Old-Fashioned Cake Donuts
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or glaze
Instructions:
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
Heat the Oil:
Pour about 3 inches of oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Shape the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the donut shapes.
Fry the Donuts:
Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Remove the donuts using a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
Coat the Donuts (Optional):
While the donuts are still warm, you can coat them with your choice of topping:
Powdered sugar: Toss the donuts in powdered sugar.
Cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and toss the donuts in the mixture.
Glaze: Dip the donuts into a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Serve:
Serve the donuts warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the correct temperature ensures even cooking and prevents the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can result in tough donuts.
Proper Draining: Allow the donuts to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Best When Fresh: Cake donuts are most delicious when eaten fresh.