Fluffy Baked Donuts Recipe: Sweet Treats Without the Guilt

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and vanilla waft through kitchens when baked donuts emerge from warm ovens.

Soft pillows of dough promise delightful indulgence without deep-frying complications.

Crisp exteriors give way to tender interiors that melt in your mouth.

Homemade treats like these connect us with cherished memories of weekend breakfasts.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, creating magic on breakfast plates.

Anyone can master these delectable circles of joy with just a few smart techniques.

Let your baking adventure begin with these irresistible donuts that will spark smiles around the table.

Why Baked Donuts Are Your Morning Win

• Craft Quick Treats: Bake delightful donuts in minutes without deep-frying, making these a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these donuts with various toppings like chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar to match any taste preference or occasion.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for cooking with kids, creating fun family bonding moments in the kitchen.
• Minimal Kitchen Gear: Requires only basic baking tools like a donut pan, mixing bowls, and standard pantry ingredients, ensuring anyone can make these delicious treats without special equipment.

What You Need for Fresh-Baked Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the donuts.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the donut batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, sweet flavor to the donuts.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the donut pan and prevent sticking.

Bake the Fluffiest Donuts Without Frying

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your donut pan a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these dry friends together until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Fresh egg
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 4: Create Magical Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined – don’t overmix! Your batter should look slightly lumpy and soft.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Carefully spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full. This gives your donuts room to rise and become perfectly puffy.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness by gently pressing the top – it should spring back when touched.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let the donuts rest in the pan for a few minutes. Then gently tap and remove them onto a cooling rack.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation

Devour these warm, tender baked donuts straight away or dust with powdered sugar for extra deliciousness!

Tips to Make Bakery-Style Donuts at Home

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that tastes just as delicious.
• Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner snipped to fill donut pan neatly and avoid messy spills.
• Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or coconut to create unique taste profiles.
• Cool donuts completely before adding glazes or toppings to prevent melting and ensure smooth coating.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Fun Donut Styles to Mix Things Up

• Chocolate Chunk Donuts: Add chopped dark chocolate pieces to the batter for rich, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Cinnamon Swirl Donuts: Sprinkle ground cinnamon and brown sugar into the batter, creating a warm, fragrant spice profile.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Mix in fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds for a bright, tangy flavor with subtle crunch.
• Berry Burst Donuts: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries and raspberries to create colorful, fruity baked donuts with juicy bursts of flavor.

Perfect Matches for Warm Baked Donuts

• Pair Creamy Coffee with Baked Donuts: Enjoy a rich, smooth latte or cappuccino that complements the donuts' soft texture and enhances their sweet flavor.
• Enhance with Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Add a side of mixed berries or sliced strawberries to balance the donuts' sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic chai tea that adds depth and warmth to the light, airy baked donuts, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Create a Dessert Wine Experience: Select a light moscato or sweet dessert wine that harmonizes with the donuts' delicate sweetness, perfect for an elegant brunch or dessert moment.

How to Keep Donuts Soft and Tasty

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm donuts for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, checking to prevent overheating and maintain softness.
• Preheat oven to 300F, place donuts on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore their original texture and warmth.

Baked Donuts: All the FAQs You Need

• Are baked donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Baked donuts have significantly less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional fried donuts, making them a lighter and more nutritious alternative.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• What kind of toppings work best for baked donuts?

Classic options like powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, cinnamon sugar, or cream cheese frosting are perfect for adding extra flavor and sweetness to these baked donuts.

Baked Donuts Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Baked Donuts emerge as a delightful twist on classic fried treats, offering guilt-free indulgence with a lighter touch. Home bakers can effortlessly craft these golden, perfectly glazed delights that bring bakery-style charm right to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (180C) and prepare a donut pan by lightly coating with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate vessel, thoroughly blend liquid components including milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
5. Transfer batter into donut pan cavities, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
6. Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden edges and a springy surface when lightly pressed.
7. Remove pan from oven and let donuts rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to set and contract slightly from pan edges.
8. Carefully extract donuts from pan, using a small knife or offset spatula if needed to loosen edges.
9. Allow donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any optional glazes or toppings.

Notes

• Adjust the texture by using whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour alternatives for different dietary needs.
• Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of the donuts.
• Prevent sticking by generously greasing the donut pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring easy removal.
• Cool donuts completely before adding glazes or toppings to maintain their perfect shape and prevent moisture buildup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg