Baked Donut

Fluffy, sweet, and perfectly baked, donuts have a special way of brightening up any morning (or afternoon snack!). When it comes to indulgent treats, baked donuts are an easy homemade answer to cravings that don’t require frying. Their fluffy texture and delightful taste make them gold in the breakfast or dessert department. Picture taking a bite, the soft donut yielding with a gentle sweetness, topped with a sparkly glaze and colorful sprinkles. It’s pure joy!

Baked Donut

What I love about baked donuts is how adaptable they are. You can whip them up quickly for a family breakfast or a fun treat at a gathering. Plus, they are a bit lighter than their fried counterparts, making them feel just a tad more guilt-free. With this baked donut recipe, you’ll find that simple ingredients combine for something truly delightful. So grab your apron and a donut pan if you don’t have one, because the magic is about to begin!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just about 10 minutes of prep and only 17 minutes of baking.
  • Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg with a sweet glaze that perfectly complements each bite.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful glaze and whimsical sprinkles make these donuts look as fun as they taste.
  • Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of day.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Easily switch to gluten-free flour for a friendly adaptation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 7 ounces all-purpose flour: Standard flour gives the best texture, but feel free to experiment with gluten-free alternatives.
  • 6 ounces granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness; this recipe balances out perfectly with the glaze later on.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps make the donuts rise and achieve their fluffy texture.
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid in buttermilk to give the donuts lift.
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the sweetness.
  • 2 ounces vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist while adding a tender crumb.
  • 4 ounces buttermilk (room temperature): For a tangy flavor, swap with regular milk if needed, but buttermilk truly shines in this recipe.
  • 1 large egg (room temperature): Essential for binding the batter together; make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
  • 3 ounces unsalted butter (melted): Imparts a rich flavor and ensures a moist donut.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A necessary flavor enhancer for sweetness.
  • 10 ounces powdered sugar (about 2 cups): The base for your glaze, providing the perfect sweet finish.
  • 2 tablespoons water or milk: To achieve your desired glaze consistency; add more of either for a thinner glaze or more sugar to thicken.
  • 2 drops white food coloring: Helps create a bright, opaque glaze, especially if you want to mix colors.
  • 1-2 drops food coloring: Use your favorite colors for a fun design—how about electric pink?

How to Make Baked Donut

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450ºF (232ºC). This high temperature helps the donuts achieve that perfect puff.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 ounces granulated sugar and 3 ounces melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth. Add in 1 large room temperature egg, 2 ounces vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is combined.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 7 ounces all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

  4. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Pour in 4 ounces of buttermilk and mix lightly. Then, add in the remaining dry ingredients. Be careful; don’t overmix! The batter should be wet with some lumps, and this is just fine.

  5. Transfer the Batter: Grab a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off and transfer your batter. This method makes it easy to fill the donut tin and keeps it neat.

  6. Prepare the Donut Pan: Spray a donut pan with your favorite non-stick spray or cake goop. Fill each cavity about ½ to ¾ full, ensuring there’s enough room for rising.

  7. Bake: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. The donuts are done when their tops spring back when lightly touched.

  8. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently flip them out onto a wire rack and let them cool completely. It’s important not to glaze them while they’re warm, as the glaze will melt away.

  9. Prepare the Glaze: Sift 10 ounces powdered sugar to remove lumps. In a bowl, whisk together the sifted sugar and 2 tablespoons water or milk. Adjust the consistency as desired; a thin glaze calls for more liquid, while a thicker one needs more sugar. If desired, add ¼ teaspoon white food coloring for opacity, then divide and add a drop or two of your chosen colors.

  10. Glaze Time: Take each cooled donut and dip the top into the glaze. Let the excess glaze drain off for a few seconds before returning them to the rack. If you’re using sprinkles, be sure to add those right away before the glaze sets.

  11. Storage: If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store the donuts in a plastic or paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will soften over time—perfectly delightful!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your baked donuts for days to come, store them at room temperature in a covered container for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes to warm them back up. Note that their texture may soften a bit over time, but reheating helps bring back that comforting warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the donuts tender.
  • Ensure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation.
  • Check the donuts while baking—overbaking can lead to dry results, so pay attention to their firm tops.
  • If you want more flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry mix.
  • For prep work, glazes can be made ahead of time but should be used quickly after mixing for the best texture.

Nothing beats the satisfying taste of homemade baked donuts, complete with a gorgeous glaze. This recipe brings warmth and sweetness to any table, perfect for both delightful mornings and cheerful gatherings. So why not grab some colorful sprinkles and dive into this baking adventure? You won’t just create donuts; you’ll craft warm memories too.

Baked Donut

Recipe FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in denser donuts. If you’d like a lighter texture, try using a mix of both flours!

How do I make a vegan version of this baked donut recipe?

You can easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg) and using almond or soy milk in place of buttermilk. Make sure to use vegetable oil only and check that your baking powder is vegan!

Why are my donuts sticking to the pan?

Sticking usually occurs due to insufficient greasing. Be generous with your non-stick cooking spray or cake goop before filling the pan. You can also let the donuts cool in the pan a bit longer to help with the release process.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Of course! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter before baking. Just be mindful of not adding too many mix-ins, as it may alter the texture and baking time. Adding about ½ cup of mix-ins should do the trick without compromising the donut’s integrity!
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Baked-Donut-Recipe

Baked Donut

Recipe Author: Margaret

Enjoy these homemade baked donuts featuring a delightful blend of flavors and textures. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and buttermilk, this recipe offers a quick and delicious treat perfect for breakfast gatherings or a comforting snack at home.

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  • Prep Time 10 minutes
  • Cook Time 17 minutes
  • Yield 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 7 ounces all-purpose flour
  • 6 ounces granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 ounces vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3 ounces unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 10 ounces powdered sugar about 2 cups
  • 2 tablespoons water or milk add more water for thinner glaze, more sugar for thicker glaze
  • 2 drops white food coloring i use americolor gel
  • 1-2 drops food coloring i use americolor electric pink


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450ºF (232ºC) and bring the buttermilk and egg to room temperature.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter, whisking until smooth.
  3. Add the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, whisking to blend.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually incorporate half of the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until some flour remains. Then add the buttermilk, stir slightly, and mix in the remaining flour until just combined, avoiding over-mixing; expect a wet batter with a few lumps.
  6. Scoop the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner trimmed off. Alternatively, use a spoon to fill the donut tray.
  7. Grease the donut pan with your preferred pan release and fill each cavity halfway to three-quarters full with batter.
  8. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 450ºF (232ºC), until the tops are firm and bounce back when touched.
  9. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; do not glaze them while warm.

Notes

For the glaze, adjust the water or milk based on your desired consistency.
Add food coloring to the glaze for a fun, colorful effect!
Ensure donuts are completely cooled before glazing to avoid melting.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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