Go Back
To make your Vanilla Almond Cake Donuts, you will need the following main ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 ½ tsp baking powder - ½ tsp baking soda - ¼ tsp salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - 1 tsp almond extract - ½ cup buttermilk - ½ cup sliced almonds (for topping) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) These ingredients work together to create a soft, moist cake that is full of flavor. Each element plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise and become fluffy. Butter adds richness, and eggs bind everything together. The vanilla and almond extracts provide a lovely aroma and taste that make this treat special. Buttermilk keeps the donuts moist and tender. Lastly, the sliced almonds give a delightful crunch on top and enhance the almond flavor. Gather these ingredients before you start baking. It makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the donut pan. - In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. - Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts. - Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix, switching with the buttermilk. - Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag to fill the donut pan three-quarters full. - Bake for 10-12 minutes. Test by pressing lightly; they should spring back. - Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Do not overmix the batter. This step is key for light and airy donuts. When you mix too much, you create gluten. Gluten can make donuts dense and tough. To achieve the perfect fluffy donut, mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay. The goal is a soft batter that will rise well in the oven. To evenly distribute sliced almonds, sprinkle them on each donut before baking. This way, they stick well during baking. Make sure each donut gets a fair share. For using powdered sugar effectively, wait until the donuts cool completely. This helps the sugar stick better. Use a fine mesh sieve to dust the sugar. It gives a nice, even look. The best types of donut pans to use are non-stick metal pans. They help your donuts pop out easily. Silicone pans can work too, but they may not give the same crispiness. If you don't have a donut pan, use muffin tins instead. Just fill each cup halfway and adjust the bake time. You'll still enjoy delicious donuts without a special pan. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a glaze for added flavor. Store Properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your vanilla almond cake donuts easily. Try using coconut extract instead of almond extract for a tropical twist. It adds a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with vanilla. You can also mix in chocolate chips or fresh fruit into the batter. Chunks of banana, blueberries, or even diced strawberries make these donuts even more special. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well in this recipe and keeps the donuts light. For vegan adjustments, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter to keep it dairy-free. You can switch up the toppings based on the season. In fall, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These spices warm up the flavor and make each bite cozy. For the holidays, decorate with festive toppings like colored sprinkles or a drizzle of icing. It adds a fun touch that everyone will love. To keep your vanilla almond cake donuts fresh at room temperature, use an airtight container. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can stay fresh for about three days. For longer freshness, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can dry them out. If you want to keep them even longer, dust them with powdered sugar after serving to add a sweet touch. If you want to save your donuts for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. When serving your donuts, presentation matters. Use a cake stand or a decorative plate to showcase them. Arrange them in a circle or stack them for a stunning effect. If you plan to give them as gifts, opt for clear treat bags tied with a ribbon. This way, the beautiful donuts are visible, and the packaging adds a personal touch. To check if the donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. The edges should look golden brown, and they will spring back when lightly pressed. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake a few more minutes. Make sure to watch them closely during the last few minutes. Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. You can find vanilla almond cake donuts at local bakeries. Many specialty stores also carry them. If you want to shop online, check websites like Goldbelly or local bakery delivery services. You might discover some unique flavors and styles from different places. This post covered how to make delicious vanilla almond cake donuts. We looked at key ingredients, from flour to butter. I shared clear steps for mixing, baking, and cooling your donuts. You learned tips to achieve the right texture and finish, plus some tasty variations. We also discussed storage methods to keep them fresh. Donuts are a fun treat for any occasion. Enjoy making them with family or friends!

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
  • to taste powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off, pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
  • Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each donut before baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust the cooled donuts lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Make sure not to overmix the batter for the best texture.
Keyword almond, baked, dessert, donuts, vanilla