Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
- Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a large and small round cutter) to cut out donut shapes. Gather and re-roll the scraps to cut out more donuts.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the Donuts: Fry each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the warm donuts in the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade old-fashioned cake donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Tips for Perfect Donuts:
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough helps prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil while frying.
- Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Too hot, and the donuts will burn outside while staying raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Customize Flavors: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar glaze or a dash of lemon zest to the dough for a unique twist.
Making old-fashioned cake donuts at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a batch of warm, fresh donuts that taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery. Happy baking!
