Baked doughnuts are a delightful treat that can stand alone or be paired with an array of accompaniments. For a classic breakfast combo, enjoy them with freshly brewed coffee; the lightness of the doughnut harmonizes beautifully with a rich cup of joe.
If you’re in the mood for something different, try pairing them with a glass of chilled almond milk or a fruity smoothie. This can add a refreshing contrast that elevates your doughnut-eating experience.
You can also indulge in a small scoop of ice cream for dessert, which turns your baked doughnut into a warm and cold culinary experience. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for extra decadence. These possibilities are only the beginning. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of baked doughnuts.
What Are Baked Doughnuts?
Baked doughnuts, as the name suggests, are made in the oven rather than fried in oil. This method yields a lighter texture with less guilt. They are typically made from a sweet, soft batter similar to cake batter. This gives them that wonderful mix of tenderness and slight density.
They don’t require special equipment. A simple doughnut pan (which can be found at most kitchen and home supply stores) is all you need. The batter is poured into the pan and then baked until fluffy. The result? Soft and lovely doughnuts that won’t make you feel like you just dined on a heavy meal.
What Is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Baked doughnuts can be sweet, rich, and sometimes have a hint of spice, depending on the ingredients. Common flavor profiles include classic vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar. You’ll often notice the buttery richness of the dough, balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and any glaze or topping you choose.
Imagine a light dusting of powdered sugar paired with the warm vanilla notes of the cake. Isn’t your mouth watering yet? For a more adventurous palate, you might enjoy flavor infusions like orange zest or even matcha, adding unique twists that elevate the experience.
The beauty of baked doughnuts is that you can customize the flavors according to season or preference. You can create festive combinations like pumpkin spice for fall or fresh lemon for a summer touch. It’s the flexibility that makes them exciting!
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Baked Doughnuts?
Traditionally, many recipes call for ready-made mixes or loaded with sugars and unhealthy fats. My approach, however, leans toward using wholesome ingredients that create a delicious product without unnecessary additives. This recipe embraces wholesome, mouthwatering components, ensuring that the baked doughnuts taste as good as they are for you.
The use of non-dairy options, whole grain flour, and natural sweeteners adds a twist that preserves flavor while ensuring health is a priority. This means you can enjoy these treats without the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect batch of baked doughnuts, gather the following ingredients:
Donut Dough
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz/28 g) melted butter for brushing (used after frying for extra richness)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons quick-rise instant dried yeast (for a fast, airy rise)
- 1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) whole milk, warmed (for richness and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (adds brightness and a subtle citrus lift)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (adds warmth and aromatic depth)
- 3 ¼ cups (16 ¼ oz /456 g) plain all-purpose flour (provides the perfect soft texture)
- 4 tablespoons (2 oz/57 g) melted unsalted butter (enhances tenderness and flavor)
- 2 teaspoons fine salt (to balance flavors and control fermentation)
- ⅓ cup (2 ½ fl oz/75 ml) warm water (aids in activating the yeast and hydrating the dough)
- ¼ cup (2 oz/58 g) fine white sugar (adds just the right touch of sweetness)
Donut Glaze
- 1 recipe of your favorite donut glaze (vanilla, chocolate, maple, or citrus all work well)
Pumpkin Pie Spice Donut Holes
- 2 teaspoons warm pumpkin pie spice blend (a cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) superfine granulated sugar (for coating)
- ⅛ teaspoon fine salt (to enhance spice profile)
- 4 tablespoons (2 oz/58 g) melted butter (helps the sugar-spice mixture adhere beautifully)
Stuffed Donuts
- 1 tablespoon freeze-dried raspberry powder (optional, for a tangy finish when dusted on top)
- 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) of your choice of creamy Nutella, fruity jam, or classic pastry cream
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and a lovely golden color. Next, generously grease your doughnut pan.
This helps prevent sticking and promotes a nice finish.In a medium bowl, combine filtered water and milk. Warm them slightly, ensuring they are not too hot to kill the yeast.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, leading to fluffy doughnuts.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the ingredients blend well, preventing clumps in your dough. It also allows the flavors to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Create a well in the dry ingredients, and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Fill the Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows enough room for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, filtered water, and vanilla extract in a bowl. If using, add a splash of light rum for a unique twist.
Once the doughnuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the rack to let the glaze set.
Tips On Making Baked Doughnuts
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts. Stir until just combined.
Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh to guarantee the right rise.
Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan before removing them to avoid breaking.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to incorporate different extracts or spices!
Try Different Glazes: Explore fun flavors like lemon or chocolate to elevate your doughnuts further.
How Can I Store These Baked Doughnuts?
Store baked doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer bag and store them for up to three months! Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that freshly baked taste.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
If running low on some key ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy substitutes:
Doughnut Pan Alternatives: If you don’t have a doughnut pan, consider using a muffin tin. You’ll end up with doughnut holes—still delicious!
Flour Options: If you run out of all-purpose flour, use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Another option is cake flour, which will make your doughnuts lighter and fluffier.
Dairy Alternatives: In place of whole milk, almond milk or soy milk works just as well, maintaining the texture but also offering a dairy-free option.
Butter Alternatives: If you want to eliminate dairy, substitute with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier fat option.
Conclusion
Baked doughnuts are a fun and delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without the heaviness of frying. With their fluffy texture and endless flavor possibilities, they can easily become a go-to for breakfast or dessert.
Not only are they versatile, but they are also healthy when made from wholesome ingredients. The steps are simple, and even if you’re a novice, you’ll find success with this recipe.
Whether you indulge in them with coffee or transform them into an ice cream sandwich, these baked doughnuts will surely win the hearts of all who try them. Happy baking!
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Baked Doughnuts Recipe – Simple Easy Meals
Every once in a while, I stumble upon a recipe that feels revolutionary. For me, that was when I first tried baked doughnuts. Gone were the days of deep frying, hot oil, and greasy pans. Instead, I found myself basking in the warmer, lighter goodness of baked doughnuts. Honestly, these sweet circles of joy are like eating a soft cloud of flavor. It’s a delightful culinary contradiction—fluffy yet substantial, sweet yet perfectly balanced.
What’s the best part? They fit seamlessly into breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. In this blog, I'll break down everything you need to know about baked doughnuts: their flavor profile, tips for the perfect batch, and even how to make substitutions if you find yourself short on ingredients. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious journey!
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
-
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and a lovely golden color. Next, generously grease your doughnut pan.
This helps prevent sticking and promotes a nice finish.In a medium bowl, combine filtered water and milk. Warm them slightly, ensuring they are not too hot to kill the yeast.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, leading to fluffy doughnuts.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
-
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the ingredients blend well, preventing clumps in your dough. It also allows the flavors to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
-
Create a well in the dry ingredients, and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Fill the Pan
-
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows enough room for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake
-
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
-
Once baked, allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, filtered water, and vanilla extract in a bowl. If using, add a splash of light rum for a unique twist.
Once the doughnuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them back on the rack to let the glaze set.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 15
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 222kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.8g16%
- Saturated Fat 4.9g25%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 18mg6%
- Sodium 513mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 29g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts. Stir until just combined.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh to guarantee the right rise.
- Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan before removing them to avoid breaking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to incorporate different extracts or spices!
- Try Different Glazes: Explore fun flavors like lemon or chocolate to elevate your doughnuts further.
