Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts: Crispy, Buttery & Perfectly Spiced


 

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 time1-2 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