Few things compare to the warm, soft texture of a fresh, homemade cake doughnut. Unlike their yeast-based counterparts, cake doughnuts have a more dense and crumbly texture that perfectly pairs with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or dipped in cinnamon sugar, cake doughnuts are a treat that has been enjoyed for generations. In this article, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about cake doughnuts, from their history to tips and tricks on making them from scratch. By the end, you’ll be ready to create your own batch of delicious cake doughnuts in your kitchen.
What Are Cake Doughnuts?
Cake doughnuts are a type of fried doughnut, but instead of relying on yeast for leavening, they are made using baking powder or baking soda. This gives them a more tender and cakey texture compared to yeast doughnuts, which tend to be lighter and airier. Cake doughnuts are typically flavored with vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon and are fried at a lower temperature than yeast doughnuts to prevent over-browning. They are often topped with a variety of glazes, frostings, or coatings like powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar.
A Brief History of Cake Doughnuts
Doughnuts have a long history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where various cultures made fried doughs. However, the modern doughnut as we know it originated in America in the 19th century. Early doughnuts were often yeast-based and deep-fried, but cake doughnuts gained popularity in the early 20th century when bakers began using baking powder instead of yeast. Cake doughnuts were easier to make, didn’t require time to rise, and had a different texture that appealed to many.
The cake doughnut became particularly famous during World War I, when “doughnut girls” served them to soldiers in trenches as a comforting taste of home. Today, cake doughnuts remain a beloved staple in bakeries and homes around the world.
Ingredients Needed to Make Cake Doughnuts
To make classic cake doughnuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough and provides structure.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and powdered sugar are commonly used in doughnut recipes. Granulated sugar is mixed into the dough, while powdered sugar can be used for coating.
- Baking powder: Since cake doughnuts don’t use yeast, baking powder helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and help bind the dough together.
- Milk or buttermilk: This adds moisture to the dough and gives the doughnuts their characteristic tenderness.
- Butter or oil: Fat is essential for both the dough and frying. Butter provides flavor, while oil helps in frying the doughnuts to a golden crisp.
- Flavoring: Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg are commonly used for flavoring cake doughnuts.
Once you have these basic ingredients, you can customize your doughnuts with various toppings and glazes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cake Doughnuts
Now that you understand what goes into making a cake doughnut, let’s walk through the process step by step.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients measured out and ready to go. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oil for frying to around 350°F (175°C), as cake doughnuts fry best at a slightly lower temperature than yeast doughnuts.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk and melted butter or oil. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough doughnuts.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out rounds. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a large round cutter for the outer shape and a smaller round cutter to make the doughnut hole in the center.
4. Fry the Doughnuts
Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spatula. Fry the doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as it can fluctuate. Too high, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside before cooking through; too low, and they will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
5. Drain and Cool
Once the doughnuts are golden and cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate or rack. Let the doughnuts cool slightly before adding your choice of toppings.
Popular Toppings
The beauty of cake doughnuts is that they are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. Here are a few popular options:
- Classic Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract is a favorite. Dip the doughnuts in the glaze while they’re still warm for a sweet, shiny coating.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melted chocolate or cocoa powder mixed with a little butter and milk can turn your doughnuts into decadent chocolate-covered treats.
- Cinnamon-Sugar: Roll your warm doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a nostalgic flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet delicious option, dust your doughnuts with powdered sugar.
- Sprinkles: Add a touch of fun by dipping your glazed doughnuts into a bowl of colorful sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Cake Doughnuts
Making cake doughnuts at home is easier than you might think, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dough, be gentle and stop as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, resulting in tough doughnuts.
- Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is crucial. If the oil gets too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. A kitchen thermometer can be a helpful tool here.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Since cake doughnuts rely on baking powder for leavening, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Expired baking powder won’t give your doughnuts the rise they need.
- Don’t Skip the Draining: After frying, allow the doughnuts to drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove any excess oil. This will help keep the doughnuts light and crispy, rather than greasy.
Creative Variations
While the classic vanilla or cinnamon cake doughnut is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnuts: Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your dough for a seasonal twist. Top with a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate Cake Doughnuts: Incorporate cocoa powder into your dough for a rich, chocolatey version. A chocolate glaze or chocolate chips can take it over the top.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Doughnuts: Brighten up your doughnuts with fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds. A lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice will complement the flavor perfectly.
- Maple Bacon Doughnuts: For a sweet and savory combination, top your doughnuts with a maple glaze and crispy bacon bits. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to impress.
Storing and Reheating Cake Doughnuts
Cake doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat them, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the doughnuts to dry out.
If you’d like to prepare your doughnuts in advance, you can freeze the uncooked dough. Roll and cut the dough into shapes, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until firm, then transfer the doughnut shapes to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to fry, let the doughnuts thaw for about 30 minutes before cooking.
FAQs
How are cake doughnuts different from yeast doughnuts?
Cake doughnuts are made with baking powder or soda instead of yeast, giving them a denser and crumblier texture. Yeast doughnuts, on the other hand, are lighter and fluffier due to the fermentation of the yeast.
Can I bake cake doughnuts instead of frying them?
Yes! While traditional cake doughnuts are fried, you can bake them in a doughnut pan at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Baked doughnuts will have a slightly different texture but are still delicious.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?
A kitchen thermometer is the best way to monitor your oil temperature. You want the oil to be around 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the pan. If it sizzles and rises to the top within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
Can I make cake doughnuts without a doughnut cutter?
Yes! If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter or even a glass to cut out your doughnuts. For the center hole, use a smaller cutter or the top of a bottle.
What’s the best oil to use for frying cake doughnuts?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil are best for frying doughnuts, as they won’t impart any unwanted flavors to the dough.
What’s the difference between cake doughnuts and old-fashioned doughnuts?
Old-fashioned doughnuts are a type of cake doughnut, but they tend to have a more irregular shape and are often fried at a lower temperature, creating a crispier exterior with cracks and ridges. Old-fashioned doughnuts are often buttermilk-based.
Conclusion
Cake doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. With their soft, cakey texture and variety of topping options, there’s a reason they’ve been a favorite for generations. Whether you’re making a classic glazed doughnut or experimenting with creative flavors, homemade cake doughnuts are always worth the effort. With the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of cake doughnuts and impressing friends and family with your delicious creations.