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These homemade cinnamon sugar cake donuts have a lightly crisp exterior, a tender, cake-like center, and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. They're made without yeast, so there's no rising time, but the dough does need to chill before rolling and frying.
If you love making homemade donuts, be sure to try my homemade maple bars too!
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What makes cake donuts different?
I first made these cinnamon sugar cake donuts on a snow day when my kids were home from school. They wanted homemade donuts, and I remembered the ones my mom used to make when I was growing up. It seemed like the perfect day to make a batch!
Unlike yeast donuts, cake donuts get their rise from baking powder rather than yeast. There's no kneading or waiting for the dough to rise. Instead, the dough is chilled before rolling and cutting, which makes it easier to handle.
These donuts are fried until golden brown, giving them a lightly crisp exterior and a tender, cake-like center. A coating of cinnamon sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
For more homemade treats, try my baked apple cider donuts, baked raspberry donuts, or mini powdered sugar donuts. These are all baked instead of fried, making them a great alternative when you don't want to heat up a pot of oil.
Key Ingredients
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best for these donuts.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Both help the donuts rise and give them their cake-like texture.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. I recommend using full-fat sour cream.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help the donuts rise.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: A little of each flavors the dough, while additional cinnamon is mixed with sugar for the coating.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Making Cake Donuts
These step-by-step instructions will help you prepare, shape, and fry the donuts. For exact measurements and complete instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and bubbly. This helps incorporate air into the mixture. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
- Add the sour cream and vanilla to the egg mixture. Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until most of the flour is incorporated.
- Use a silicone spatula to gently fold in the remaining flour. Avoid overmixing, which can make the donuts tough. The dough will be wet and sticky. That's exactly how it should be!
- Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a flat rectangle or square. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Chilling makes the sticky dough easier to roll and cut.
- Place the chilled dough on a generously floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour over the top and gently roll the dough into a 10-inch square. Lift the dough occasionally and add more flour underneath as needed to prevent sticking.
- Dip your donut cutter into flour, then cut out the donuts. Flour the cutter between cuts so the dough releases easily. Gather the scraps and gently reroll to cut additional donuts.
- Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. If the oil is too cool, the donuts can absorb excess oil. If it's too hot, the outside may brown before the center is fully cooked.
- Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil, leaving room between them. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Allow the oil to return to 375°F before frying the next batch.
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. The warmth helps the coating stick to the surface.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough. The dough is quite sticky when first mixed. Refrigerating it for 1–2 hours makes it easier to roll and cut without adding too much extra flour.
- Use flour when rolling. Lightly flour your work surface, rolling pin, and donut cutter to keep the dough from sticking. Add more flour only as needed.
- Monitor the oil temperature. Keep the oil as close to 375°F as possible. Oil that's too hot will brown the donuts before the centers cook, while oil that's too cool can make them greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot. Fry just a few donuts at a time. Adding too many can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking.
- Coat while warm. Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar shortly after frying so the coating sticks.
- Enjoy them fresh. Homemade cake donuts have the best texture the day they're made, especially while they're still slightly warm.
Variations
While I love the classic cinnamon sugar coating, there are a few other ways to finish these homemade cake donuts.
- Plain sugar: Skip the cinnamon and roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar for a simple, sweet coating.
- Powdered sugar: Let the donuts cool slightly, then toss them in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The dough needs to chill for 1–2 hours before rolling and cutting. You can prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and fry the donuts when you're ready.
This dough is naturally soft and sticky because of the sour cream. Chilling makes it easier to handle. Use a generously floured work surface and lightly flour your rolling pin and donut cutter, but avoid working too much additional flour into the dough.
Greasy donuts are often caused by oil that's too cool. Keep the frying oil close to 375°F and allow it to return to temperature between batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause the temperature to drop.
The donuts should be golden brown on both sides after approximately 2 minutes per side. If they brown too quickly, check your oil temperature. You can also cut open a test donut to make sure the center is fully cooked before frying the rest of the batch.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious baking recipes!
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Sugar
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- oil for frying (You'll need 2-3 cups, depending on the size of your pan. Use vegetable or canola oil. )
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and bubbly. Add the sugar and mix until combined.2 large eggs, ½ cup sugar
- Add the sour cream and vanilla to the egg mixture. Mix until smooth and combined.½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.2 cups flour, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, pinch ground nutmeg
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until most of the flour is incorporated. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold in the remaining flour. The dough will be wet and sticky. This is normal!
- Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a flat rectangle or square. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
- Place the chilled dough on a generously floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour over the top and gently roll into a 10-inch square. Lift the dough occasionally and add more flour underneath as needed to prevent sticking.
- Dip a donut cutter into flour and cut out the donuts. Flour the cutter between cuts to prevent sticking. Gather the scraps and gently reroll to cut additional donuts.
- Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully lower a few donuts into the hot oil, leaving enough room between them. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Allow the oil to return to 375°F before frying the next batch.
- While the donuts are still warm, roll them in homemade cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. The warmth helps the coating stick to the donuts. Serve fresh!⅔ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Notes
- Chill the dough. The dough is quite sticky when first mixed. Refrigerating it for 1–2 hours makes it easier to roll and cut without adding too much extra flour.
