Cake Donut Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Treat
Are you craving the delightful taste of cake donuts but don't want the hassle of a complicated recipe? Look no further! This recipe delivers moist, tender, and perfectly cakey donuts that are surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to donut heaven.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick baking project.
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For the Donuts:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
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For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment You'll Need:
Having the right equipment will make the donut-making process much smoother.
- Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is highly recommended for easy release.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls, one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: For blending dry ingredients and mixing the wet ingredients.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get started on creating those delicious cake donuts!
1. Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
2. Baking the Donuts:
- Fill the Donut Pan: Fill each donut cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making the Glaze (Optional):
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
Tips for Perfect Cake Donuts:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough donuts. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Let them Cool: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different glazes, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit!
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with cake flour for a slightly more tender donut.
- Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Baked donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade cake donuts! They're the perfect treat for any occasion. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!