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Looking for a tasty snack that brings joy in every bite? Meet my Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts! These delightful treats are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and almond extract, they are easy to whip up at home. I’ll guide you through every step, from mixing the batter to perfecting your presentation. Let’s bake something special that will impress everyone!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of vanilla and almond extracts creates a delightful flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option for busy days.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and careful mixing, these donuts come out tender and moist every time.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings, from powdered sugar to chocolate glaze or fresh fruit!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– ½ cup buttermilk
– ½ cup sliced almonds (for topping)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Gathering these ingredients is key to making the best Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts. Each one plays a special role in creating a tasty treat.
First, all-purpose flour gives the donuts the right structure. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder and baking soda are vital for that perfect rise. Salt balances the sweetness, making each bite pop.
Softened butter creates a rich flavor and a moist texture. The eggs bind everything together, adding richness. Using pure vanilla and almond extracts gives the donuts a lovely, warm flavor that makes them special. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, which enhances the taste.
Don’t forget the sliced almonds! They add a nice crunch on top. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar makes these donuts look stunning.
With this ingredient list, you are ready to create a delightful snack!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking.
2. Prepare your donut pan by spraying it well with non-stick spray. This helps the donuts come out easily.
3. In a big bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is even and lump-free.
4. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the eggs to the butter one at a time. Make sure each egg mixes in fully before you add the next. Then stir in the pure vanilla and almond extracts until smooth.
6. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Do this while alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix, or your donuts may turn out tough.
Filling and Baking
1. To fill the donut pan, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about ¾ full. This helps them rise without overflowing.
2. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each donut batter, pressing them in lightly so they stick.
3. Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes. They are done when they spring back lightly when you press them.
4. Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Before serving, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Enjoy the fresh and delightful taste!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
How to ensure donuts rise properly
To make sure your donuts rise well, use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Always check the expiration date. Preheat your oven fully before baking. Filling the donut pan about ¾ full allows room for rising.
Avoiding overmixing for tender texture
Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes donuts tough. You want a light and fluffy texture, so be gentle when stirring.
Cooling techniques for best results
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess.
Presentation Tips
Plating suggestions for an elegant display
For a beautiful display, use a nice platter. Arrange the donuts in a circle or in a stack. Garnish with extra sliced almonds around them for a pop of color.
Creative ways to dust with powdered sugar
To dust with powdered sugar, use a fine mesh strainer. Hold it above the donuts and tap gently. This gives an even coating and looks lovely. You can also dust just before serving for freshness.
Pro Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. This ensures consistent results every time you bake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Donut Pan Preparation: Ensure your donut pan is well-greased or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will help in easily releasing the donuts after baking.
- Donut Cooling Tips: Allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting and losing its effect.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the taste of your Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts. Here are two fun ideas:
– Different Extracts: Swap vanilla or almond extract for coconut or orange extract. This small change gives your donuts a new flair. Coconut adds a tropical vibe, while orange brings a bright citrus twist.
– Add-Ins: Try mixing in chocolate chips or fruits. Mini chocolate chips can give a rich, sweet surprise. Fresh berries can add a juicy burst of flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before piping.
Dietary Adjustments
Making these donuts fit different diets is simple. Here’s how:
– Gluten-Free Options: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps your donuts soft and tasty. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly for the best texture.
– Dairy-Free Substitutes: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. For buttermilk, you can mix almond milk with a bit of lemon juice. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without dairy.
These variations let you enjoy Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts in new ways.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the donuts at room temperature. They will stay tasty for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure not to stack them too high. This keeps them from getting squished.
Long-term Storage
If you want to keep the donuts longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, take the desired number of donuts out. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This makes them warm and fresh again.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. Use it within 24 hours for best results.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
Check the donuts after 10 minutes. They should spring back when you press them lightly. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin pan instead. Just adjust your baking time. Muffins may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What to do if the donuts stick to the pan?
If donuts stick, let them cool for a few minutes. Use a butter knife to gently loosen them from the sides.
Troubleshooting Tips
Solutions for dense donuts
If your donuts are dense, check your baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh. Also, don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.
Fixing uneven baking issues
If donuts bake unevenly, make sure your oven is preheated. Rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps them bake evenly.
In this post, we covered how to make delicious donuts from scratch. We discussed ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. You now have the tools to create light, fluffy donuts. Don’t forget about flavor and dietary variations to suit your taste. Proper storage helps keep your treats fresh. Remember to troubleshoot any baking issues with our tips. Enjoy your baking journey and impress friends with your tasty result
Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts
Deliciously soft and fluffy donuts infused with vanilla and almond flavors, topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.5 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- to taste powdered sugar (for a delicate dusting)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously prepare a donut pan by coating it with non-stick spray to ensure easy release after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed to cream the softened butter until it is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs to the creamed butter one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the pure vanilla and almond extracts until the batter is combined smoothly.
Gradually add the previously mixed dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the room temperature buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to maintain moisture balance. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
Prepare to fill the donut pan by taking a piping bag—or a resealable ziplock bag with the corner snipped off—and pipe the batter into each cavity, filling them approximately ¾ full. This will allow for proper rising without overflowing.
Sprinkle a layer of sliced almonds on top of the batter in each donut cavity, pressing them in gently to ensure they adhere during baking.
Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They are done when they spring back lightly when pressed with a finger.
Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Just before serving, lightly dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
For an eye-catching display, serve the donuts on a beautiful platter, arranging them in a circle. Add a sprinkle of additional sliced almonds around the donuts for a delightful touch! Enjoy!
Keyword almond, baked, dessert, donuts, vanilla
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