Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe

If you are searching for a nostalgic treat that brings back the cozy memories of homemade indulgence, this Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts capture the perfect balance of tender crumb and lightly spiced flavor, delivering that classic cake donut experience with a tender interior and a golden, crisp exterior. They’re surprisingly simple to make and carry an unmistakable warmth and charm that only homemade donuts can offer. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these donuts are destined to become a favorite morning joy or afternoon delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor of these Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts. From the richness of the egg yolks to the subtle warmth of nutmeg, every component is essential to bring these donuts to life.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 280g): The foundation that gives structure to your donuts.
• Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the donuts rise to that perfect fluffy height without overpowering the flavor.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with baking powder for lightness and tender crumb.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spice that’s signature to old-fashioned cake donuts.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g): Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons / 28g): Adds richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large egg yolks (2): Contribute richness and moisture, making the crumb soft.
• Sour cream (¾ cup / 180ml): Keeps the donuts moist and tender while adding a slight tang.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a lovely aromatic boost to the flavor profile.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oil that ensures crispy, golden exteriors without overpowering flavors.
• Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups / 180g): For the classic sweet glaze topping.
• Milk (3–4 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze to just the right luscious consistency.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, ensuring every bite of your donuts has that gentle lift and cozy, spiced nuance.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which leads to a lighter donut with a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in your egg yolks carefully, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The sour cream’s acidity not only adds moisture but also reacts with the baking soda to create tender, flavorful donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until a sticky dough forms — avoid overmixing, which can toughen the final result. The dough should be soft but manageable for rolling.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut while also allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Cut the Donuts

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to shape your donuts and holes; if you don’t have a donut cutter, two round cutters of different sizes work just fine.

Step 7: Heat the Oil for Frying

Prepare a heavy pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil, and heat it to 325°F (163°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for getting donuts that are beautifully golden without becoming greasy.

Step 8: Fry the Donuts

Carefully lower 2 or 3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 1½ to 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot — it will cause the oil temperature to drop and greasy donuts.

Step 9: Drain the Donuts

Remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.

Step 10: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze and place back on the rack to set. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that perfectly complements the spiced crumb inside.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple yet delightful touch, consider dusting your glazed donuts with a sprinkle of extra ground nutmeg or cinnamon powder. Alternatively, dip some donuts halfway in melted chocolate or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts for an extra bit of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte pairs exceptionally well with these Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts. If you want a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with fresh berries for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your donuts on a decorative cake stand for an inviting presentation at brunch or a casual get-together. You can also slice the donuts horizontally and fill them with cream cheese frosting or fruit preserves for a playful twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To prevent them from becoming soggy, separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

If you want to keep your donuts longer, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before glazing or serving.

Reheating

Reheat donuts gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that fresh-out-of-the-fryer warmth and crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the donuts chewy.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While cake flour can yield an even more tender crumb, it may make the dough slightly too delicate to handle when rolling and cutting. All-purpose flour strikes the right balance of structure and tenderness in this recipe.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. These will provide the necessary moisture and acidity to keep the donuts tender and flavorful.

How do I keep my donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Maintaining the oil temperature around 325°F (163°C) is critical. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will soak up more oil and become greasy. Also, don’t overcrowd the frying pot.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Baking is possible but will yield a different texture, more like a cake than the crispy exterior traditional to fried donuts. For authentic results, frying is recommended.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the milk quantity gradually: add more milk to thin the glaze or add more powdered sugar to thicken it. Achieve a consistency that coats the back of a spoon for best coverage.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe offers more than just a sweet treat — it’s a heartwarming journey back to simpler times and homemade comfort. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and try making these donuts yourself. The process is joyful, and the delicious, tender results are absolutely worth it. Your kitchen will smell divine, and every bite will remind you why homemade always tastes best.

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