There’s something magical about fresh, warm cake donuts. Whether you’re enjoying them with a morning cup of coffee or sharing them with friends for an afternoon treat, these soft, perfectly sweet donuts are always a hit. They’re lighter than your traditional fried donuts, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you’ll be enjoying these homemade delights in no time. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Cake Donuts
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, hosting a brunch with friends, or just indulging in something comforting for yourself, these donuts fit the occasion perfectly. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for mornings at home or as a fun treat at get-togethers. Imagine serving them at a cozy brunch, where everyone can enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples. No need to hunt for exotic ingredients; these donuts come together with what you likely already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: The steps are super straightforward, even for beginners. This recipe takes the guesswork out of baking and ensures that you can enjoy a homemade donut experience without stress.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Whether you want to drizzle them with glaze, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or just enjoy them plain, these donuts are easily adjustable to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them to kids or adults, these donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves a soft, sweet treat that’s fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these cake donuts—they come together with simple ingredients that create a perfect, soft texture. Let’s break it down:
Flour: The base of these donuts. You’ll want all-purpose flour to give them that fluffy texture.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way here, helping to balance the richness of the donuts.
Baking Powder: This gives the donuts that perfect rise without the need for yeast, making them light and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates that soft, cake-like texture.
Egg: Brings everything together and gives the donuts structure.
Butter: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor and adds that comforting aroma we all love.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful donuts:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the donuts bake evenly and have that perfect texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly before adding the wet ingredients.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently stir to combine. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to get a smooth batter.
Fill the Donut Pan: Lightly grease your donut pan, and spoon the batter into the cavities. You can smooth the tops with a spatula for a neat finish.
Bake: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The donuts should be golden on top.
Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and ensures they don’t break apart.
Serve and Enjoy: These donuts are best served warm, but they also keep well for a few days in an airtight container. Enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
How to Serve Cake Donuts
These cake donuts are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more irresistible:
Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar: Roll them in cinnamon sugar for a classic treat.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat any time of day.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make these donuts even better:
Prep Ahead: You can make the donut batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just spoon it into the pan and bake when you’re ready to go.
Customize the Flavor: Add in some chocolate chips, a handful of sprinkles, or a dash of cinnamon for a personalized twist.
Storage Tips: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
Double the Batch: If you’ve got a crowd to feed, double the recipe! These donuts freeze well, so you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the butter with oil?
A1: Yes, you can! If you prefer oil, use a mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola. It will still give you a moist donut, just a little different in flavor.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of flour?
A2: Absolutely! You can try using whole wheat flour for a more rustic flavor, but be mindful that it might make the donuts a bit denser.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If they last that long!
Q4: Can I freeze these donuts?
A4: Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
Q5: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
A5: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin! The texture will be a bit different, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A6: Yes! Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist. They’ll melt into the donuts as they bake, creating little pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute.
Q8: Can I glaze these donuts?
A8: Of course! A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet, shiny finish. Feel free to drizzle it on top once they’ve cooled.
Q9: How do I get the donuts to bake evenly?
A9: Make sure to fill the donut pan evenly and avoid overfilling. If you notice some unevenness, you can smooth the tops with a spatula before baking.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches, or use two pans if you have them. More donuts = more fun!
Conclusion
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these cake donuts are a game-changer. They’re soft, sweet, and oh-so-easy to make. And with all the ways you can customize them, you’ll never get bored of this simple, delightful recipe. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Cake Donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A family-friendly casserole perfect for brunch! Made with layers of fluffy pancakes soaked in a rich custard mixture, this dish is baked to perfection and topped with butter and maple syrup. Pair it with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 24–30 pancakes (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Unsalted butter and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange Pancakes: Place the pancakes in the baking dish in 3 rows, slightly overlapping, starting from one long end.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt until well combined.
- Pour Over Pancakes: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pancakes, ensuring they are evenly soaked.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dot with small pats of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture.
- Use mini pancakes for a fun twist, or try flavored pancakes like chocolate chip or blueberry for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg