Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about making old-fashioned cake doughnuts from scratch; the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon fills my kitchen, evoking a cozy, nostalgic feel. As they sizzle to a golden perfection in the oil, I can’t help but imagine the joy on my friends’ faces when they take that first perfectly flaky bite.

I love bringing these Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts to life. They’re a nostalgic treat that bursts with flavor from a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.

With 2 cups of all-purpose flour and just 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, they’re a hearty yet moderately sweet indulgence. The addition of whole milk and an egg makes them tender to the point of flakiness.

Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, rich in carbohydrates.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the doughnuts, aids browning.
• Baking powder: Leavening agent, ensures fluffiness.
• Nutmeg and cinnamon: Add warmth and aromatic spice.
• Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness.
• Whole milk: Provides moisture, slight sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with sweet aroma.

Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil, for frying

How to Make this Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe

1. In a big bowl, mix the ingredients well together. They are: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

2. In another bowl, combine the items and beat them together until the mixture is uniform. The items to combine and beat are: butter that has been melted, milk, an egg, and vanilla extract.

3. Slowly incorporate the moist components into the dry ones, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough comes into being. It should be too wet to be a true bread dough, yet manageable — not so sticky that its touch is repulsive.

4. Place the dough on a surface that is only lightly floured and roll it or pat it out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

5. Utilize a doughnut cutter or employ two circular cutters (one large, one small) to excise doughnuts from the dough. Re-roll the leftover dough as necessary.

6. In a pot with a heavy bottom, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil remains at this temperature for even and reliable cooking.

7. Fry the doughnuts in batches, being sure to use a slotted spoon to place them in the hot oil. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown.

8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnuts, then drain them on paper towels to soak up the excess oil.

9. Let cool briefly before serving. You can also coat them in sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture right after they come out of the oil and are still warm.

10. Enjoy your old-fashioned cake doughnuts made from scratch, served fresh!

Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Wooden spoon
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Rolling pin (optional, for rolling out dough)
6. Lightly floured surface (such as a countertop or baking mat)
7. Doughnut cutter or two circular cutters (one large, one small)
8. Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
9. Cooking thermometer
10. Slotted spoon
11. Paper towels for draining
12. Plate or tray for cooling

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour?Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is an option, but the texture may be slightly different.
• What type of oil is best for frying the doughnuts?Choose an oil that has a high smoke point and is neutral in flavor, such as vegetable or canola oil.
• Can I make these doughnuts without a deep fryer?For sure! You can use a deep pot and plenty of oil to let these sinkers float and brown. Or, if you’re up for it, you could use the air fryer, which is a method not much different from roasting.
• How can I store leftover doughnuts?Keep them in a container that won’t let any air in, at a temperature that isn’t too hot or too cold, for 2 days. If we want their storage time to be even longer, we can keep them in a freezer.
• Is it necessary to use both nutmeg and cinnamon?The classic doughnut flavor comes from this blend, but you can alter it to suit your taste.
• Can I bake these instead of frying?These are usually deep-fried to get the classic texture, but you can bake them at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. They will have more of a cake texture if you do that.

Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour instead, and it will give you a nice, nutty flavor, but the texture may be altered ever so slightly.
Coconut sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar when a caramel-like sweetness is desired, or you can use brown sugar for a more pronounced flavor.
Whole milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a non-dairy option.
Butter with no added salt: Use coconut oil or a substitute for vegan butter if you’re avoiding dairy.
Vanilla extract: Alternate with almond extract for an altogether different flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Measure Flour Carefully When measuring the flour, be sure to use the spoon-and-level method. Fluff the flour in its container, spoon it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off. This prevents over-packing the flour, ensuring your doughnuts stay light and tender.

2. Oil Temperature Control Maintain the oil temperature at precisely 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer. If the temperature fluctuates too much, the doughnuts may absorb more oil or cook unevenly. Allow the oil to return to the correct temperature between batches if necessary.

3. Do Not Overwork the Dough Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can lead to tough doughnuts. A gentle touch when rolling and cutting the dough is also essential.

4. Flavor Infusion Consider adding a small pinch of additional spices, such as a dash of cardamom or a splash of almond extract, for a deeper flavor profile in your doughnuts.

5. Quick Sugar Coating If you plan to coat the doughnuts in sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture, do so immediately after frying while they are still warm. This ensures the coating sticks well to the surface.