Description
Crisp-edged, tender-centered old fashioned cake donuts with a simple vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying, enough to fill pot about 2 inches deep
- For the glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Line a tray with paper towels and set a cooling rack nearby.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl beat 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and liquids: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 3/4 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Form the dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, and cut donuts with a donut cutter. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Chill: Chill cut donuts for about 15 minutes to firm up for better frying results.
- Fry: Fry 2 to 3 donuts at a time at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Drain: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Make glaze: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze: Dip warm donuts into the glaze, return to the rack to set, and allow glaze to slightly firm before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chill the cut donuts before frying to promote that classic cracked exterior.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy donuts.
- Sift powdered sugar before making the glaze for a smoother finish.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze unglazed for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: old fashioned cake donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts, breakfast donuts, glazed donuts