If you love donuts but want a healthier, easier alternative to frying, baked donuts are your new best friend. They’re soft, tender, and just as satisfying as their fried cousins — without the mess or guilt. Plus, making baked donuts at home is surprisingly simple and quick. Ready to impress yourself and your family? Let’s dive into how you make baked donuts from scratch!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a quick rundown of the basic ingredients and tools:
– Ingredients: All-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda (optional), salt, cinnamon or nutmeg (for flavor), milk or buttermilk, eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and toppings like glaze or cinnamon sugar.
– Tools: Donut baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off), wire rack for cooling.
Having these ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Donuts
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder (and baking soda if using), sugar, salt, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the wet ingredients: milk or buttermilk, eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. Using buttermilk adds a nice tang and extra moisture, but regular milk works well too.
4. Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of tender.
5. Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full. This helps the donuts keep their classic ring shape without doming too much.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 8 to 14 minutes depending on your oven and recipe specifics. The donuts should be lightly golden and springy to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool Before Decorating
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the glaze or toppings from melting off when applied.
Delicious Toppings and Glazes
One of the best parts about baked donuts is customizing the toppings. Here are some popular options:
– Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to get your desired consistency. Dip the cooled donuts and let the excess drip off. Add sprinkles before the glaze sets for a festive touch.
– Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon right after baking for a simple, classic finish.
– Chocolate or Other Flavored Glazes: Add cocoa powder or food coloring to your glaze for variety.
Feel free to get creative with nuts, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of caramel!
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts Every Time
– Measure Flour Correctly: Use a kitchen scale if possible, or fluff and level your flour for the right texture. Too much flour leads to dense donuts.
– Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and prevents overmixing.
– Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling beyond two-thirds can cause the donut hole to close up during baking.
– Cut Out Donut Holes If Needed: If your donuts bake with closed centers, use a small cookie cutter to create the hole afterward.
– Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like nutmeg, or swap vanilla for almond extract to keep things interesting.
Why Choose Baked Donuts?
Baked donuts are a fantastic alternative to traditional fried donuts because they:
– Require less oil, making them lighter and healthier.
– Are quicker and less messy to prepare.
– Still deliver that soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor.
– Allow for endless customization with toppings and glazes.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, baked donuts are a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make at home.
Enjoy your homemade baked donuts fresh from the oven with your favorite coffee or tea!
Fresh, fluffy, and easy to make—baked donuts are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss of frying. Give this method a try and watch your kitchen fill with delicious aromas in no time!