Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

These baked vanilla donuts are the perfect treat for a sweet breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Light, fluffy, and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, they’re incredibly easy to make and come together in no time. Skip the fryer and enjoy these guilt-free donuts baked to golden perfection in the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: These donuts are baked, not fried, so you can enjoy the same delicious taste with less guilt.
• Quick and Easy: You’ll have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, a chocolate glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized donuts are great for little hands and make an excellent treat for any occasion.

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
• Milk
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the donuts are golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
7. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
9. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 12 donuts.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a rich chocolate glaze by melting chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Skip the glaze and brush the donuts with melted butter, then coat with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Funfetti: Add colorful sprinkles into the batter for a festive touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these donuts gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the donuts (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.
• Reheating: Warm the donuts in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin and place a small ball of foil in the center to create the hole.

2. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk or any other non-dairy milk works as a substitute.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

4. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the donut pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.

5. Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes, reduce the amount of milk for a thicker glaze consistency.

6. What type of flour is best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best, but you can use cake flour for an even lighter texture.

7. Can I add fruit to the batter?

You can fold in small fruit pieces like blueberries, but avoid overloading the batter.

8. How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed and have a golden color.

9. Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, substitute eggs with a flax egg, use plant-based milk, and vegan butter.

10. What’s the best way to glaze the donuts?

Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, then let it set on a wire rack.

Conclusion

These baked vanilla donuts are an easy, delicious treat for any occasion. With a soft, fluffy texture and a sweet vanilla glaze, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them as-is or customize them with your favorite toppings, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and indulge in the perfect homemade donut!

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