The Best Cake Donuts Recipe for Fluffy Homemade Treats

Sweet cake donuts have a magical way of turning ordinary mornings into delightful celebrations.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible to anyone with a breakfast passion.

Homemade pastries always taste better than store-bought versions, bringing joy to your kitchen.

Simple ingredients and minimal preparation time mean you can whip up these delectable rounds quickly.

Pillowy textures and subtle sweetness create a nostalgic experience that connects you to childhood memories.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate the versatility of these classic treats.

Fresh from the oven, these cake donuts will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as an alternative, but the shape will be different. Fill each cup about halfway and adjust baking time slightly.

• Are these donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Yes! Baked donuts have less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional deep-fried versions. They’re a lighter, healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

• How can I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the donut pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also dust the greased pan with a light coating of flour to ensure easy removal.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend has a similar consistency to regular flour for best results.

The Secret Appeal of Homemade Cake Donuts

• Baked instead of deep-fried, these donuts offer a lighter alternative that doesn't compromise on delicious flavor and soft texture.
• Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these versatile donuts appeal to kids and adults alike with their customizable glaze and easy preparation.
• Using a standard donut pan and basic kitchen tools, anyone can create these delightful treats without complicated baking skills or expensive gadgets.

Ingredients Checklist for Perfect Cake Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake donuts.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps with the donuts' structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet flavor to the cake donuts.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a smooth, sweet coating that adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish to the donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fresh Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your donut pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Set your oven to warm up at 350F (175C).

Ensure your workspace is clean and organized for a smooth baking adventure.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Whisk them together in a large mixing bowl until everything is perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Fresh egg
• Pure vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until they create a smooth, silky mixture that looks creamy and consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently stir with a spatula until just combined.

Do not overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep your donuts tender.

Step 5: Fill Donut Molds

Carefully spoon the batter into your donut pan, filling each mold about halfway.

This ensures your donuts will have a beautiful shape and rise evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the donuts turn a gorgeous golden brown color.

They should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Glaze

Transfer donuts to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.

Place back on the wire rack and let the glaze set.

Optional: Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles.

Tips and Techniques for Donut Shop Quality at Home

• Use a piping bag or spoon to fill donut molds evenly, ensuring consistent size and shape for uniform baking.
• Gently stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep donuts tender and prevent tough texture.
• Let donuts cool completely before dipping to achieve a smooth, even glaze that sets beautifully without running.
• Replace milk with almond or oat milk for a delicious lactose-free version that maintains the same rich flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and depth in your cake donuts.

How to Store and Warm Up Cake Donuts Without Drying Out

• Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unglazed donuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes to restore softness.
• Thaw frozen donuts, then warm in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Reglaze if desired for extra moisture and flavor.

What to Pair With Cake Donuts for Breakfast or Brunch

• Pair Creamy Cappuccino: Complement the sweet cake donuts with a rich, frothy cappuccino that balances the sugary glaze and adds a luxurious coffee depth.
• Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the donuts with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent dessert experience that melts in your mouth and provides cool contrast.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small bowl of mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries, which cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing, tangy element to the treat.
• Sip Cinnamon Chai Latte: Enjoy a warm cinnamon chai latte that echoes the donuts' subtle sweetness and introduces gentle spice notes that elevate the entire dessert moment.

Creative Flavors and Toppings for Cake Donuts

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly donuts that maintain a soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Version: Substitute egg with mashed banana or flax egg, use plant-based milk, and swap regular glaze with coconut milk-based icing for dairy-free enjoyment.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add cocoa powder to the batter and create a rich chocolate glaze by mixing powdered sugar with melted dark chocolate for intense flavor.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and create a sugar-free glaze with sugar-free powdered sweetener and almond milk for a healthier treat.

Cake Donuts Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible cake donuts bring classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your morning table. Sweet, pillowy rounds deliver pure nostalgia with each tender, golden bite you’ll savor from first crumb to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat the donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform blend of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk the liquid components – milk, egg, and vanilla extract – in a separate vessel until the mixture achieves a consistent texture.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a light, airy consistency.
5. Carefully distribute the batter into donut molds, filling each cavity approximately halfway to allow room for rising during baking.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and springy texture when touched.
7. Remove donuts from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
8. Craft the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency with no lumps.
9. Once cooled, immerse each donut into the prepared glaze, ensuring an even coating, and let them rest until the glaze sets and hardens slightly.

Notes

• Experiment with alternative flours like almond or whole wheat for a nutritious twist on classic cake donuts.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting half with natural sweeteners like applesauce or stevia for a healthier version.
• Use non-dairy milk and egg substitutes to create delicious vegan donuts that everyone can enjoy.
• Create exciting flavor variations by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or zest to the batter for unexpected taste surprises.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg