Cake Donut Recipe

Cake donuts are a beloved treat, known for their tender crumb and slightly crispy edges. Unlike yeast donuts, they rely on baking powder for lift, making them quicker to prepare. This recipe delivers perfectly fluffy donuts with a golden-brown finish, ideal for coating in sugar, glaze, or enjoying plain. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this guide ensures foolproof results every time.

Why This Cake Donut Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

• No Yeast Needed: Uses baking powder for a faster rise.
• Versatile: Customize with glazes, spices, or toppings.
• Perfect Texture: Soft inside, lightly crisp outside.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps with common ingredients.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Cake Donuts

(Makes 12 donuts)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frying:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (or canola, peanut oil)

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)
• Powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk)
• Chocolate glaze (½ cup melted chocolate + 2 tbsp heavy cream)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cake Donuts Like a Pro

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir just until combined (do not overmix). The dough will be sticky.

Step 4: Roll & Cut Donuts

Lightly flour a surface and roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter (and a smaller one for holes).

Step 5: Heat Oil

In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6: fry the donut holes

Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.

Step 7: Add Toppings

While warm, dip donuts in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.

Expert Secrets: Tips for Perfect Donuts + Creative Flavor Twists

Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Donuts

1. Oil Temperature is Key – Maintain a steady 375°F (190°C) for frying. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough – Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the donuts tough instead of tender.
3. Test One Donut First – Before frying a full batch, cook one test donut to check oil temperature and adjust cooking time if needed.
4. Work in Small Batches – Fry 2-3 donuts at a time to prevent overcrowding, which lowers oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
5. Drain Excess Oil Properly – Place fried donuts on a wire rack with paper towels underneath. This prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate while absorbing excess oil.
6. Flip Donuts at the Right Time – Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. If they flip too easily, they’re ready to turn.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – While still warm, toss donuts in a mix of ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon.
• Glazed Donuts – Dip cooled donuts in a simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla).
• Chocolate-Glazed Donuts – Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 2 tbsp heavy cream for a rich coating.
• Lemon or Orange Donuts – Add 1 tbsp citrus zest to the batter and top with a citrus glaze (powdered sugar + citrus juice).
• Spiced Donuts – Mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Baked Cake Donuts – For a lighter version, spoon batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free – Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Egg-Free – Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water.
• Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Donuts Too Dense? – Check that your baking powder is fresh (it loses potency over time).
• Donuts Absorbing Too Much Oil? – Oil temperature may be too low. Let it reheat between batches.
• Donuts Not Browning Evenly? – Rotate them gently while frying for uniform color.

Beyond Breakfast: 10 Delicious Ways to Serve Your Donuts

Classic Ways to Serve Cake Donuts

1. Breakfast Pairings
   • Serve warm donuts with freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting morning treat.
   • Add a side of seasonal fruit (berries, sliced apples, or bananas) to balance the sweetness.
2. Dessert Platter
   • Arrange an assortment of glazed, powdered, and cinnamon-sugar donuts on a wooden board for a shareable dessert.
   • Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
3. Donut Holes as Snacks
   • Toss the fried donut holes in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for bite-sized treats.
   • Serve in small paper cups for easy grabbing at parties.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Slice a donut in half and sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in between.
• Donut French Toast – Dip day-old donuts in an egg-milk mixture and pan-fry for a decadent brunch twist.
• Donut Bread Pudding – Cube leftover donuts, mix with custard, and bake for a rich dessert.

Special Occasion Presentations

• Holiday-Themed Donuts – Decorate with colored sprinkles, crushed candy canes (for Christmas), or pastel glazes (for Easter).
• Birthday Donut Cake – Stack donuts on a cake stand and top with candles for a fun alternative to traditional cake.

Kid-Friendly Options

• Let children decorate their own donuts with colorful glazes, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.
• Pack mini donuts in lunchboxes for a special school treat.

No matter how you serve them, these cake donuts are sure to be a hit!

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cake donut recipe

Jessica

Easy cake donut recipe! Fry up classic cake donuts at home. These homemade donuts are made with cinnamon, then topped with a cinnamon glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg optional, for warmth

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup 180ml buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frying:

• 4 cups vegetable oil or canola, peanut oil

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon
• Powdered sugar glaze 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk
• Chocolate glaze ½ cup melted chocolate + 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

 

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Form the Dough

• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir just until combined (do not overmix). The dough will be sticky.

Step 4: Roll & Cut Donuts

• Lightly flour a surface and roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter (and a smaller one for holes).

Step 5: Heat Oil

• In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6: Fry Donuts

• Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined rack.

Step 7: Add Toppings

• While warm, dip donuts in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.

Notes

📊 Nutrition Information (per donut)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Sugar	Fiber
220 kcal	10g	30g	3g	15g	1g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on toppings.

Keep Them Fresh: The Best Ways to Store and Reheat Donuts

Best Storage Methods

Room Temperature Storage:

• Place completely cooled donuts in an airtight container
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Consume within 1-2 days for best texture
• Avoid refrigerating as this makes them dry out faster

Freezing for Long-Term Storage:

1. Let donuts cool completely after frying/glazing
2. Wrap individually in plastic wrap
3. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container
4. Label with date and freeze for up to 1 month
5. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving

Reheating for Fresh Taste

Oven Method (Best for Multiple Donuts):

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
• Place donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment
• Heat for 5-8 minutes until warmed through
• Glaze after reheating if possible

Air Fryer Refresh:

• Set air fryer to 320°F (160°C)
• Heat for 2-3 minutes
• Works especially well for unfrosted donuts

Microwave (Quick Option):

• Place donut on microwave-safe plate
• Heat for 8-10 seconds
• Let sit for 30 seconds before eating
• Note: Can make glazed donuts slightly sticky

Special Storage Notes

• Glazed Donuts: Store with wax paper between layers to prevent glaze transfer
• Powdered Sugar Donuts: Best eaten same day as sugar tends to dissolve
• Filled Donuts: Consume within 24 hours as fillings may make them soggy

Reviving Stale Donuts

• Lightly mist with water and warm in 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes
• Alternatively, slice and toast like bread for a crispy texture

Proper storage keeps your homemade donuts tasting fresh and delicious for whenever the craving strikes!

Your New Go-To Donut Recipe (Share Your Baking Success!)

These cake donuts are simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether fried or baked, they’re a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

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