Baked donuts are the ultimate solution for anyone who craves the soft, pillowy texture of a classic treat without the mess and heavy oils of deep-frying. While traditional donuts rely on a hot oil bath to crisp up, the baked version uses the consistent heat of your oven to create a light, cake-like crumb that is every bit as satisfying. 🍩
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Whether you are looking for a quick weekend breakfast or a fun baking project with the kids, these treats offer a canvas for endless creativity. From classic cinnamon sugar to decadent chocolate glazes, switching to the oven doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means gaining a simpler, cleaner way to bake.
Why Choose Baking Over Frying?
The primary appeal of baked donuts lies in their texture and nutritional profile. Unlike fried dough, which can sometimes feel greasy or heavy, baked donuts have a delicate structure similar to a high-quality muffin or pound cake. Because they aren’t submerged in oil, they are significantly lower in fat and calories, making them a “guilt-free” alternative that still feels like a true indulgence.
Essential Tools for Success
To get that iconic ring shape shown in the image, a non-stick donut pan is your best friend. However, if you don’t have one, you can easily use a muffin tin by placing a small ball of rolled-up aluminum foil in the center of each cup. For the best results, always grease your pans well to ensure the donuts pop out with a perfectly smooth surface. 🥧
Simple Homemade Baked Donuts Recipe
This recipe yields soft, golden donuts that are perfect for tossing in sugar or dipping in glaze.
Ingredients List:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps:
1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pans with cooking spray or a brush of melted butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Merge the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined; do not overmix, or the donuts will become tough.
5. Fill the Pans: Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling them about 3/4 full. You can also use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off for a cleaner finish. 🍩
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool and Coat: Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar or dip the tops into a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Batch
For the best flavor, ensure your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing; this creates a more uniform emulsion. Additionally, did you know that adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter is the “secret ingredient” many bakeries use to give their donuts that authentic, old-fashioned taste? It adds a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with coffee. ☕
Baked donuts prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to bring joy to the kitchen. They are fast, customizable, and far less intimidating for the home cook. Once you master the base recipe, try adding lemon zest, blueberries, or even a dash of pumpkin spice to match the season.
What is your favorite topping for a fresh donut—classic cinnamon sugar or a thick chocolate glaze? Let us know in the comments below! ✨
