Old Fashioned Cake Donuts

Oh, you guys—get ready to fall in love with the softest, fluffiest, and most delicious donuts you’ve ever tasted. These Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts are everything you’ve been craving! Imagine biting into one and tasting that warm, slightly sweet flavor that makes your heart skip a beat. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a tender, moist center that practically melts in your mouth. These donuts are simple but oh-so-satisfying, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

This recipe is a classic, and here’s why it’ll become your go-to:

Versatile:

Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a breakfast for the family, or an unexpected treat for friends. Picture this: a group of people gathered around, each taking their first bite of these donuts, and everyone smiling in sheer bliss. Sounds perfect, right?

Budget-Friendly:

No fancy ingredients here—just a few simple pantry staples. You probably have most of these items sitting in your kitchen right now. This is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to splurge to create something spectacular.

Quick and Easy:

The best part? It’s straightforward and beginner-friendly! If you’ve ever been intimidated by frying or baking from scratch, fear not. These donuts are foolproof, and I’m here to guide you through every step.

Customizable:

Want to mix things up? You can add a splash of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even drizzle them with a glaze or icing to make them extra special. You do you, and make them your own!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Seriously, everyone loves donuts! These old-fashioned cake donuts are loved by kids and adults alike, and they have a way of making any moment feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly donuts:

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation for these donuts, giving them that perfect texture.

Baking Powder

To make these babies rise just right!

Salt

A pinch to balance the sweetness.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon

For that cozy, warm flavor that makes every bite a dream.

Sugar

Adds that touch of sweetness, without being overpowering.

Eggs

For structure and to help bind everything together.

Whole Milk

Creates a soft, tender donut.

Butter

The secret to that irresistible richness and flavor.

Vegetable Oil

For frying—because donuts are best when they’re fried to golden perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get frying these beauties!

1. Prep the Equipment

Start by heating your oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F. It’s important to have your oil ready and at the right temperature so your donuts cook evenly and get that crispy, golden exterior.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar. These dry ingredients are going to give your donuts that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. This will add the moisture your donuts need to be soft and delicious.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overwork the dough—light and fluffy is the name of the game!

5. Roll Out the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. If it’s a little sticky, add a little extra flour to prevent it from sticking.

6. Cut the Donuts

Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters if you don’t have one) to cut out your donut shapes. Don’t worry if they’re a little imperfect—that’s the charm of homemade donuts!

7. Fry the Donuts

Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

8. Add the Finishing Touches

Once your donuts are cool enough to handle, you can leave them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or even dip them in a glaze of your choice. The choice is yours, and it’s all delicious.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your donuts warm with a hot cup of coffee or milk. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 30mg
  Sodium: 150mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
  Protein: 3g
  Vitamin D: 0%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

These donuts are great on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas:

Fresh Fruit

Pair your donuts with a side of fresh fruit—think berries, sliced apples, or bananas. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness balance out the rich, fried donuts beautifully.

Hot Beverages

Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. These donuts are a perfect companion for a cozy drink.

Ice Cream

Feeling indulgent? Try serving a warm donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are a few bonus tips to make your donut game even stronger:

Use a Thermometer

If you don’t have a deep fryer, a kitchen thermometer is key for frying at the right temperature (375°F). Too low, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Too high, and they’ll burn.

Get Creative with Toppings

If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping your donuts in a flavored glaze, like maple or chocolate. You can even roll them in cinnamon sugar for an extra kick!

Don’t Overmix

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in tough donuts. Keep it light and easy!

Leftovers?

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Or freeze them for later—just pop them in the microwave for a quick treat!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A1: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Q2: Can I use a donut pan instead of frying?
A2: Yes! You can bake these in a donut pan at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.

Q3: Can I freeze these donuts?
A3: Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a warm, fresh taste.

Q4: How do I store leftover donuts?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them!

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
A5: Of course! Stir in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a dash of vanilla extract to make them extra special.

Q6: Can I use almond milk or another dairy-free option?
A6: Yes, you can swap in almond milk or another non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version of these donuts.

Q7: What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A7: Vegetable oil works best for frying donuts, but you can also use canola oil or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil is neutral-flavored and can withstand high heat.

Q8: How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A8: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is hot enough.

Q9: Can I glaze the donuts after frying?
A9: Absolutely! After frying, you can dip the donuts in a glaze of your choice—chocolate, vanilla, or maple are all delicious options.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure to fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which could lower the oil temperature.

Conclusion

These Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts are the kind of recipe that you’ll make again and again. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these donuts are the ultimate comfort food. You can easily customize them to your taste, and they’re so easy to whip up. You’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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