Spiced Cake Doughnuts
Published: Friday, October 23, 2026
¼ c. shortening
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
5 c. all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground mace
½ c. buttermilk
1 c. grated peeled apples
Oil for deep-fat frying
Browned Butter Frosting:
½ c. packed brown sugar
3 Tbsp. butter
¼ c. heavy whipping cream
1¾ c. confectioners' sugar
Colored sprinkles
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in apples. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ½" thickness. Cut with a floured 2½" doughnut cutter.
In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar and butter to a boil. Cook and stir 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Pour into a small mixing bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Add cream; beat until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating well after each addition until frosting achieves desire consistency. Frost doughnuts; top with sprinkles. —22 doughnuts.
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