Cake Donuts Recipe: Preppy Kitchen's Delicious Donuts

Nov 14, 2025 by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey, donut lovers! Craving that perfect, slightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside cake donut? Well, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving into a fantastic cake donut recipe inspired by the one and only Preppy Kitchen. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch of these delightful treats that will impress your friends and family. Forget the store-bought stuff; homemade is where it's at! So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven (or get your fryer ready), and let’s get started on this amazing donut adventure.

What Makes This Cake Donut Recipe Special?

Okay, so what sets this cake donut recipe apart from the countless others out there? First off, it's all about the texture. We're aiming for that perfect balance of a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, moist interior. This recipe nails it, thanks to a combination of key ingredients and techniques. The use of both cake flour and all-purpose flour ensures a light, airy crumb, while the addition of sour cream or buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the donut. Trust me, this isn't your average donut – it's a culinary experience!

Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. While we'll provide a base recipe, feel free to get creative with your flavorings and toppings. Want to add a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, cozy vibe? Go for it! Prefer a decadent chocolate glaze over a simple vanilla one? The world is your donut! And let's not forget about the method. Whether you prefer baking or frying your donuts, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preference. Baked donuts are a healthier alternative, while fried donuts offer that classic, irresistible indulgence.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you're a beginner baker, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these donuts with confidence. We'll guide you through each step of the process, from mixing the batter to glazing and decorating your finished masterpieces. So, ditch the intimidation factor and embrace the joy of homemade donuts. You'll be amazed at how rewarding it is to create something so delicious from scratch. Get ready to become the donut hero of your household!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's take a look at the key ingredients you'll need for this cake donut recipe. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking or frying – there's nothing worse than realizing you're missing an essential ingredient halfway through the process!

Flour: A combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour is crucial for achieving the right texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which results in a more tender crumb. If you don't have cake flour, you can make your own by substituting a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a golden-brown crust on the donuts.
Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the donuts their rise. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they can lose their potency over time.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon are optional but highly recommended. They add a warm, cozy flavor that complements the donuts perfectly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness. Use large eggs for best results.
Sour Cream or Buttermilk: Sour cream or buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the donuts. If you don't have either on hand, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
Oil (for Frying): If you're frying your donuts, you'll need a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.

With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to creating a batch of delicious cake donuts that will rival any bakery's. Now, let's move on to the fun part – making the batter!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Donut Magic

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through the step-by-step instructions for making these amazing cake donuts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, these instructions will guide you through the process with ease. Remember, the key to success is to follow the instructions carefully and don't be afraid to experiment with your own flavorings and toppings.

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (if using). Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent texture. Set the bowl aside for now.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for creating air pockets in the batter, which will result in a lighter, more tender donut. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step. If you don't have a mixer, you can use a wooden spoon, but it will require a bit more elbow grease.

Step 3: Adding the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help to create a smooth, emulsified batter.

Step 4: Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique helps to prevent overmixing, which can result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!

Step 5: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the donuts from spreading too much during baking or frying.

Step 6: Shaping the Donuts

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts. If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out circles and then use a smaller cutter or knife to cut out the center holes.

Step 7: Baking or Frying the Donuts

Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frying: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain.

Step 8: Glazing and Decorating

While the donuts are still warm, dip them in your favorite glaze or frosting. You can also sprinkle them with sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings. Get creative and have fun with it!

And there you have it – a batch of delicious, homemade cake donuts that will impress your friends and family. Now, let's talk about some variations and toppings to take your donuts to the next level.

Variations and Toppings: Unleash Your Inner Donut Artist

Okay, you've mastered the basic cake donut recipe – congratulations! But why stop there? The beauty of homemade donuts is that you can customize them to your heart's content. Let's explore some variations and toppings that will take your donuts to the next level and unleash your inner donut artist.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Lemon: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spice: Add more nutmeg, cinnamon, or other spices to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
Coffee: Add instant coffee granules to the batter for a coffee-flavored donut.

Glaze and Frosting Ideas

Vanilla Glaze: A classic vanilla glaze is always a winner. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips with a little bit of butter and milk for a decadent chocolate glaze.
Maple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for a sweet and slightly nutty maple glaze.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.

Topping Ideas

Sprinkles: Sprinkles are a classic donut topping that adds a pop of color and fun.
Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans, add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut: Shredded coconut adds a tropical twist.
Chocolate Shavings: Shaved chocolate adds a touch of elegance.
Crushed Cookies: Crushed cookies, such as Oreos or graham crackers, add a unique flavor and texture.

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to making delicious cake donuts at home, inspired by the one and only Preppy Kitchen. With this recipe and these variations and toppings, you'll be able to create a batch of donuts that will impress your friends and family and satisfy your sweet tooth. So get baking and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Donut Perfection

To ensure your cake donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the donuts from spreading too much during baking or frying.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they can lose their potency over time.
Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: If you're frying your donuts, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before they're cooked through on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: When frying donuts, don't overcrowd the fryer. This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
Glaze While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they're still warm for best results. The glaze will adhere better and create a shiny, appealing finish.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you're well on your way to donut perfection. Happy baking (or frying)!

Enjoy Your Homemade Donuts!

Congratulations, you've successfully created a batch of delicious cake donuts from scratch! Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Share them with your friends and family, or keep them all to yourself – we won't judge!

So, there you have it – a complete guide to making the best cake donuts at home, inspired by Preppy Kitchen. Get ready to impress everyone with your newfound donut-making skills! Happy baking, everyone!