- Use flour when rolling. Lightly flour your work surface, rolling pin, and donut cutter to keep the dough from sticking. Add more flour only as needed.
- Monitor the oil temperature. Keep the oil as close to 375°F as possible. Oil that's too hot will brown the donuts before the centers cook, while oil that's too cool can make them greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot. Fry just a few donuts at a time. Adding too many can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking.
- Coat while warm. Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar shortly after frying so the coating sticks.
- Enjoy them fresh. Homemade cake donuts have the best texture the day they're made, especially while they're still slightly warm.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in February 2017.
Kiki says
Lacking flavor. Very disappointed.
Kathy says
I'm sorry these weren't to your liking.
Erin says
My son has been begging me to make homemade donuts. Now I will have to with this recipe!
Kathy says
Just think...you will be his hero! 🙂
Donna says
Oh yum, these look amazing!!! My kids would be super excited if I whipped up a batch of these 🙂
Kathy says
My kids love 'em!
Michelle @ The Last Food Blog says
Hi Kathy, just wanted to stop by and say that these look fab! My daughter would love these. Also how clever is your Mum!! I think I may adopt that little trick 😉 Hope the weather has picked up for you now x
Kathy says
Thanks, Michelle! The weather has warmed up and the snow is melting!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
We have snow days almost every day here, but first days of snow are magical. I can sit on my window and watch the giant flakes for hours. My daughter is suffering from flu, and she loves donuts like anything, so I guess these would make her happy. Will bake them for her. Lovely share, Kathy.
Kathy says
I hope your daughter feels better! These doughnuts would make a lovely treat once she is back on her feet again!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I love homemade donuts. There was a family friend that made her husband plain donuts every morning. These remind me of them. I can't wait to try these.
Kathy says
Every Morning! Wow!!!
Muna Kenny says
I love watching the snow falls but that's it. And yes, I love these doughnuts and wish I can have some with a chilled glass of milk 🙂
Kathy says
I agree! Watching snow falling is very peaceful! It's all the cleanup after the snow that's stressful!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I absolutely love snow and think it's one of the prettiest things on earth, but the sloppy, slushy mess afterwards is less than pretty. ICK! Hope everything clears up soon for you guys! I'd stay indoors and just eat these donuts on repeat, because YUM! I love everything covered in cinnamon-sugar, especially donuts, so these are totally calling my name! Such a classic! Cheers, friend!
Adina says
They do look perfect the doughnuts. My kids would love them as well.
Kathy says
Who doesn't love a great doughnut??? 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
So funny that your mom made you eat your least favourite food before giving you a treat. Smart though 🙂 We have a snow day here today, blizzard actually. This donuts look like the perfect thing to make (and eat) cuddled up with a coffee!
Kathy says
She didn't do it every time! But she did get me to eat a lot of foods I didn't like back then! 🙂
Çitra Kale @Çitra's Home Diary says
that doughnuts absolutely entertain the whole family during snow days. Nothing more heaven than stay warm inside our happy cave with family while freezing outside.
Kathy says
We all loved 'em!
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
We have had some of the wackiest weather this year. These look scrumptious! I need these with my morning coffee. I love my avocado toast but come on the doughnut will always win, lol. Take care.
Kathy says
Sometimes a doughnut wins out over the avocado and toast! 🙂
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
Wow, two snow days! I'm in Buffalo and we've gotten zero thus far. Anyhow, it's been doctors appointment after docs appointment here for me between the kids and myself, I feel like I don't have 2 minutes to just think and honestly it's time for a little treat! This is it!
Kathy says
We've actually had 6 snow days so far this year! We haven't had that many in years. It has been a crazy winter!
Amanda says
Oh my goodness! You totally read my mind with this one. I've been looking for a doughnut recipe like this. My boyfriend loves doughnuts and doughnut holes, and this is exactly what he's drawn to. Wonderful!
Kathy says
Perfect! Time to get making some doughnuts!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Yay for snow days and baking! I hate winter, snow and cold temperatures, but if it involves baking, especially these fantastic doughnuts, I'm in! They look amazing!!
Kathy says
I don't mind the winter, but I do like a break every once in awhile! A little sunshine always is glorious!
David @ Spiced says
Oh man, I love cake doughnuts! Whenever one of those variety boxes of doughnuts would show up at school/work/etc, I would zoom straight in for the blueberry cake ones! But I also love cinnamon + sugar, so I'm thinking these doughnuts are basically my heaven. Glad you spent those bonus days making doughnuts!! 🙂
Kathy says
Blueberry cake doughnut! Wow....I've got some more cooking to do!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Sorry you're having such messy, horrible weather, Kathy - but at least you get to eat those delicious donuts! I love a good, simple donut and these look awesome!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
Cinnamon sugar donuts - now that is what I need for MY snow day, which is right now (boy is it coming down)...chilly weather perfection!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'm sure these were a total hit Kathy! They look amazing! Wish I had one this morning with my coffee!
Kathy says
They were a hit! What's not to love....a little fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar? Total hit!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Donuts with a glass of milk- nothing is more comforting! I always find it a hassle to use so much oil to fry things in, but I suppose it's worth the effort. I hope it warms up soon in your part of the world!
Kathy says
A glass of milk is the perfect beverage to drink when eating a doughnut!