Fluffy Cake Donut Recipe

A truly exceptional cake donut has a signature contrast,light and fluffy inside, delicately crisp on the outside, and infused with a warm, nostalgic sweetness. This recipe is crafted with the precision of a seasoned pastry chef, ensuring each donut rises beautifully and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re creating a weekend treat or elevating your home bakery skills, these cake donuts promise bakery-level perfection with every bite.

Ingredients List

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk or buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying
  • Optional toppings: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

cake donut recipe
Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg to create a well-balanced, aerated mixture that supports a tender rise.

Cream and Combine

Beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in milk and vanilla to form a smooth, rich batter.

Form the Dough

Fold the dry mixture into the wet, creating a soft dough. Chill briefly to make handling easier and to enhance the donut’s final texture.

Shape the Donuts

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into classic donut shapes using cutters. Keep the thickness even to ensure uniform frying.

Fry to Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden, flipping once. Drain on a rack for the perfect crisp-meets-fluffy balance.

Finish with Flair

Coat in cinnamon sugar, dip in glaze, or dust with powdered sugar while still slightly warm.

Cook Time

Approximately 20–25 minutes, plus chilling time.

Servings

Makes 10–12 cake donuts, depending on size.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~230
  • Fat: ~10g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Sugar: ~12g

Storage Instructions

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or warm briefly in the oven. Freeze unfried dough shapes for up to 1 month; fry straight from frozen with an additional minute of cooking time.

Suggestions

  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer, more tender crumb.
  • Add citrus zest or warm spices for unique flavor variations.
  • Dip donuts twice in glaze for a thicker, donut-shop style coating.
  • Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent sogginess.

Seasonal Relevance

These fluffy cake donuts shine year-round, adapting effortlessly to seasonal flavors,cinnamon in fall, citrus in spring, berry glazes in summer, or chocolate during winter festivities. Their versatility makes them a timeless treat for any celebration or cozy weekend morning.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect cake donut is about balance,lightness, structure, and nuanced sweetness. With this expertly designed recipe, you’ll achieve donuts that rival professional bakeries: irresistibly fluffy, beautifully golden, and endlessly customizable. Enjoy the process, and even more, enjoy the results.

Fluffy Cake Donut Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

230

kcal
Total time

25

minutes

These Fluffy Cake Donuts are crafted to deliver a bakery-quality bite—light, tender, and perfectly golden. Made with simple ingredients and expert technique, this recipe ensures a soft interior, slight exterior crisp, and endless options for glazing or coating. Perfect for weekend treats, celebrations, or anytime you crave the comforting sweetness of homemade donuts.

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Oil for frying

  • Optional toppings: cinnamon sugar, glaze, powdered sugar

Directions

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk and vanilla.
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
  • Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes for easier handling.
  • Roll dough on a floured surface and cut donut shapes using cutters.
  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each donut until golden, flipping once.
  • Place on a rack to drain excess oil.
  • Coat in cinnamon sugar, dust with powdered sugar, or dip in your favorite glaze.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Use buttermilk for extra tender donuts.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
  • Donuts taste best fresh but can be warmed slightly the next day.
  • Freeze unfried dough shapes for up to a month; fry straight from frozen.

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