Soft and Delicious Baked Donuts

This baked donut recipe brings all the joy of traditional fried donuts without the hassle of deep frying. Soft and pillowy with a hint of spice, these treats bake up in minutes and make your kitchen smell like a bakery. They're the perfect weekend project that even novice bakers can master with delicious results.

I first made these donuts when my niece came for a weekend visit. We had so much fun decorating them with colorful sprinkles and different glazes that it's become our special tradition whenever she stays over. The smile on her face when she bites into her own creation is priceless.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates the perfect tender crumb. Be sure to measure correctly by spooning into your measuring cup and leveling off for best results
• Granulated sugar: adds just the right sweetness without making the donuts cloying
• Baking powder and baking soda: work together to give these donuts their light, airy texture
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: provide that classic donut shop flavor. Fresh grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference if you have it
• Large egg: binds everything together and adds richness
• Buttermilk: creates tenderness. The acidity helps activate the leavening agents for a better rise
• Melted butter: adds moisture and richness. Make sure it's not too hot when mixing with other wet ingredients
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor profile with aromatic sweetness
• Optional toppings: allow for personalization. From simple powdered sugar to elaborate glazes, the finishing touch makes these donuts special

How To Make Baked Donuts

Prepare the pan:

Thoroughly grease your donut pan even if it's nonstick. These delicate treats need every advantage to release cleanly after baking. A light spray of cooking oil works well, or brush with melted butter for extra flavor.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk the flour, sugar, leavening agents, salt, and spices together thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening throughout the batter, preventing uneven baking or flavor pockets.

Combine wet ingredients:

Whisk the egg first until slightly frothy before adding the other wet ingredients. This incorporates air and helps create a lighter texture. The buttermilk should be at room temperature to prevent the melted butter from solidifying when mixed.

Create the batter:

When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, chewy donuts instead of tender ones.

Fill the donut molds:

Using a piping bag makes this step much cleaner and more precise. Fill each cavity about two thirds full to allow room for rising. If you don't have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly.

Bake with care:

Position the pan in the center of your oven where heat circulates most evenly. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking as the difference between perfectly baked and dry donuts can be less than a minute.

Cool strategically:

The brief rest in the pan allows the donuts to set up enough to handle without breaking. Moving them to a wire rack prevents condensation from making the bottoms soggy.

Apply finishing touches:

For best results with glazed donuts, dip them while still slightly warm. The residual heat helps the glaze set beautifully with a shiny finish.

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Nutmeg is truly the secret star of this recipe. It's what gives these baked treats that authentic donut shop flavor that's instantly recognizable. My grandmother always kept whole nutmegs in her spice cabinet and would grate them fresh for her baked goods. The first time I made these donuts with freshly grated nutmeg instead of pre ground, my family immediately noticed the difference and now I never go back to the pre ground variety.

Storage Solutions

These baked donuts stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for about two days. The texture is definitely best on day one, but a quick 10 second zap in the microwave can revive day old donuts nicely. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze before serving.

Flavor Variations

The basic donut recipe provides a perfect canvas for endless flavor possibilities. Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for citrus donuts. Replace some of the all purpose flour with cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. Fold mini chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter for tasty mix ins. The glaze can be flavored too with extracts, citrus juice, maple syrup, or even coffee for mocha donuts. Let your imagination run wild!

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Healthier Options

While these donuts are already healthier than their fried counterparts, you can make additional substitutions for dietary needs. Replace up to half the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Reduce the sugar by a quarter without significantly affecting texture. Substitute unsweetened applesauce for half the butter to reduce fat. For dairy free options, use plant based milk with a teaspoon of vinegar added and replace butter with melted coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts make a delightful breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Create a donut bar where guests can glaze and decorate their own donuts with various toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips. Serve alongside fresh fruit for balance. They also pair wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for an afternoon treat. For an extra special dessert, split a warm donut horizontally and fill with a scoop of ice cream for a donut sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute buttermilk in the batter?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing regular milk with a 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

→ How do I ensure my donuts are soft and not dry?

Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts dense. Also, bake them just until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dryness.

→ What toppings work best for baked donuts?

You can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, or add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.

→ Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Add toppings just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don't have a donut pan, you can shape the batter into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet or use a muffin tin to create donut holes.