There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a freshly baked donut, especially when it’s warm and coated in a sweet, velvety glaze. If you’ve ever craved the classic taste of a homemade donut but didn’t want to deal with frying, these Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are the perfect solution. With a light, soft texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these baked donuts capture the nostalgic flavor of the ones you might have enjoyed as a child at the local bakery or with a cup of coffee at your favorite diner.
The inspiration behind these cake donuts comes from a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations—simple, no-frills, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself on a cozy morning or bring a homemade batch to a weekend brunch, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are one of those recipes that never go out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. The donuts are soft, slightly spiced with nutmeg, and perfectly sweetened with a simple glaze that complements the cake-like texture.
The best part? No frying is required. These donuts are baked in the oven, making them a healthier and easier option than traditional fried donuts. Plus, they bake up in just 10 minutes, meaning you can enjoy these delicious treats with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, for a special breakfast, or simply as a mid-afternoon snack, these donuts are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
To make these scrumptious cake donuts, you’ll need a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these golden, fluffy treats:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your donut batter and gives them that classic cake-like texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness that isn’t overpowering but still makes these donuts indulgent.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – This will help your donuts rise to the perfect fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds that warm, spiced flavor that makes these donuts feel cozy and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk – Buttermilk adds richness and tang, which makes the donuts incredibly moist.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the flavor and adds depth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Butter makes the donuts rich and tender.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for a sweet, smooth glaze that coats the donuts perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons milk – To thin the glaze to the right consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a subtle flavor boost in the glaze.
How to Make These Delicious Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Making Old Fashioned Cake Donuts is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh, homemade donuts ready to enjoy in no time. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or a light layer of butter. This will help ensure your donuts come out of the pan smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This blend of dry ingredients will provide the structure and flavor for your donuts.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. The buttermilk gives these donuts their signature moist texture, while the eggs and butter create a rich, tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dense donuts. The batter should be thick but smooth, with no large lumps.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about 2/3 full. This ensures that the donuts will have a nice shape and rise evenly as they bake. If you want to avoid a mess, you can also transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe it directly into the pan.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden on top, and the edges should be firm to the touch.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too runny. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled for a few minutes, dip each donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Set the glazed donuts on a wire rack to cool completely. The glaze will firm up as it sits, leaving a sweet, glossy coating.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Now that your Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are ready, enjoy them fresh out of the oven! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat. They also make a great addition to any brunch spread, bringing a nostalgic touch to your table.
Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Cake Donuts Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Old Fashioned Cake Donuts turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use a donut pan: Using a donut pan ensures that your donuts have the classic ring shape and bake evenly. If you don’t have one, you could try making them as muffin-like treats, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Customize your glaze: Feel free to get creative with the glaze! Add a dash of cinnamon or even a bit of citrus zest for a unique twist.
- Let them cool before glazing: If the donuts are too hot, the glaze may melt off. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before dipping them in the glaze.
- Storing leftovers: If you have any donuts left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Want to Try These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Making Old Fashioned Cake Donuts at home is an experience that’s both fun and rewarding. The process is simple, but the results are anything but ordinary. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to try these homemade donuts:
1. No Deep Frying Required
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that the donuts are baked, not fried. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, with all the flavor and texture you love.
2. Quick & Easy to Make
With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of bake time, you can have fresh donuts ready to enjoy in 20 minutes or less. This is the perfect recipe for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
3. Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just as an afternoon treat, these Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are perfect for any occasion. Their nostalgic flavor and simple elegance will appeal to both kids and adults alike.
4. Customizable Glaze Options
While the classic glaze is delicious on its own, you can get creative with toppings. Consider drizzling the donuts with chocolate, rolling them in cinnamon sugar, or adding sprinkles for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts on Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Old-fashioned cake donuts are a timeless treat that never goes out of style. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of warm, fluffy donuts that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them with a hot beverage, share them with friends and family, or savor them on your own, these donuts will always bring comfort and joy.
So, why not treat yourself to a batch of Old Fashioned Cake Donuts today? With their perfect blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!
Print
Old fashioned cake donuts
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a freshly baked donut, especially when it’s warm and coated in a sweet, velvety glaze. These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are light, soft, and slightly spiced with nutmeg, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy morning at home or sharing them with friends, these donuts will always be a hit.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 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
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each donut well about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip each donut into the glaze and set on a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can make the donuts dense.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can try making these in a muffin tin, but the texture might change slightly.
- You can add a dash of cinnamon or even some citrus zest to the glaze for an extra flavor twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes