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–+ servings
Cake Doughnuts from Mother
This classic cake doughnut recipe captures the rich, comforting flavor of old-fashioned doughnuts made from scratch. Using sour milk for tang and lard for richness, these doughnuts are dense yet tender with a golden crust when fried. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable with flavoring extracts or spices, they are a beloved morning treat or anytime indulgence. Roll them in sugar or glaze them for an extra touch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 93 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1½ cup sour milk
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp lard (melted, or substitute butter or oil)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (scant)
  • 1 tsp vanilla ( or desired flavoring)
  • 2½-3 cups flour (enough to form a soft, rollable dough )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until creamy.
  • Add the sour milk, melted lard, and flavoring. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Add Leavening

  • Mix in baking soda and baking powder until fully dissolved.

Step 3: Form the Dough

  • Gradually add flour (start with 2½ cups) and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Dough should be firm enough to roll but not stiff.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

  • Lightly flour a surface. Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness.
  • Cut with a doughnut cutter or two differently sized round cutters.

Step 5: Fry Doughnuts

  • Heat oil or shortening in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry a few doughnuts at a time until golden brown on both sides (about 1–2 minutes per side).
  • Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Optional Finishing

  • Roll warm doughnuts in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze if desired.

Tips

  • Roll dough slightly thicker for softer, cake-like doughnuts
  • Chill dough briefly before rolling if it feels sticky
  • Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature
  • Dust with powdered sugar while still warm
  • Dip tops in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish
  • Add nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for warmth
  • Use a thermometer to keep oil at ~365°F
  • Serve fresh, best the day they’re made

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 145IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword family recipe, fried dough, homemade doughnuts, nostalgic dessert, old fashioned, vintage recipe
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