Donuts come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most beloved are the thick, round cake donuts that are soft on the inside with a dense and chewy exterior. These iconic donuts go by a few different names depending on who you ask or where you live, but no matter what you call them, their deliciousness cannot be denied. In this article, we’ll explore the different names for thick cake donuts, their history, and what sets them apart from other donut varieties.
Names for Thick Round Donuts
Here are some of the most common names used for the large, round cake donuts:
Cake Donuts
One of the most generic names for these donuts is simply “cake donuts.” This refers to the fact that they are made from cake batter rather than yeast-risen dough. The cake batter results in a dense, cake-like texture that is soft and spongy on the inside.
Round Donuts
These donuts are always round in shape, hence “round donuts” being another straightforward descriptive name. The round form factor differentiates them from donuts that are ring-shaped with a hole in the middle.
Jelly Donuts
Jelly donuts are a filled variation of round cake donuts. They are injected with fruit jelly, custard, cream, or other sweet fillings. When the thick cake donut has a jelly filling, it is often referred to as a jelly donut.
Bismarcks
Bismarcks are a type of jelly donut made from round cake donut dough. They are filled with jam, custard, or whipped cream after being deep fried. Bismarcks get their name from Otto von Bismarck, the 19th century German chancellor.
Boston Cream Donuts
Boston cream donuts are a classic filled donut variation with a round cake donut shell, vanilla custard filling, and a chocolate glaze topping. The name comes from their association with the city of Boston, where they originated.
Spudnuts
Spudnuts are a branded type of round cake donut made using potato flour in the dough recipe. The potato flour contributes to their thick, dense texture. The Spudnut Shop registered the Spudnuts name and franchise concept.
Hurdles
In certain areas like Buffalo, NY, round cake donuts are referred to as “hurdles.” The origin of this regional name is unclear, but it is another term for the thick classic cake donuts.
History of Thick Round Cake Donuts
The ring-shaped donut with a hole in the middle has been around since the mid-19th century, but the round cake donut emerged as its own distinct form later on. Here is some history behind the development of thick cake donuts:
19th Century Origins
Yeast-raised donut recipes were common in America by the mid-1800s. But the first recorded evidence of stiff, cake-style donut batter emerged in the 1870s. These early cake donuts were handmade and cooked in oil or lard.
Advent of Donut Machines
The first donut making machines were patented in the 1920s. These automated systems streamlined commercial donut production. Round cake donuts became more consistent and widely available with the advent of donut machines.
Rise of Specialty Bakeries
Large chain bakeries like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin started selling round cake donuts by the mid-20th century. Specialty donut shops offering premium, artisanal versions of thick cake donuts also proliferated throughout the 1900s.
Gaining Popularity Nationwide
Thick round cake donuts became popular across the U.S. in the 1950s and 60s as donut bakeries expanded. Their soft, cakey texture was a counterpoint to the crisp, glazed yeast donuts that were also gaining widespread enjoyment.
Becoming a Classic Style
Over the ensuing decades, the simple round cake donut has cemented itself as a classic American breakfast pastry and snack. It is now a donut style produced by chains and independent shops across the country.
Distinct Properties of Round Cake Donuts
Thick round cake donuts have distinctive properties that set them apart from yeast-raised donuts and give them their signature texture:
Cake-Like Batter
The batter used to make round cake donuts includes ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and leavening agents. This produces a cake-like dough rather than an airy, risen yeast dough.
Frying Method
Round cake donuts are always deep fried, rather than baked. The oil frying process allows them to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
Dense and Substantial Interior
Without yeast leavening, the interior crumb of a cake donut is dense, substantial, and slightly heavy. This gives them a rich mouthfeel and chewy texture.
Tender and Moist
The use of eggs, butter, and milk yields a tender, moist cake donut crumb. This balances the denseness with lightness and softness.
Thick Profile
Round cake donuts are always a thick, hefty form factor, typically around 1.5 to 2 inches tall. This gives them a big presence compared to a thin yeast donut ring.
Smaller Hole Size
Any hole present in a round cake donut tends to be small and less defined. A tighter crumb prevents them from cooking into a ring shape.
Popular Round Cake Donut Varieties
While the simple glazed round cake donut is a classic, there are many delightful variations that build on the thick cake donut base:
Chocolate Iced
A chocolate icing glaze provides rich chocolate flavor and moisture without overpowering the donut.
Vanilla Iced
Vanilla icing tastes sweet and creamy on a round cake donut.
Cinnamon Sugar
A coating of cinnamon sugar adds warmth, sweetness, and texture.
Powdered Sugar
Dusted with powdered sugar, these donuts are light and slightly messy.
Maple Iced
Maple frosting brings authentic sweet maple notes.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter icing or peanuts rolled in sugar create a salty-sweet treat.
Coconut
Shredded coconut on the exterior provides tropical flavor and crunch.
French Cruller
Crullers are a hybrid between cake donuts and twisted doughnuts.
Variety Packs
Assortments allow you to enjoy different cake donut flavors in one package.
Round Donut Nutrition Facts
Like all donuts, round cake donuts should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Here are some general nutrition facts to be aware of:
High in Calories
One plain cake donut without icing or fillings contains approximately 220 calories. Glazes, fillings, and toppings add more calories.
High in Fat
Around 35-40% of a cake donut’s calories come from fat. Deep frying adds a lot of fat beyond what’s in the base batter.
High in Carbs
With 30-35 grams of carbs per donut, cake donuts are a dense carb source lacking fiber or protein. The carbs spike blood sugar quickly.
Low in Essential Nutrients
Donuts provide carbohydrates for energy but minimal amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, or other nutrients. They should not be a dietary staple.
Rich in Simple Sugars
Icing, fillings, and glazes load donuts with added sugars. Too much added sugar can negatively impact health when eaten frequently.
Round Donut Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for serving round cake donuts:
Pair with Coffee or Tea
Enjoy round cake donuts with coffee, espresso, or tea for a classic breakfast or snack. The hot beverage helps cut some of the donut’s richness.
Serve Room Temperature
Letting round cake donuts come closer to room temperature enhances their flavor and texture. The inside remains moist without the extreme heat of fresh frying.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving maximizes the sweetness and visual appeal of plain cake donuts.
Display on Pretty Stands
Show off round donuts on tiered displays, cake stands, or decorative platters to elevate their visual presentation.
Offer Unique Icing Flavors
Rotate fun icing flavors like key lime, cookies and cream, or pumpkin spice to keep cake donuts exciting.
Serve with Fruit
Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices complements rich round cake donuts with bright flavors and nutrients.
Give Customization Options
Allow guests to customize donuts with toppings like sprinkles, crushed candy, nuts, or drizzles.
Split Large Donuts
Cut extra thick jumbo donuts in half to make them easier to eat tidily.
Conclusion
Thick, round cake donuts go by many names, but their delicious flavors and textures make them universally loved. Whether you call them Bismarcks, Boston cream donuts, jelly donuts, or just cake donuts, their dense, moist crumb and fried exterior make them a treat to enjoy. Round cake donuts have a distinct history and nutritional profile to consider, but ultimately it’s their cake-like taste and substantial presence that make them a favorite. With creative toppings and thoughtful serving suggestions, these classic donuts continue satisfying customers across the country. The next time you see that plump round donut in your bakery case, be sure to take one home to enjoy its timeless indulgence.