Make the Dough:
Combine cake flour, warm milk, egg, salt, yeast, butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Adjust milk quantity as needed.

Knead:
Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:
Place the dough in a dish, cover with cling film, and let rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Doughnuts:
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Use a doughnut cutter for classic shapes, or shape into long strips for cream doughnuts or small balls for jam doughnuts.

Second Rise:
Let shaped doughnuts rise again for 1 to 2 hours until puffed.

Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-high heat. Fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides. Avoid low heat to prevent greasiness.

Cool:
Remove doughnuts and let cool slightly before decorating or filling.

Variations & Fillings

Cream Doughnuts:
Cut doughnuts halfway and pipe fresh whipped cream inside. Decorate with glazed cherry and icing sugar.

Sugar Doughnuts:
Mix sugar and cinnamon. Toss warm doughnuts in the mixture for an even coating.

Glazed Doughnuts:
Mix icing sugar with water to make a smooth glaze. Add vanilla or food coloring if desired. Dip half of each doughnut and add sprinkles.

Jam Doughnuts:
After coating in cinnamon sugar, make a small hole in the bottom and fill with your favorite jam.

Coffee Doughnuts:
Make a glaze with icing sugar, butter, coffee, and melted chocolate. Dip doughnuts and drizzle with white chocolate.

Tips for Success

Use warm milk to activate yeast properly.

Maintain medium-high oil temperature for perfect frying.

Allow dough to rise twice for fluffy doughnuts.

Experiment with toppings and fillings.

Serve fresh, but store airtight for up to 2 days.

Fun Doughnut Variations

Chocolate-Dipped: Dip tops in melted chocolate, add nuts or sprinkles.

Cinnamon Sugar: Classic sugar and cinnamon coating.

Maple Bacon: Glazed doughnuts topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup.

Lemon Cream: Filled with lemon curd and topped with lemon glaze.

Conclusion
Homemade doughnuts bring joy to any occasion. This versatile recipe lets you create classic or decadent varieties customized to your taste. The process is satisfying and delicious — perfect for sharing or indulging yourself.

Get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of freshly made doughnuts. Happy baking!