Are you craving something sweet but want to avoid the guilt? These mini cake doughnuts are the answer! They're incredibly easy to make, bursting with delicious flavor, and just the right size for satisfying a sweet tooth without overindulging. This recipe provides a delightful homemade treat, perfect for a quick dessert, a fun weekend baking project, or even a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of mini cake doughnuts!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Your favorite toppings! (Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, sprinkles – the possibilities are endless!)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you are using a doughnut pan, grease it well with cooking spray or butter.
Making the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy doughnuts.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. An electric mixer makes this much easier!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts.
Frying the Doughnuts (Optional Oven Baking Below):
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Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent results.
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Carefully fill each doughnut cup about ¾ full with batter.
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Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use tongs to gently flip them.
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Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Baking the Doughnuts (Oven Method):
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Fill each doughnut cup about ¾ full with batter.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating and Serving:
- Once the doughnuts have cooled completely, get creative with your toppings! Dust them with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with a chocolate glaze, or add colorful sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Mini Cake Doughnuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Leave some space between the doughnuts for even cooking.
- Monitor the oil temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried doughnuts.
- Let them cool completely: Before adding toppings, allow the doughnuts to cool completely to prevent the toppings from melting or becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Doughnuts: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Doughnuts: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- Spice Cake Doughnuts: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per doughnut, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your doughnuts and the toppings used. However, a single mini cake doughnut without glaze will typically contain around 100-150 calories, and a small amount of fat and sugar.
These mini cake doughnuts are a delicious and fun treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making them, and savor every bite!