Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts: 1 Of Nostalgic Treat for Every Occasion
There’s something undeniably comforting about old-fashioned cake donuts. Unlike their yeast-raised counterparts, these donuts are dense, slightly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. With a subtle sweetness and a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon, they’re perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. If you’ve never made homemade donuts before, this guide will walk you through the process, giving you all the tips you need for a delicious batch of classic cake donuts.
The Charm of Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts
Old-fashioned cake donuts have been a staple in bakeries for generations. Unlike the airy texture of yeast donuts, cake donuts have a rich, slightly crumbly texture that makes them perfect for dunking. They’re fried to a golden brown and often coated with a simple glaze, powdered sugar, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Their rustic, cracked appearance adds to their homemade charm, making them a favorite among donut lovers who appreciate a more traditional approach.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Butter | 4 tbsp (melted) |
| Milk or Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Baking Powder | 2 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Nutmeg or Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Oil for Frying | As needed |
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the donuts and holes.
- Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Glaze or Sugar Coat
- For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and let them set.
- For a cinnamon sugar coating, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll the warm donuts in the mixture.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of tender ones.
- Maintain the oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Use fresh baking powder. Old or expired baking powder won’t give the donuts the lift they need.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough. It makes shaping easier and prevents excess spreading during frying.
Final Thoughts
Old-fashioned cake donuts bring back childhood memories and offer a nostalgic taste of home. They’re simple to make and incredibly rewarding to enjoy, whether fresh out of the fryer or dunked in a warm drink. Next time you’re craving a classic treat, skip the bakery and try making these delightful donuts at home—you won’t regret it!
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