Published: Oct 1, 2024 Last updated: Oct 1, 2024 by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
These baked Vanilla Cake Donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of classic vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!
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If you’re craving donuts but want a lighter version that still hits the spot, these Vanilla Cake Donuts are where it’s at. Baked instead of fried, these fluffy, tender donuts have that classic vanilla flavor with a subtle sweetness that makes them ideal for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert.
Once these cake donuts are out of the oven, you can enjoy them plain, dip them in a glaze (shown above), or sprinkle them with powdered sugar. They’re versatile, delicious, and the perfect excuse to bake a little something special.
If you are a faithful reader, you already know that my Mom’s Buttermilk Donuts are my absolute fave. But I save those for special occasions and enjoy these vanilla cake donuts for a lower fat alternative.
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Why You’ll Love Vanilla Cake Donuts
Baked, Not Fried: A healthier take on donuts, minus the mess and oil splatters.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, so no need for a special grocery run.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and lemon juice combo, these donuts have an airy, cake-like crumb.
Customizable Flavors: Start with a vanilla base and get creative with glazes, toppings, or add-ins.
Ingredients
This recipe is so simple, you probably already have the basic pantry ingredients needed to make these baked donuts!
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Buttermilk
Light brown sugar
Large eggs
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Substitutions
You want to make these donuts but don’t have a few ingredients? Below are some substitutions that can be used for a successful recipe.
Buttermilk Substitute: Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Place 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in a cup measure and then fill with milk up to the half cup mark. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Brown Sugar: You can swap brown sugar for regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have.
Butter: If you need to go dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or even melted coconut oil instead.
Variations
Below are some different ways to make subtle changes to these vanilla cake donuts you may want to try.
Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate cake donut.
Maple Glazed: Top with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and maple syrup for a rich, fall-inspired finish.
Kid friendly – Stir in a handful of colorful sprinkles for a funfetti-style donut.
See this chocolate mocha version of this recipe on my website!
Equipment
Large bowl
Hand whisk
Rubber scraper
Piping bag
Donut baking pan
Hint: I love to use this oil sprayer (affiliate link) to coat the donut pans instead of cooking spray!
Storage
Store vanilla cake donuts in an air tight container at room temperature up to 4 days. For longer storage, place in freezer safe container up to 3 months.
Top tip
Grease the Pan: Even if you’re using a non-stick pan, lightly grease it to ensure the donuts come out smoothly.
Fill the Pan Correctly: Fill each donut mold about ⅔ full. Overfilling can lead to misshapen donuts.
Cool Before Glazing: Let them cool completely if you plan to add a glaze; otherwise, it’ll melt right off.
More Baked Donut Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
When you make this vanilla cake donut recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I’d love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Vanilla Cake Donuts
Shelby Law Ruttan
These baked Vanilla Cake Donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of classic vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!
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Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 13 minutes minsTotal Time 13 minutes mins
Course Breakfast & BrunchCuisine American
Servings 8Calories 180 kcal
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.In a large bowl, using a hand whisk, mix flour, baking soda and salt together.In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, sugar, egg, melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until smooth.Place batter in a piping bag and cut about an inch of tip of the bag off. Pipe batter into donut indents (about ⅔ full) and smooth tops.Bake for 13 minutes or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed.Cool donuts in pan on rack for 3 minutes then turn out onto rack to cool.
NotesNutrition information is for Vanilla Cake Donuts only. Any icings are to be counted separate.
NutritionCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 169mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 146IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 30g
Keyword Vanilla Cake Donuts
