Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
There’s something so nostalgic about the smell of freshly fried donuts filling the kitchen. This recipe for Old Fashioned Cake Donuts quickly became a family favorite in our home, especially on those cozy Saturday mornings when we’re all craving something warm, sweet, and homemade. I first made these donuts after my kids begged for “real donuts” one weekend instead of our usual store-bought treats, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous to try. But to my surprise, these turned out beautifully golden with a slightly crisp exterior and the most tender, cake-like inside. The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
What I love about this recipe is how straightforward it is. No complicated yeast or waiting around for dough to rise—just mix, shape, fry, and enjoy. In less than an hour, you can have a plate full of old-fashioned goodness that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The kids love helping cut out the donuts, and I love watching their faces light up when they bite into one fresh out of the fryer. These donuts have quickly become a tradition in our home, and I can’t help but smile every time I make them.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While baking is an option, frying gives these donuts their signature crisp edges and tender texture. If baking, use a donut pan and expect a slightly different texture.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best because they don’t overpower the donut’s flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before frying.
How do I know when they’re done frying?
They should be golden brown on both sides, usually 1–2 minutes per side, depending on oil temperature.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, but freeze them unglazed. Warm them in the oven before adding glaze.
What You Need to Make Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for a classic flavor)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Special Tools:
Rolling pin
Donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters)
Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
Candy thermometer
How to Make Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut shapes.
Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep pot to about 2–3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the donuts: Carefully place donuts into hot oil, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Glaze (optional): Dip warm donuts into a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) and allow to set. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Making the Best Old Fashioned Cake Donuts
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before cutting to make it easier to handle.
Don’t overcrowd the oil; fry in small batches.
Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F for even cooking.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
Serve them warm—the texture is best right after frying.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These donuts were amazing and reminded me of my childhood. My kids devoured them in minutes!” – Sarah M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved them, but I think I’ll add a bit more nutmeg next time for stronger flavor.” – Daniel K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect weekend breakfast treat! So much easier than yeast donuts and so delicious.” – Claire H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good recipe overall, but I wish there were tips for baking them. I tried it and they were a bit dry.” – Kelly P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These have become our go-to Sunday morning treat. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!” – Maria R.
Printable Recipe
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Old Fashioned Cake Donut
These Old Fashioned Cake Donuts are golden, tender, and perfectly sweet with a classic homemade glaze. They’re quick to make, requiring no yeast and minimal prep, making them a perfect weekend treat for families.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for a classic flavor)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Special Tools:
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters)
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut shapes.
- Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep pot to about 2–3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the donuts: Carefully place donuts into hot oil, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Glaze (optional): Dip warm donuts into a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) and allow to set. Enjoy immediately!
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