featured 78258

Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut Bliss

Deliciously Simple Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts

Kickstart your weekend mornings or elevate any day with the irresistible charm of freshly baked Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts. These aren’t just any doughnuts; they’re a delightful blend of tender, moist cake, a subtle tang from buttermilk, and a warm embrace of nutmeg spice, all crowned with a luscious vanilla glaze. This classic flavor combination is an absolute dream alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. With this straightforward recipe, you can easily yield 16 delightful doughnuts in under an hour, making homemade treats more accessible than ever.

Freshly baked Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts on a wire rack, ready to be enjoyed.

Embracing the Nostalgia of Weekend Doughnuts

There’s something truly special about the memory of waking up to the promise of doughnuts. As a child, Saturdays and Sundays held a particular magic. I’d race downstairs, filled with anticipation, hoping to find my dad at the kitchen table, his steaming mug of coffee beside a familiar white box with orange and pink accents – the iconic Dunkin’ Donuts box. Those simple mornings were filled with joy, the sweet scent of doughnuts, and the comfort of family.

Fast forward several decades, and the tradition of homemade treats continues, albeit with a modern twist. My youngest, Malloree, now enjoys the luxury of waking up on a Wednesday, strolling out of bed around noon, meticulously crafting her latte, and then savoring a freshly made, homemade doughnut. It’s a casual indulgence that speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of these simple pleasures. Lucky girl, indeed, to have such deliciousness readily available!

A close-up of a hand holding a Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut next to a cup of coffee, emphasizing a perfect pairing.

It begs the question: what could possibly be better than coffee and a doughnut? Perhaps, a coffee and three doughnuts. There’s no judgment here; when they’re this good, one is rarely enough!

Why You’ll Adore These Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts

This recipe isn’t just about making doughnuts; it’s about creating an experience. The combination of classic flavors and a straightforward baking process makes these buttermilk cake doughnuts a standout. Here’s what makes them truly special:

The Magic of Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that truly elevates these cake doughnuts. Its inherent acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating a lighter, more tender crumb. Beyond the texture, buttermilk imparts a subtle, pleasant tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the glaze and the warmth of the spices. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk (or even heavy cream, as I sometimes do) and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This simple trick ensures you can enjoy these doughnuts anytime.

Perfectly Spiced with Nutmeg and Cinnamon

The delicate hint of ground nutmeg is a non-negotiable for classic cake doughnuts. It adds an authentic, aromatic depth that instantly transports you to a cozy café. A pinch of cinnamon further enhances this warmth, creating a truly comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the tangy buttermilk. These spices aren’t overpowering; they’re subtle notes that sing in harmony with the other ingredients.

Baked Not Fried: A Lighter Indulgence

Unlike traditional fried doughnuts, these are baked, offering a slightly healthier and less messy alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. Baking results in a wonderfully moist cake-like doughnut that is soft on the inside with a perfectly set exterior. This method also makes them incredibly easy to prepare, eliminating the need for hot oil and specialized equipment like deep fryers. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic treat.

All the ingredients for Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts laid out on a kitchen counter, including flour, sugar, spices, eggs, applesauce, butter, vanilla, and buttermilk.

Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts Recipe

Get ready to bake a batch of these exquisite homemade doughnuts. Here’s everything you’ll need and how to make them:

Yield, Prep Time, and Cook Time

  • Yield: 16 doughnuts
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: Approximately 27 minutes (for one batch, plus cooling)

Essential Ingredients for Your Doughnuts

FOR THE DOUGHNUTS:

  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or cake flour for an even lighter crumb)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is even better!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (adds moisture and can reduce fat)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor)
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or homemade buttermilk – see notes above)

FOR THE GLAZE:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (to prevent lumps)
  • 4 to 6 teaspoons milk (start with 4 and add slowly until desired consistency)
  • 1 splash pure vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

  • Doughnut pan(s) (a standard 6-cavity pan is common, but a 20-cavity pan like the Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Donut Pan is great for larger batches)
  • Large mixing bowls (at least two)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush (optional, for greasing pans)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Sifter (for powdered sugar)

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

MAKE THE DOUGHNUTS:

  1. Doughnut pans being sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring easy release.

    Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Prepare your doughnut pan(s) by generously greasing each cavity with nonstick spray. Alternatively, you can melt a small amount of butter and use a pastry brush to ensure thorough greasing. Proper greasing is key for easy release.

  2. Dry ingredients for doughnuts (flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, salt) in a medium mixing bowl, ready to be whisked.

