The Fluffiest Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe Ever

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries come alive with these old-fashioned cake donuts that melt in your mouth with nostalgic comfort.

Golden and soft, these classic treats bring a warm embrace of traditional baking techniques.

The simple ingredients create a magical transformation in your kitchen.

Crisp edges and tender centers define these delightful pastries.

Each bite carries a delicate crumb that speaks of homemade love and careful preparation.

Dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon, these donuts promise a delectable journey back to simpler times.

Roll up your sleeves and let’s craft these irresistible breakfast delights that will spark joy at your morning table.

Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Highlights

Craft Quick Protein-Packed Meal: This chicken salad delivers a protein-rich dish perfect for health-conscious individuals seeking nutritious and delicious options without complicated preparation.

Blend Complementary Flavors: Cranberries provide sweet-tart bursts while pecans add delightful crunch, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that transforms ordinary chicken salad into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap stuffing, salad topper, or standalone dish – making it incredibly adaptable for lunch, picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with minimal additional effort.

Simple Nutritious Preparation: Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayonnaise reduces calories while maintaining creamy texture, ensuring a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color.
• Baking Powder: Creates a light and fluffy texture by helping the donuts rise.
• Nutmeg: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the donut's taste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess while helping to tenderize the donut.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet coating that adds a delightful finish to the donuts.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab your donut pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Carefully spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full.

This allows room for the donuts to rise while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the donuts are ready.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes silky and smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

Once donuts have slightly cooled, dip the top of each donut into the glaze.

Place them on a wire rack to let excess glaze drip off and allow the coating to set.

Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

• Stir ingredients just until combined to keep donuts tender and light, preventing tough texture.
• Use a piping bag or spoon to fill donut wells evenly, ensuring consistent size and shape for uniform baking.
• Let donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent runny coating and achieve smooth, even coverage.
• Freshly grated nutmeg provides more intense flavor compared to pre-ground spice, elevating the donut's taste profile.
• Store glazed donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for maximum freshness, consuming within 1-2 days.

Variations on Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Chocolate Lovers Donut: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and create a chocolate glaze using melted dark chocolate.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Maple Pecan Spin: Mix chopped pecans into the batter and replace vanilla glaze with a maple-flavored glaze using pure maple syrup.

Suggested Pairings with Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

• Pair Warm Spiced Coffee: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the donut's warm spices and enhance its subtle nutty flavor.
• Combine Creamy Vanilla Latte: Create a smooth, sweet vanilla latte that balances the donut's slightly crisp texture and adds a luxurious layer of creamy sweetness.
• Match Caramel Apple Cider: Serve a warm, spiced apple cider with caramel notes that echoes the donut's homestyle comfort and provides a fruity counterpoint to the glaze.
• Enjoy Dark Chocolate Mocha: Prepare a decadent dark chocolate mocha that intensifies the donut's richness and provides a robust, slightly bitter contrast to its sweet glaze.

Proper Storage for Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts

• Seal donuts in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without the glaze to maintain best texture.
• Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove donuts from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven, then add fresh glaze if desired.

FAQs

• What makes these donuts different from fried donuts?

These baked donuts are healthier and easier to make since they’re not deep-fried, reducing oil absorption and calories while still providing a delicious, tender texture.

• Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

No, a donut pan is essential to create the classic donut shape. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a silicon or metal donut pan specifically designed for baking.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Yes, buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the donuts. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.

Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grandma’s classic old-fashioned cake donuts bring nostalgic comfort straight from her cherished kitchen. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite sweet memories, promising pure deliciousness that connects generations with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a donut pan by lightly coating with cooking spray and set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients, creating a uniform powder mixture.
3. Separately whisk together liquid components until fully integrated and smooth.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
5. Carefully distribute batter into donut pan cavities, filling each approximately two-thirds full for proper rising.
6. Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, checking doneness with a clean toothpick inserted near the center.
7. While donuts are cooling, prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
8. Once donuts have slightly cooled and are warm but not hot, dip each into glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
9. Position glazed donuts on a wire cooling rack, permitting excess glaze to set and create a smooth, glossy finish.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with corner snipped for neater donut well filling.
• Substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a teaspoon of vinegar for a quick alternative.
• Try different glazes like chocolate, maple, or cinnamon sugar for variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg