Description
These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that brings the classic bakery taste right to your kitchen. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. This recipe is easy to follow and yields soft, flavorful donuts that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan. This ensures the donuts won’t stick and will release easily after baking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp salt. Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the texture and rise of the donuts.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the ¾ cup buttermilk, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted). Ensure the eggs are well beaten to create a smooth batter. Melted butter helps to keep the donuts moist.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about 2/3 full. This allows the donuts to rise properly without overflowing in the oven.
Step 6: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to spread evenly.
Step 8: Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. Allowing the donuts to cool slightly prevents the glaze from melting completely. The wire rack allows excess glaze to drip off, resulting in a neat finish.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s simple, quick, and yields delicious results every time. The donuts are tender and flavorful, with a hint of nutmeg that adds warmth. The glaze provides the perfect touch of sweetness. Plus, baking them at home means you can enjoy fresh, warm donuts without a trip to the bakery.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these donuts warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They are also great with a glass of cold milk. For a special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender donut.
- Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for even baking.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 8-10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.) Calories: Approximately 220 per donut Protein: 3g Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion
These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With their tender texture, warm spices, and sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating homemade donuts that are far superior to store-bought versions.
Question and Answer Section
Q1: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? A: While a donut pan is ideal for achieving the classic shape, you can bake the batter in muffin tins as an alternative. Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full and adjust baking time accordingly. They will taste just as delicious, but they will be donut-shaped muffins.
Q2: How do I store leftover donuts? A: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain their freshness.
Q3: Can I freeze these donuts? A: Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and re-glaze if desired.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk? A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will give the milk the acidity and thickness similar to buttermilk.
Q5: Can I add chocolate to this recipe? A: Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips to the batter or make a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder to the glaze recipe. For a chocolate glaze, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the powdered sugar mixture.
