Introduction to Baked Donut
As a busy mom, I know how it feels when the sweet tooth strikes, and I’m left wondering what to whip up. Enter the baked donut! This delightful treat is not just a quick solution for a busy day; it’s a scrumptious way to put a smile on my family’s faces.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, flavorful donut—warm and fresh from the oven. Whether it’s breakfast, a midday snack, or a lovely dessert, these baked donuts are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that you’ll love sharing with your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Donut
This baked donut recipe is a lifesaver for busy moms like me! It’s quick and easy, taking just 27 minutes from start to finish. The taste? Absolutely divine, with that sweet hint of cinnamon and a delightful crumb topping. Plus, these donuts are baked, not fried, so I can indulge without guilt. Simple ingredients, minimal clean-up, and endless ways to customize make this treat a champion in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Baked Donut
Gathering the right ingredients is like collecting treasures for a delicious masterpiece! Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect baked donut. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our donuts, providing the structure and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mix and adds a delightful golden color as they bake.
- Baking powder: This little miracle worker gives the donuts their rise, ensuring they’re light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for that perfect texture and is especially helpful if you’re using something acidic.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor, making every bite more delicious.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that makes these donuts feel like a cozy hug on a plate.
- Milk: Its creaminess contributes to the moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
- Sour cream or yogurt: Both add tang and extra moisture, keeping your donuts soft and delightful.
- Large egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving structure to the donuts and ensuring they don’t crumble.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic wonder elevates the flavor profile remarkably.
- Unsalted butter: This rich ingredient adds deliciousness and keeps our donuts tender.
For that added personal touch, don’t forget the crumb topping ingredients:
- Additional all-purpose flour and brown sugar: These form the base of our topping, offering sweetness and that satisfying crunch.
- Cinnamon: Reinforces the warm, cozy flavors we love amidst the donut itself.
- Cold butter: When cut into the mixture, it creates a delightful crumble that enhances texture.
Get the exact measurements of each ingredient at the bottom of this article, where you’ll also find a handy printable version!
How to Make Baked Donut
Making these baked donuts is a fun and straightforward process. I promise, it’ll feel like a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll soon be enjoying a batch of warm, delicious donuts that make any day special!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your donuts to start cooking immediately for that perfect texture.
While the oven warms up, grease your donut baking pan. Greasing is key here to ensure the donuts come out easily. Nobody wants a donut disaster, right?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well-blended, which leads to an even texture in your donuts. Trust me, no one wants to bite into a floury donut!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, sour cream or yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mixing wet ingredients separately ensures they blend smoothly and evenly into your batter. This step is vital for achieving a consistent flavor throughout each donut!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. It’s important not to overmix here. We want to keep that fluffy texture! Just stir until there are no visible lumps; your batter should be nice and thick.
Step 5: Portion the Batter
When filling your donut pan, use a spoon or a piping bag for neatness. Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This step is crucial for even baking and will help each donut have that delightful shape.
Step 6: Prepare Crumb Topping
Combine the additional flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles small crumbs. This crumb topping adds a wonderful crunch and boosts the flavor profile, making your baked donuts irresistible!
Step 7: Bake the Donuts
Pop your donut pan in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes. They’re done when they spring back lightly when pressed. Don’t forget—allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step makes sure they set just right without sticking!
Tips for Success
- Always preheat your oven for even baking—this is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix your batter; a few lumps are totally fine!
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.
- Use a piping bag for neat filling of the donut pan—it reduces mess!
- Experiment with toppings like powdered sugar or a light glaze for a fun twist.
Equipment Needed for Baked Donut
- Donut Baking Pan: Essential for shaping your donuts. A muffin pan is a good substitute!
- Mixing Bowls: Use a few different sizes for ease. Stainless steel or glass works great.
- Whisk: Handy for blending ingredients. Forks can do the trick in a pinch!
- Spoon or Piping Bag: Perfect for portioning batter. A zip-top bag with a corner snipped also works.
- Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling your donuts. A cooling rack or even a plate can suffice.
Variations for Baked Donut
- Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Maple Glazed Donuts: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the warm donuts for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Fruit-Infused Donuts: Fold in fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples for a fruity twist that’s refreshing and delicious.
- Gluten-Free Donuts: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; ensure it includes a leavening agent.
- Spiced Pumpkin Donuts: Replace some flour with pumpkin puree and add nutmeg for a seasonal flavor that the whole family will love.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Donut
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your baked donuts with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy treat.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze for a beautiful finish.
- Breakfast Pairing: Add a side of yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
- Sharing Style: Arrange on a colorful platter to invite family and friends to indulge!
FAQs about Baked Donut
Can I make these baked donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! These baked donuts are great for prepping ahead. You can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Just reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
Can I freeze baked donuts for later?
Yes, you can freeze baked donuts! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months—perfect for busy mornings.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt works fabulously as a substitute. You can also try buttermilk for a slightly tangy flavor that complements the donut’s sweetness.
Are these donuts healthier than traditional fried donuts?
Definitely! Baked donuts use less oil and can be made with simple, wholesome ingredients. This means you can indulge a little more guilt-free!
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create your own dreamy donut flavor. The possibilities are endless, just let your imagination run wild!
Final Thoughts
Making baked donuts is more than just a cooking task; it’s a joyful experience filled with love and creativity. These fluffy delights can transform an ordinary day into something special, whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying one quietly with your morning coffee. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. Plus, with easy steps and endless variations, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the adventure of baking these scrumptious baked donuts begin!
Print
Baked Donut
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
As a busy mom, I know how it feels when the sweet tooth strikes, and I’m left wondering what to whip up. Enter the baked donut! This delightful treat is not just a quick solution for a busy day; it’s a scrumptious way to put a smile on my family’s faces.
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
- Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Customize flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
