Cake donuts (or doughnuts) are a fried treat that are made from a flour batter and baking powder. They are a sweet, dense, cake-like ring that are generally considered to be a breakfast food. The exact origins of the donut are unknown, but they are thought to have been introduced to North America by Dutch settlers sometime in the 19th century.
Donuts come in many different varieties nowadays and are most often purchased in gas stations, grocery stores, or donut shops. Commercially prepared donuts tend to be very unhealthy snacks, and often contain trans fat as they are prepared using shortening and other unnecessary ingredients. Homemade donuts are just as tasty as their store-bought alternatives, and contain much less saturated fat and no trans fats.
How Do I Prepare Donuts at Home?
Donuts are easy to make in your very own kitchen. Simply prepare the batter and drop the donuts into a pan of hot vegetable oil. Donuts are best fried at 365 degrees, however if you do not have a cooking thermometer simply wait until the hot oil is lightly bubbling before frying. The oil should not be so hot that it is splattering.
If you would like to make traditional donuts you will need to buy a simple donut maker machine. They are inexpensive (often less than $10) and can be found in brick and mortar specialty cooking stores or can be easily purchased online at a kitchen supply store. While waiting to receive your donut maker, you can start by making donut holes. Simply drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
Old-Fashioned Cake Donut Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 c. flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 Tbsp. softened unsalted butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 c. milk
Directions:
- In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl beat the eggs and sugar with a mixer.
- Add the softened butter, vanilla, and milk and mix until well-incorporated.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Do not overmix.
- Lightly coat the inside of the donut maker with nonstick cooking spray and fill with batter.
- Hold the machine just over the hot oil and lightly press on the lever to release the batter. Then gently release the lever and allow the donut to fall into the pan.
- Fry the donut batter in hot vegetable oil, turning halfway through to ensure even browning. Fry approximately one minute per side, although that time can vary depending on how hot the oil is.
- Remove golden-brown donuts and allow them to cool on paper towels.
Makes about 1 dozen donuts.
Storage Instructions
Once the donuts have completely cooled they should be stored in an airtight container or plastic storage bag. Leftovers should be eaten within three to five days.
Recipe Variations
Enjoy the cake donuts plain or sprinkle with powdered sugar, white sugar, or a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Can also be served with chocolate frosting for a special treat.
Precautions
Never allow small children to be near the hot oil as it could easily splatter causing injury. Also take care not to introduce water to the pan as it could cause a fire. Oil fires should always be put out using flour to smother the flame.
Molly Yocum - Molly is a freelance writer and blogger. New to the online community, she welcomes you to read her articles and appreciates comments and ...
Join the Conversation