Best Old Fashioned Cake Donuts Recipe – Homemade & Delicious

If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly sweet, this old fashioned cake donuts recipe is exactly what you need. With a hint of nutmeg and that signature crackled top, these homemade donuts will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen from decades past. Ready to bring back a classic? Keep reading — your perfect donut awaits.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• 3 inch donut cutter
• Deep saucepan or Dutch oven
• Candy thermometer
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Cooling rack
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mix creates the base structure of the dough.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. Creaming these together gives the donuts that classic tender crumb.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream until smooth. The sour cream gives these donuts that slightly tangy depth that makes them irresistible.
4. Step 4: On low speed, add half of the dry ingredients. Stir in the milk, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky without being runny.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling gives the dough a chance to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
6. Step 6: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to ½ inch thickness. Dip your donut cutter in flour to prevent sticking, then cut as many donuts as possible. Gently gather scraps and re-roll once.
7. Step 7: In a deep saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
8. Step 8: Carefully lower 2 to 3 donuts into the oil at a time. Fry for about 1 minute per side. They should puff and develop craggy, golden edges. Do not overcrowd the pan.
9. Step 9: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to lift the donuts out and drain them on paper towels placed over a rack. The rack helps prevent sogginess.
10. Step 10: Let them cool slightly. While still warm, you can dust them with cinnamon sugar, dip in glaze, or enjoy plain with a steaming cup of coffee.

Nutrition per serving

Description

There is something timeless and comforting about old fashioned cake donuts. With their tender crumb, golden crust, and signature cracked edges, each bite is like stepping back into a nostalgic corner bakery. These donuts are crisp on the outside and dense yet soft on the inside, kissed with the warmth of nutmeg and just the right sweetness to pair perfectly with your morning coffee or an afternoon treat.

Just one whiff of these donuts frying in the kitchen evokes memories of fresh pastries on Saturday mornings or carnival fare from days gone by. Unlike yeast-raised donuts, these cake-style treats deliver a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying texture that make them an indulgent and cherished staple for home bakers craving a taste of tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This old fashioned cake donuts recipe is your ticket to bakery-quality donuts made right at home. There is no need for rising time or hard-to-find ingredients—just a simple method that yields spectacular results. The dough is easy to mix, roll, and fry, making it a great project for any skill level.

You can also customize them with a vanilla glaze, cinnamon sugar topping, or enjoy them plain. These donuts are ideal for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or anytime that nostalgic craving hits. With minimal effort and rich homemade flavor, this recipe truly brings a taste of the good old days right to your kitchen.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these donuts fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor. If needed, you can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Once fried, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

For longer storage, freeze the fried donuts without glaze in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and warm them for a few seconds in the microwave or a low oven before adding any glaze or sugar topping.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Breakfast, American, donuts, fried donuts, cake donuts, old fashioned donuts

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 1 donut

For best results, try grating whole nutmeg directly into the mix for brighter flavor. Make sure your oil stays around 350 degrees Fahrenheit throughout frying. A candy thermometer is worth its weight in gold here.

FAQ

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Old Fashioned Cake Donuts

There is something timeless and comforting about old fashioned cake donuts. With their tender crumb, golden crust, and signature cracked edges, each bite is like stepping back into a nostalgic corner bakery. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and warmly spiced with nutmeg, these homemade donuts are pure comfort with a taste of the good old days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up the dough.
• On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½ inch thick. Cut out donuts using a floured 3 inch cutter, re-rolling the scraps as needed.
• In a deep saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
• Carefully lower 2 to 3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown and cracked around the edges.
• Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining donuts.
• Allow donuts to cool slightly on a wire rack before glazing or dusting with sugar if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSodium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

Keyword donuts, fried donuts, cake donuts, old fashioned donuts, breakfast, American

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