Best Cake Doughnuts

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy cake doughnuts with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to those who love classic sweet treats with a tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs and sugar until light, then add milk and cooled shortening.
  2. Sift dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture, then mix well.
  3. Chill the dough.
  4. On a lightly floured board, roll the dough to 3/8 inch thickness and cut into doughnut shapes.
  5. Let the cut doughnuts stand for 15 minutes.
  6. Fry in hot fat until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the eggs are at room temperature before beating with sugar. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or coconut oil. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or using flavored extracts like almond. If you prefer baked doughnuts, try baking them at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. These doughnuts are reminiscent of classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These best cake doughnuts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or with a side of Lucy's Tomato Soup for a unique pairing. They also make a great breakfast treat or dessert, perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the doughnuts in a warm oven for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Cake Doughnuts contains roughly 406 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.

406 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.7g 11% DV
Total Fat 14g 18% DV
Carbs 66.8g 24% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 444.2mg 19% DV
Potassium 445.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 180.7mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 45.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 268.1mg 21% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the doughnut dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to roll and cut the doughnuts just before frying for the best texture.

What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?

For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point, which can affect the frying process and flavor.

How can I make these doughnuts healthier?

To make these doughnuts healthier, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or adding oats. Reducing the sugar slightly or using a natural sweetener like honey can also be beneficial. Additionally, try baking instead of frying to cut down on calories.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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