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Golden brown cake donuts on a rustic plate, some glazed and some coated with cinnamon sugar, representing a homemade cake donut recipe.
Linda

Classic Cake Donut Recipe

This classic cake donut recipe makes delicious, golden-brown donuts with a soft crumb and a slightly crisp exterior. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking, these donuts can be fried or baked and decorated with glazes, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional, for flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Melted
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients (Optional)
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Adjust for desired consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Donut Cutter or Cookie Cutter
  • Frying Pan or Donut Pan
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
  3. Step 3: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Step 4: Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into donut shapes.
  5. Step 5: Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Transfer donuts to a cooling rack. Once cooled slightly, dip in glaze or coat in cinnamon sugar.

Notes

For a healthier version, bake the donuts instead of frying. You can also swap whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for extra fiber.