    In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or cake flour), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.

  3. A glass mixing bowl containing wet ingredients for doughnuts: eggs, unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

    In a larger mixing bowl, crack both large eggs. Then, measure and add 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce, 2 tablespoons of slightly melted and cooled unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and smooth. If you don’t have applesauce, a light, flavorless oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used as a substitute for moisture.

    All wet ingredients (eggs, applesauce, butter, vanilla) thoroughly combined in a mixing bowl.

  4. The process of alternately adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, ensuring proper incorporation.

    Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with your whisk or a spatula until just about incorporated. Then, add 1/3 of the buttermilk, stirring again until just combined. Repeat this process, alternating between the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk, ensuring you don’t overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. Stop mixing as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear.

    Close-up of the smooth, thick batter for Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts, ready for baking.

  5. Doughnut pan cavities being filled with batter, approximately three-quarters full.

    Carefully spoon the doughnut batter into your prepared pans, filling each cavity about 3/4 of the way full. This allows room for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing. Place the pans on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. For even baking, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time.

  6. Freshly baked doughnuts still in the pan, golden brown and perfectly risen.

    Once baked, remove the pans from the oven. Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up slightly, preventing them from breaking when transferred. After a few minutes, gently transfer the warm doughnuts to a wire rack to cool completely. If you have remaining batter, repeat the baking process.

  7. Baked doughnuts cooling completely on a wire rack before glazing.

    It’s important to allow the doughnuts to cool completely on the wire rack before attempting to glaze them. Glazing warm doughnuts will result in the glaze melting and running off, rather than setting into a beautiful, opaque coating.

MAKE THE GLAZE:

  1. Ingredients for vanilla glaze: sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

    To make the luscious vanilla glaze, sift 1 cup of powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Sifting is essential to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth glaze. Add a splash of pure vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the milk, one teaspoon at a time, whisking continuously, until you achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk.

  2. A Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut being dipped halfway into the vanilla glaze.

    Once your doughnuts are completely cool and your glaze is ready, it’s time for the best part! Dip half of each doughnut into the glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off for a moment. Then, place the glazed doughnut, glaze side up, back onto the wire rack. Repeat this process with all the remaining doughnuts.

    A freshly glazed Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut on a wire rack, with the glaze still wet.

    Another view of a Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut, showing the perfectly applied vanilla glaze.

    Glazing these beautiful creations might just be my favorite step in the entire process – it’s where the magic truly comes to life!

    Multiple Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts lined up on a wire rack, allowing the glaze to set.

Tips for Doughnut Perfection

  • Don’t Overmix: As with most baked goods, overmixing the batter can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough doughnuts. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
  • Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here. Ensure your doughnuts are entirely cool before glazing to achieve that beautiful, smooth, and set glaze.
  • Perfect Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in your glaze incrementally. A slightly thicker glaze will give a more opaque, generous coating, while a thinner one will be more translucent.
  • Uniform Filling: For best results and even baking, use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the doughnut cavities consistently.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

A stack of Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts artfully arranged next to a steaming cup of coffee, inviting indulgence.

Once the glaze has set, it’s time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece. Brew a fresh pot of coffee or steep your favorite tea, find a comfortable spot, and prepare to savor these delectable treats. It’s remarkably easy to devour two or even three in a single sitting – or maybe that’s just me! These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, when their texture is at its peak.

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they won’t be quite as soft as on day one, they will still be wonderfully flavorful. For a quick refresh, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back some of their tenderness.

A visually appealing shot of several Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts on a plate, highlighting their appetizing appearance.

Sweet, tangy, and exquisitely spiced, these Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts vanish quickly in our home, and I have no doubt they’ll do the same in yours! They make for a perfect breakfast, brunch item, or a delightful afternoon snack.

More Sweet Treats to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with homemade doughnuts, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of doughnut possibilities waiting to be discovered. Expand your baking repertoire with more exciting and delicious recipes.

Click Here For More Doughnut Recipes!

A final close-up image of the Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts, showcasing their texture and glaze.

Enjoy! And if you give this Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Snap a photo of your delicious creations and tag me on Twitter or Instagram!

A cozy kitchen scene with a plate of Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts and a hot beverage, suggesting a relaxing treat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Doughnut)

Recipe card image of Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts

This information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

  • Serving: 1 doughnut
  • Calories: 199 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 28mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 21g

Author: Laurie McNamara

Course: Desserts & Sweet Treats

Cuisine: American