What is the difference between a cake donut and a regular donut?

Cake donuts are made with a batter that includes baking powder or baking soda, giving them a soft, dense texture similar to a muffin or cupcake. Regular donuts, often called yeast donuts, are made with a dough that includes yeast and needs time to rise. They are lighter, fluffier, and usually fried. A vanilla cake donut offers that tender crumb and subtle sweetness without the wait or mess of yeast-based recipes.

Does Dunkin Donuts have a cake donut?

Yes, Dunkin does offer cake donuts. Some popular options include their blueberry cake donut and classic chocolate glazed. While store-bought versions are convenient, baking your own sweet donuts at home means you can control the ingredients and enjoy them fresh from the oven.

Is Krispy Kreme a cake donut?

Krispy Kreme is best known for its yeast-raised glazed donuts, which are soft, airy, and melt in your mouth. However, they do offer cake style donuts too. If you prefer a firmer texture like a vanilla dip donut, a cake donut is a delicious option that holds its shape and pairs well with thick glaze or sprinkles.

Are cake donuts baked or fried?

Traditionally, cake donuts are fried in oil, giving them a crispy exterior. But they can also be baked, which is a cleaner and easier method especially for home bakers. This recipe is for a baked vanilla cake donut, which delivers the same flavor and texture without deep frying. The result is a lighter treat that is just as satisfying.

Vanilla Cake Donut Recipe – Soft, Sweet, and Glazed to Perfection

Name: Vanilla Cake Donut recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 1¼ cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 to 4 tablespoons milk; sprinkles (optional)

Description

Soft, baked vanilla cake donuts with rich vanilla bean flavor and a silky glaze. Topped with colorful sprinkles for a nostalgic treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 large egg (lightly beaten)

1¼ cups whole milk

2 tablespoons butter (melted)

2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

For the icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Pipe or spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about three quarters full.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let donuts cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Dip cooled donuts into glaze and decorate with sprinkles before glaze sets.
Let rest until glaze firms up, then serve fresh.

Notes

For a thicker glaze, chill the donuts for 10 minutes and dip them a second time. Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container and frost just before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 230
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg