is the frosting pink?
The pink color comes from strawberry puree, giving the frosting a sweet and fruity flavor.
4. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, substitute with 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and skip the proofing step—just mix directly into the flour.
5. How do I get a soft and fluffy texture?
Make sure to let the dough rise properly and avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough tough.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
7. What other frostings can I use?
Try cream cheese frosting, maple glaze, or even a classic vanilla icing for a twist on tradition.
8. Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Yes, thaw the strawberries and puree them before mixing into the frosting.
9. What oil is best for frying Persians?
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for best results.
10. How do I prevent the dough from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the fryer.
Conclusion
Thunder Bay Persians are a unique and delicious Canadian treat that combines soft, cinnamon-spiced dough with a sweet pink frosting. Whether you fry or bake them, these pastries are a nostalgic and satisfying indulgence. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, homemade Persians bring the flavors of Thunder Bay straight to your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy a taste of Canadian baking history!
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Thunder Bay Persians
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 Persians 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, cinnamon-spiced doughnut topped with a signature sweet and fluffy pink strawberry icing, a beloved treat from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
For the Pink Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add flour, kneading until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
-
Shape and Fry:
- Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into oval shapes. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each doughnut for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and let cool.
-
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in strawberry puree and vanilla until smooth.
-
Assemble:
- Spread the pink frosting generously over the cooled doughnuts.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- For a baked version, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Add more strawberry puree for a deeper pink color and extra fruitiness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze without frosting for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Pastry
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Fried
