Baked Donut Recipe (with Video)

Baked Donut Recipe: Who doesn’t love a good donut? But sometimes, the thought of deep-frying makes you hesitate. That’s where baked donuts come in! They offer the same delicious taste and fluffy texture without the extra oil. Plus, they are super easy to make at home.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect baked donuts.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Donuts

To make soft, flavorful baked donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings and Flavors

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Chocolate or vanilla glaze
• Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:

• Donut pan or silicone molds – These are crucial for shaping the donuts.
• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk and spatula – To combine ingredients properly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy.
• Piping bag or zip-lock bag – To fill the molds neatly.
• Oven – Preheated to the right temperature.
• Cooling rack – Helps keep donuts from getting soggy.

How to Make Baked Donut – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Donut Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 2: Filling the Donut Molds

1. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a small hole cut in the corner.
2. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold, filling them about ¾ full to allow for rising.
3. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a spoon to carefully fill the molds.

Step 3: Baking the Donuts

1. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.
3. Remove from the oven and let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Cooling the Donuts Properly

1. Once out of the pan, place the donuts on a cooling rack to allow air circulation.
2. Let them cool completely before adding any toppings.

Step 5: Adding Toppings and Flavors

Classic Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mix everything until smooth and dip the donuts into the glaze.

Chocolate Glaze

• ½ cup melted chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Stir together and dip the donuts for a rich chocolate coating.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Mix ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Brush the donuts with melted butter and dip them in the mixture.

Tips for Making Perfect Baked Donuts

• Don’t overmix the batter—it leads to tough donuts.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Fill molds only ¾ full to prevent overflowing.

Healthy Variations of Baked Donuts

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
• Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Use almond milk and flax eggs for a vegan option.

How to Store and Keep Donuts Fresh

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freeze donuts (without glaze) for up to 3 months.

FAQs about Baked Donut Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for a basic baked donut recipe?

To make baked donuts, you’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. You can also include spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for added flavor.

2. Do I need a donut pan to make baked donuts?

Yes, a donut pan is essential for giving your baked donuts their classic shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin, but your donuts will have a different shape.

3. How long does it take to bake donuts?

Baked donuts typically take about 10-12 minutes to cook in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C). Always check that they’re golden and spring back when touched.

4. Can I make vegan baked donuts?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk, use vegan butter, and replace the eggs with a vegan substitute like applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.

5. What are some popular toppings for baked donuts?

Popular toppings include chocolate glaze, vanilla frosting, powdered sugar, and sprinkles. For a healthier option, you can top them with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

6. How do I store baked donuts?

Baked donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

7. Are baked donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Baked donuts are generally considered healthier than fried donuts because they require less oil, resulting in fewer calories and less fat.

Conclusion

Baked donuts are a fantastic homemade treat—light, fluffy, and full of flavor! With this easy step-by-step guide, you can create bakery-quality donuts at home without frying. Try different flavors, experiment with toppings, and enjoy your delicious homemade baked donuts!