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, theyโre 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 Youโll 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: Youโll 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
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 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.
- Bake for 10โ12 minutes or until the donuts are golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- 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.
- 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 10โ15 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. Whatโs 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, theyโll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them as-is or customize them with your favorite toppings, theyโre sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and indulge in the perfect homemade donut!
PrintBaked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These light and fluffy baked vanilla donuts are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. They’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, theyโre easy to make and sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:ย Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:ย In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:ย In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine:ย Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Pan:ย Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off, and pipe it evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling them about ยพ full.
- Bake:ย Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:ย Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze:ย In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts:ย Dip each donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Serve:ย Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then enjoy your freshly baked vanilla donuts!
Notes
- You can customize these donuts by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.
- Use food coloring in the glaze for a fun and colorful twist.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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