Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts

These Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts are a delightful taste of nostalgia. They feature a dense, cake-like texture and subtle sweetness. They’re dipped in a creamy powdered sugar glaze making them a dessert staple that remains popular across all generations.

Easy Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe

Old fashioned cake doughnuts have been enjoyed in America since the 19th century. For me, they’re a happy childhood memory and among my family’s all time favorite donut treats. These doughnuts are fried rather than baked, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft cakey interior. They’re fried in vegetable oil until they’re golden brown, adding to their rich flavor and texture. How do you make easy Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl use a whisk to sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted shortening, vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
Combine – Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Roll the Dough – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and turn to coat with just enough flour that it’s not tacky. Roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut into Rounds – Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut the dough into rounds. If using a biscuit cutter, use a 1 inch cutter for the centers. Gather any scraps, reroll and cut out more doughnuts until all the dough is used.
Fry the Doughnuts – Heat oil in a deep fryer or 6 quart Dutch oven or pot to 365°F-375°F. Carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil frying in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from Oil – Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain excess oil.
Glaze: In a medium bowl whisk together butter, milk, vanilla and almond extract. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time. Whisk until smooth adding more milk if needed to thin.
Dip warm doughnuts in glaze placing onto a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack to dry.

How to Make the BEST Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Old Fashioned Cake Doughnuts: All purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, buttermilk or whole milk, solid vegetable shortening, vanilla extract and egg. You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying.
To make the Glaze: Powdered sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract, almond extract.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, measuring cups and spoons, doughnut cutter, large bowl, medium bowl, small bowl, whisk, paper towel lined sheet pan and stainless steel spider or slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the hot oil.
Variations: While old fashioned cake doughnuts are delicious on their own dipped in a homemade glaze, they can also be coated with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and topped with melted chocolate icing, colorful sprinkles, or even maple glaze.
It’s important to use an oil for frying doughnuts that has a neutral flavor such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Olive oil isn’t suitable for frying these cake doughnuts.
Leftovers: Store glazed Cake Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking place wax paper between doughnuts to prevent sticking.

More Doughnut Recipes to Make

Copycat Krispy Kreme Glazed Yeast Doughnuts.
You can fill these Jelly Doughnuts with your favorite flavor.
Buttermilk Glazed Blueberry Doughnuts are baked not fried.
Brownie-like Chocolate Doughnuts.
Apple Cider Doughnuts are fall ready.
New Orleans Beignets are pockets of fried dough coated with powdered sugar.
Glazed Strawberry Doughnuts are filled with sweet fresh strawberries.
Gluten Free Donuts from The First Year Blog.

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