Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

Light, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, these baked vanilla donuts are a delightful treat that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these donuts are baked rather than fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried for a lighter yet indulgent treat.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
• Customizable: Add toppings, glazes, or sprinkles to suit any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, so no special trips to the store are needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Optional: Food coloring, sprinkles, or toppings of your choice

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
8. Dip and Decorate: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles or toppings as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 donuts
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze with a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder and reducing the powdered sugar slightly.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze and coat the donuts in melted butter, then dip in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill the donuts with jam, custard, or cream after baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each donut individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture may be denser. Consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a balance.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan is recommended, but you can use a muffin tin and create a hole in the center with foil molds.

Why are my donuts dry?

Overmixing or overbaking can result in dry donuts. Mix until just combined and check doneness at the minimum baking time.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the batter immediately, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if necessary. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I prevent the glaze from running?

Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing. You can also chill the glaze slightly for a thicker consistency.

Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 7–9 minutes for mini donuts.

What’s the best way to pipe the batter into the pan?

Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off for easy and mess-free filling.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.

How do I add flavor variations to the glaze?

Add extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to the glaze for different flavor profiles.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in batches if you don’t have multiple donut pans.

Conclusion

These baked vanilla donuts are a simple yet satisfying treat that you can whip up anytime. With their fluffy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and endless topping possibilities, they’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion. Enjoy the comfort of homemade donuts without the need for frying!

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