Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

These cake donuts are a delightfully simple treat, perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack. Whether fried or air-fried, they come out soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
8. Step 8: (Air Fryer Option) Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
9. Step 9: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
10. Step 10: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds placed inside the basket.
11. Step 11: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even browning.
12. Step 12: Dust with powdered sugar after cooking and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruity twist, gently fold fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter before cooking.
• Use whole milk for the richest flavor, but any milk will work in a pinch.
• If frying, maintain oil temperature to ensure even cooking and avoid greasy donuts.
• Experiment with toppings—try a cinnamon sugar mix or drizzle warm chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to one month. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware the texture may vary slightly. Choose a blend suitable for baking and adjust liquids if needed.

What’s the best way to get a light and fluffy donut texture?

Avoid overmixing the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined. Overworking the batter can develop gluten and make the donuts dense rather than tender and fluffy.

Cake Donut Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

This classic Cake Donut recipe offers a deliciously tender and fluffy treat cooked traditionally by frying or alternatively by air frying for a lighter option. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, milk, and eggs, these donuts are golden on the outside and soft inside. You can enjoy them dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or paired with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves. Variations include adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes frying; 8 minutes air frying
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 small donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying and Coating

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Optional for Serving & Variations

• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)

Instructions

1. Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil for the donuts to float and fry evenly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the donuts: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Coat the donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar or roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture for extra flavor. Serve immediately.
8. Air fryer preparation (optional): To make a lighter version, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
9. Prepare basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
10. Portion batter: Drop spoonfuls of the donut batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds placed in the air fryer basket.
11. Air fry the donuts: Cook in the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through to ensure even cooking.
12. Finish and serve: Once cooked, dust the air-fried donuts with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts.
• Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly fried donuts; if oil is too hot, donuts will burn outside but remain raw inside.
• Use fresh oil or strain used oil if frying multiple batches.
• Air frying is a healthier alternative and reduces oil absorption.
• For extra flavor, fold in fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter before cooking.
• Serve with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping to enhance taste.
• Use a slotted spoon to safely remove donuts from hot oil.
• Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.

Keywords: cake donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, easy donut recipe, homemade donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, dessert