Homemade cake donuts are a delightful treat, featuring a soft and tender crumb with a lightly crispy exterior. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, these cake-style donuts are quick to make and don’t require any rising time, making them perfect for a spontaneous breakfast or dessert. Flavored with warm spices and a hint of vanilla, these donuts can be enjoyed plain, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or topped with your favorite glaze. Whether fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter option, homemade cake donuts offer a nostalgic, comforting flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape the donuts: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donuts and donut holes.
- Fry the donuts (if frying): Heat oil in a large, deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Bake the donuts (if baking): If you prefer to bake the donuts, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the donut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Finish and serve: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar or dip them in your favorite glaze while still warm.
These homemade cake donuts are fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly indulgent, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion!