Classic Cake Doughnuts

Jul 13, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Vanilla: Extract Medium

Fresh classic cake doughnuts on a wire cooling rack, one broken open to show the tender inside

Tender and moist classic cake doughnuts flavored with warm nutmeg and real vanilla, fried to golden perfection for a crisp exterior and soft interior. Ideal for a homemade treat with a vanilla glaze or sugar coating.

Prep 20 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 10 min

Total 40 min

Yield 14 doughnuts

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

doughnuts

2 ¼ cups (282.0 g)all-purpose flour
½ cup (100.0 g)granulated sugar
2.0 tsp (8.0 g)baking powder
½ tsp (2.0 g)baking soda
½ tsp (3.0 g)fine sea salt
½ tsp (1.0 g)ground nutmeg
2.0 large (100.0 g)eggs
¾ cup (180.0 ml)buttermilk
3.0 tbsp (42.0 g)unsalted butter, melted
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
2.0 cups (480.0 ml)neutral frying oil, such as vegetable or canola oil
½ cup (100.0 g)granulated sugar, for coating
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract, for the glaze
1.0 cup (120.0 g)powdered sugar, for the glaze
2.0 tbsp (30.0 ml)milk, for the glaze

Make it at home

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix to keep the dough tender.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it until smooth, about 1 minute.
Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small), cut out doughnuts and holes. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Heat the neutral frying oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
Carefully lower 2 to 3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed, turning once.
Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 2 minutes.
For the vanilla glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm doughnuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a rack to set.
Alternatively, toss warm doughnuts in granulated sugar to coat after frying.
Allow doughnuts to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let glaze set and flavors meld.

Tips

Maintain the frying oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for even cooking and to avoid greasy doughnuts.
Use pure vanilla extract in both the dough and the glaze for a rich vanilla aroma and flavor.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic cake doughnuts?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 10 minutes to rest. The recipe makes 14 doughnuts.

How should I store classic cake doughnuts?

Store glazed or sugared doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven for a fresh taste.

Can I make classic cake doughnuts ahead?

Prepare the doughnuts and glaze ahead, then dip immediately before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 14 servings this recipe makes.

273 Calories / serving

11.5g Fat

39.1g Carbs

3.5g Protein

23.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (14 servings): ~3822 cal · 161g fat · 547g carbs · 49g protein · 330g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 273 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 52 min·3.0 mi·~6100 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 37 min·1.9 mi·~3700 steps
Moderate cycling 28 min·5.6 mi
Swimming laps 38 min
Jogging 27 min·2.3 mi·~4300 steps
Stair climbing 25 min·~2250 steps
Dancing 44 min
Bodyweight circuit training 28 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 63 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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