homemade cake donut recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade cake donut recipe

I’ve been making homemade cake donuts for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is a great way to get them involved. We make these donuts for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, but they’re also a regular treat on weekends.

I love that they’re made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, and that they’re baked instead of fried. This means we can enjoy them without feeling too guilty about the calories. Plus, the process of making them is so much fun – it’s all about creating a delicious, fluffy center surrounded by a sweet, cakey exterior.

My kids always ask to help with the mixing and scooping, and I love watching them learn as they get older. The best part? These donuts are incredibly versatile – we can top them with glazes, sprinkles, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

And because they’re baked, we can customize them to suit any taste or dietary need. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or an after-school snack, these cake donuts are sure to please. My family’s favorite topping is a simple powdered sugar glaze made with just powdered sugar and milk – it’s so easy to make and adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the donut itself.

We’ve also experimented with different flavor combinations like cinnamon and nutmeg or chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless! But no matter what toppings you choose, one thing is certain: these homemade cake donuts will be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner night.

Classic Homemade Cake Donuts

4.9 from 1401 votes

These tender, old-fashioned cake donuts are easy to make at home with a simple batter and a quick fry. They have a crisp golden exterior and a soft, fluffy crumb, perfect for coating in cinnamon sugar or a simple glaze.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280

🥘Ingredients

For the Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil, for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined.
2In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, so cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5While the dough chills, pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F on a candy thermometer.
6In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the coating.
7On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
8Use a floured 2-inch round cutter to cut out donuts, then use a 1-inch cutter to cut out the centers, saving the holes for frying as well.
9Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
10Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until they are deep golden brown and puffed up, flipping them once with a slotted spoon.
11Transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain for a minute.
12While still warm, toss each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated, then serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rolling pin
2-inch and 1-inch round cookie cutters or donut cutter
Deep skillet or Dutch oven
Candy thermometer
Slotted spoon
Wire rack
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 280mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, then dip the cooled donuts. The dough can also be made the night before and kept refrigerated. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F for even frying.

Watch Video Of How Classic Homemade Cake Donuts Works

These homemade cake donuts are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or an after-school snack. We love serving them at family gatherings because they’re so easy to customize with different toppings.

And because they’re baked instead of fried, we can feel good about serving them to our kids without worrying about excessive calories or fat content. For storage, I recommend keeping leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freezing them for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Donuts

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

I like to use all-purpose flour for this recipe because it provides a nice balance between structure and tenderness.

Q: Can I substitute butter for oil?

No, I wouldn’t recommend substituting butter for oil in this recipe. Oil provides moisture and tenderness that butter wouldn’t be able to replicate.

Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Q: How do I store leftover donuts?

Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can easily make these donuts gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

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