Classic Homemade Cake Doughnuts
Indulge in the nostalgic delight of homemade cake doughnuts that can turn any weekend into a special occasion! Unlike their yeast counterparts, these cake doughnuts are dense, tender, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. With simple ingredients you likely have at home, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Take your time to chill the dough for the best results—consider making the dough the night before for a quick and easy morning treat. Whether you prefer them dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with icing, or dipped in rich chocolate, these doughnuts are customizable to your heart's content. Enjoy the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as you fry these golden delights. Perfect for serving at brunch, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a cozy morning!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Baking Powder
4 teaspoons (Leavening agent)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Table salt)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Eggs
2 (Large, beaten)
Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Milk
1 cup (Whole or any milk)
All-Purpose Flour
4 cups (Plus more if needed)
Oil
For frying (Vegetable or canola oil)
Cinnamon Sugar
To taste (Optional topping)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
2
Add the eggs, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture on medium speed until fully blended and smooth.
3
Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing well after each addition. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour, up to 1/2 cup more, until it reaches a soft and manageable consistency.
4
Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour (or overnight for convenience).
5
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 360°F (182°C).
6
On a floured surface, take half of the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two different sized cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. For the center hole, a small round cutter works perfectly.
7
Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Flip them occasionally until they are puffed and golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes each.
8
Once cooked, transfer the doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate or a brown paper bag to absorb excess oil.
9
While still warm, generously coat the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar, icing, or your favorite toppings. Serve fresh and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Homemade Cake Doughnuts?
These are dense, tender, and flavorful doughnuts made with simple pantry staples, perfect for breakfast or treats.
What is the texture of these doughnuts?
Unlike airy yeast doughnuts, these cake doughnuts are dense and tender.
How do these differ from yeast doughnuts?
These use baking powder for leavening instead of yeast, resulting in a more cake-like consistency.
What are the main dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and all-purpose flour.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of baking powder as a leavening agent.
Why is nutmeg used in the recipe?
Nutmeg provides a traditional aromatic flavor characteristic of classic cake doughnuts.
What liquid ingredients are required?
The wet ingredients consist of eggs, milk, and melted unsalted butter.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use any type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk or any milk of your choice.
How many eggs do I need?
You will need 2 large eggs, beaten, for this recipe.
How much flour should I start with?
Start by gradually adding 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour up to 1/2 cup more until it is manageable.
Why must the dough be refrigerated?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll out without sticking to surfaces.
How long should the dough chill?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least one hour or even overnight for convenience.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, making the dough the night before is a great way to have a quick morning treat.
What is the recommended oil for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for frying these doughnuts.
What temperature should the oil reach?
The oil should be heated to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius).
How deep should the oil be in the skillet?
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet for frying.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch on a floured surface.
What tools are needed to cut the shapes?
You can use a doughnut cutter or two different sized cookie cutters to create the shapes.
How do I prevent overcrowding when frying?
Cook the doughnuts in batches to ensure there is enough room for them to fry evenly and puff up.
How long do the doughnuts take to cook?
They typically take 2 to 3 minutes total, flipping occasionally until golden brown.
How do I know when they are done?
The doughnuts are done when they are puffed and golden brown on both sides.
Where should I place the doughnuts after frying?
Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or a brown paper bag to absorb excess oil.
When is the best time to apply toppings?
Apply cinnamon sugar, icing, or toppings while the doughnuts are still warm for better adhesion.
What are some topping suggestions?
Popular choices include cinnamon sugar, chocolate dip, rich icing, or various sprinkles.
How much sugar is in the dough recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar mixed into the dough.
Can I make doughnut holes?
Yes, use a small round cutter for the center holes and fry them alongside the doughnuts.
What occasions are these doughnuts good for?
They are perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a cozy morning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 10 ingredients, most of which are common pantry staples.