Description: These classic Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are a delightful treat, reminiscent of the donuts you’d find in your favorite bakery. They boast a slightly crispy exterior, a tender, cake-like interior, and are finished with a sweet, simple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day, these donuts are surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe brings a touch of nostalgia and homemade goodness to your table, offering a comforting and satisfying indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Preparing to make these Old Fashioned Cake Donuts involves gathering your ingredients, preheating your oven, and greasing your donut pan. This initial setup ensures a smooth and efficient baking process.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent the donuts from sticking. This is a crucial step for easy removal after baking. Ensure that every nook and cranny of the donut cavities is coated. A well-greased pan contributes to the donuts’ even browning and prevents them from tearing when you take them out.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for consistent texture and flavor in your donuts. The baking powder helps the donuts rise, while the nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic note.
Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and contributes to the donuts’ moistness. The eggs bind the ingredients together, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Stop mixing as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated, even if there are still a few small lumps. A slightly lumpy batter is preferable to an overmixed one.
Step 5: Fill each donut well in the prepared donut pan about 2/3 full. You can use a piping bag for more precision, or simply spoon the batter into the wells. Avoid overfilling the wells, as the donuts will rise during baking and may overflow. Filling them 2/3 full allows enough room for expansion without creating a mess.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the donuts. They should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. A clean toothpick is the best indicator of doneness.
Step 7: While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts evenly but thin enough to drip slightly.
Step 8: Once the donuts are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan and allows them to cool evenly.
Step 9: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each donut into the glaze, coating the top and sides. Allow the excess glaze to drip off before placing the glazed donuts back on the wire rack. The glaze will set as it cools, creating a sweet and shiny finish.
Step 10: Let the glazed donuts sit on the wire rack until the glaze is set, about 15-20 minutes, before serving. This allows the glaze to harden slightly, making the donuts easier to handle and eat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You’ll adore this Old Fashioned Cake Donut recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it delivers that classic donut taste and texture that evokes fond memories of childhood and bakery visits. The slight crispness on the outside, coupled with the soft, cake-like interior, is a textural delight. The subtle nutmeg flavor adds a warm, comforting note that sets these donuts apart.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills. It’s a perfect project for beginner bakers, and the results are always impressive. The homemade glaze is simple yet satisfying, providing just the right amount of sweetness to complement the donuts.
These donuts are also incredibly versatile. While the basic recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize them by adding different spices, extracts, or toppings. You can even experiment with different glazes to create unique flavor combinations.
Ultimately, this recipe offers a way to enjoy fresh, homemade donuts without the hassle of deep frying. They’re a healthier alternative to store-bought donuts, and you have complete control over the ingredients. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked donuts filling your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these donuts with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a classic breakfast or brunch pairing.
- Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner.
- Bring them to a potluck or party – they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- Dust them with cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them for a different flavor profile.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a simple and satisfying snack.
- Include them in a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast favorites.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Grease the donut pan thoroughly: This will prevent the donuts from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Use fresh baking powder: Fresh baking powder is essential for proper rising.
- Don’t overbake the donuts: Overbaked donuts will be dry.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing: This will help the glaze adhere better.
- Experiment with different flavors: Add lemon zest, chocolate chips, or other flavorings to the batter.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature: They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds to freshen them up.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter in the batter.
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a unique twist.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Conclusion:
These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their classic flavor, tender texture, and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these donuts are a comforting and satisfying indulgence that will bring a smile to your face. The ability to customize the flavors and toppings makes this recipe a versatile base for endless variations, allowing you to create your own signature donuts. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the taste of freshly baked, homemade goodness!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
A: While a donut pan is ideal for achieving the classic donut shape, you can still make these as muffins. Simply grease a muffin tin and fill each cavity about 2/3 full. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can substitute it with cake flour for an even more tender crumb. Avoid using bread flour, as it will result in a tougher donut.
Q3: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them completely before glazing and serving.
Q5: 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 create a similar tangy flavor and texture.
