Introduction to Baked Donut
There’s something magical about a freshly baked donut that brings a smile to anyone’s face. As a busy mom, finding time to whip up a treat that the whole family can enjoy feels like hitting the jackpot. This baked donut recipe is not just easy; it’s a delightful solution for those mornings when you want to serve up something special without the fuss. Imagine cozying up with your loved ones, savoring these fluffy, sweet bites that say, “I care!” Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Baked Donut
This baked donut recipe is the perfect answer to busy days. It comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal choice for those frantic mornings or last-minute gatherings. Plus, they are baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! The taste is out of this world, offering that sweet combination of fluffy and decadent that your family will adore. Trust me; you won’t want to stop at just one!
Ingredients for Baked Donut
Let’s gather the essentials for our fabulous baked donut. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that soft, decadent treat you’ll be proud to serve.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of any baked good, providing structure and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener brings the irresistible sweetness that makes donuts a treat.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that gives our donuts that delightful rise.
- Baking soda: Another leavening agent that helps achieve that perfect texture.
- Salt: A little pinch enhances the overall flavor, balance is key!
- Cinnamon: This warm spice adds a comforting, aromatic touch. It’s like a hug in donut form!
- Milk: Gives moisture and enriches the texture of our donuts.
- Sour cream or yogurt: These add creaminess while keeping the donuts light and tender.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract: This fragrant essence elevates the sweet notes in the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings richness and flavor to the donuts.
For an extra crunch, we’ll top our donuts with a crumb topping, which includes:
- All-purpose flour: Just like in the batter, it adds structure.
- Brown sugar: This gives a lovely caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- Cinnamon: Again? Yes! To tie in those delightful flavor notes!
- Cold butter: Mixed in to create that classic crumbly texture that’s irresistible.
For those who like a twist, feel free to add in some chocolate chips or nuts for an exciting variation. The exact measurements for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article and can be printed out. Let’s get ready to bake!
How to Make Baked Donut
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delicious process of making these baked donuts. Follow along, and you’ll see just how straightforward it can be to whip up a batch of these sweet delights.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, we need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking so your donuts turn out fluffy and delicious. While that’s heating up, take a moment to grease your donut pan. Using non-stick spray or a little melted butter will help your donuts release easily later on.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk them together until they’re well-blended. You want to see a light, fluffy mixture without any clumps. This step creates the base for our wonderfully soft baked donuts.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the milk, sour cream or yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. You want to whisk these until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This combination will bring moisture to your donuts and help create that tender texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now for the fun part: gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine them just until no flour pockets remain. Be careful! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that. Aim for a slightly lumpy batter; it’s a good sign!
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Grab a spoon or a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. You can even use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for neat filling. Gently smooth the tops if needed, and get ready for baking!
Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crunchy layer is what makes your baked donuts extra special, adding a delightful texture you won’t want to skip.
Step 7: Bake the Donuts
It’s time to bake! Place your donut pan in the preheated oven and set a timer for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back lightly when pressed. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. That’s when you know those goodies are perfectly baked!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their shape and texture. Now, you can serve them warm or store them for later enjoyment. Either way, these baked donuts are sure to make your day a little sweeter!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- For even baking, ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the donuts inside.
- Consider using a piping bag for mess-free filling of the donut pan.
- Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or flavored glazes for variety.
- Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Equipment Needed for Baked Donut
- Donut baking pan: Essential for achieving that classic donut shape; a muffin tin can work in a pinch.
- Mixing bowls: Use both large and medium sizes for combining ingredients easily.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly; a fork can substitute.
- Spatula: Great for folding batter gently without deflating it; a wooden spoon will also do the trick.
Variations on Baked Donut
- Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Fruit-Infused Donuts: Incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce into the batter for a fruity twist that keeps them moist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Variations: Try using nutmeg or pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon to add a seasonal flair to your donuts.
- Vegan Baked Donuts: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and yogurt for a vegan spin.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Donut
- Coffee or Tea: Pair these donuts with your favorite morning brew for a delightful wake-up treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of berries or banana slices for a colorful and nutritious touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop on top elevates these sweet bites into a delightful dessert.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate or glaze for an extra indulgent finish.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs about Baked Donut
Can I freeze baked donuts?
Absolutely! These baked donuts freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
What’s the best way to store baked donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a couple of days but will last up to a week. If you want to maintain optimal flavor, try not to refrigerate them.
Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute granulated sugar with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may alter the texture, so you might need to adjust the amount of milk accordingly.
Why are my baked donuts dense?
If your baked donuts turned out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Aim for gently combining the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for a baked donut!
Can I make baked donuts without a donut pan?
For sure! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups, and you’ll have delightful donut holes instead! They may not be the traditional shape, but they’ll taste just as great.
Final Thoughts on Baked Donut
Making these baked donuts is more than just a cooking task; it’s about creating sweet memories with your loved ones. Each bite is a reminder that simple pleasures can bring so much joy. Whether enjoyed on a busy morning or shared during a cozy gathering, these delightful treats never fail to lift spirits. Plus, you can take pride in knowing they’re homemade with love. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace this recipe, because a warm, fluffy baked donut is just what everyone needs to brighten their day. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Print
Baked donut: Enjoy this delightful recipe today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this delightful baked donut recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix milk, sour cream, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle over donut batter.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until donuts spring back lightly when pressed.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
