Golden-brown, slightly crisp on the outside, tender and cakey inside—these old-fashioned cake donuts taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery! Made with simple pantry ingredients and fried to perfection, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Classic bakery-style texture – Slightly dense with a crisp crust
✔ Warmly spiced – Cinnamon and nutmeg for that nostalgic flavor
✔ Easy to make – No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise
✔ Customizable – Dip in glaze, roll in sugar, or enjoy plain
Ingredients (Makes 12-14 Donuts)
For the Donuts
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying
Vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
For Coating (Choose One!)
Cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
Powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk)
Plain powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Make the Dough
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Cover and chill dough 30 mins (easier to handle).
4. Roll & Cut
On a floured surface, roll dough ½-inch thick.
Cut with a donut cutter (or use a glass + shot glass for the hole).
5. Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, 1-2 mins per side, until golden.
Drain on paper towels.
6. Coat & Serve
While warm, toss in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Pro Tips for the Best Donuts
✅ Keep oil at 350°F – Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pot – Lowers oil temp = greasy donuts
✅ Use a thermometer – Crucial for perfect frying
✅ Reheat leftovers – 10 secs in microwave revives them