There's something incredibly comforting about a homemade donut, and these Old Fashioned Baked Cake Donuts bring all that warmth and nostalgia right into your kitchen. Forget the mess and fuss of deep-frying; this recipe delivers perfectly tender, subtly spiced cake donuts baked to golden perfection. They’re everything you love about the classic, but lighter and easier to make at home.
The beauty of an 'old fashioned' donut lies in its distinct cake-like crumb and simple, wholesome flavor. Our baked version captures that beloved texture and taste, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy donut, lightly sweetened and possibly draped in a simple, sweet glaze. Pure bliss!
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
While traditional donuts are often fried, baking offers several advantages without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment:
- Less Mess: No hot oil splattering or disposing of used oil.
- Lighter Texture: Baked donuts tend to be less greasy and feel lighter, allowing the cake flavor to shine.
- Easier Cleanup: A simpler process means less time scrubbing pans and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
- Healthier Option: With significantly less fat, baked donuts are a more guilt-free indulgence.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for novice bakers. With basic pantry staples and a donut pan, you'll be enjoying warm, homemade donuts in under an hour.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Creating these delightful old fashioned baked cake donuts relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our cakey donuts.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the tender crumb.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The leavening agents that give the donuts their rise and fluffy texture.
- Nutmeg: This spice is non-negotiable for that authentic 'old fashioned' flavor. Don't skip it!
- Milk & Eggs: Add moisture and richness to the batter.
- Melted Butter: For a rich flavor and tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
Using quality ingredients will elevate your donuts from good to absolutely incredible. For a fascinating dive into the origins and evolution of this beloved pastry, you might want to explore the fascinating history of donuts.
Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts Every Time
Don't Overmix the Batter
Just like with muffins or quick breads, overmixing donut batter can lead to tough donuts. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated with the wet ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Grease Your Donut Pan Thoroughly
Even if your donut pan is non-stick, a light coating of butter or baking spray will ensure your donuts release easily and maintain their beautiful shape.
Fill Donut Cavities Correctly
For even baking and perfectly shaped donuts, fill each cavity about two-thirds full. A piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off makes this process much cleaner and easier than spooning the batter.
Cool Slightly Before Glazing
Let the donuts cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before glazing. If they're too hot, the glaze will melt right off. If they're too cold, the glaze won't adhere smoothly. Aim for warm to slightly warm.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While a simple powdered sugar glaze is the quintessential topping for old fashioned donuts, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cinnamon Sugar: After baking, brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips with a bit of butter and milk for a decadent topping.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute some of the milk in your basic glaze with maple syrup for a fall-inspired treat.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, perhaps with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Ready to bake a batch of pure, old-fashioned goodness? This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles and delicious memories with every bite.
FAQs
What makes these donuts 'old fashioned'?
The term 'old fashioned' refers to the classic cake-like texture and typically a simple vanilla or nutmeg flavor profile, often coated in a plain glaze. These baked versions capture that essence without the deep-frying.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
While this particular recipe is formulated for baking, a traditional fried old fashioned donut recipe would use slightly different ratios of ingredients and leavening agents to achieve the characteristic craggy exterior. For best results with this recipe, stick to baking.
How do I store baked cake donuts?
Store leftover baked cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If they are glazed, they are best enjoyed the same day, but can still be stored. You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.
What's the best way to glaze or top these donuts?
A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract) is classic. For variations, you can add a touch of maple extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to the glaze. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can also be added once the glaze is set.
Old Fashioned Baked Cake Donuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting recipe for soft, tender baked cake donuts, offering classic flavor and texture without the need for deep frying, perfect for a homemade breakfast or treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with butter or baking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make a well in the center.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off (about 1/2 inch opening). Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted into a donut should come out clean.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: While donuts cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
Step 9: Once the donuts are slightly warm but not hot, dip each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack for the glaze to set. Serve immediately or store as directed.
Notes
For best results, ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature. Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender. If you don't have a donut pan, you can make these as donut holes in a mini muffin tin, adjusting baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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