Baked Donuts Recipe: A Deliciously Healthy Twist on a Classic Treat
Are you craving the delightful taste of donuts but hesitant about the deep-fried guilt? Fear not, donut lovers! This recipe delivers all the fluffy, sugary goodness of your favorite treat, but baked, not fried. This means less oil, fewer calories, and a whole lot of guilt-free enjoyment. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these incredibly easy-to-make baked donuts!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for approximately 12 standard-sized donuts. You can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
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Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option!)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind will work!)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other toppings of your choice
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Let's get baking those delicious, healthy donuts!
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked donuts.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
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Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully fill each donut cup about ¾ full. Don't overfill, or your donuts might overflow during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Cool & Glaze: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, it's time for the fun part: glazing!
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Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner glaze, or less for a thicker glaze. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, and immediately add your favorite toppings.
Tips for Donut Perfection:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Properly Grease Your Pan: This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your donuts are baked through.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, fruit – the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy Your Baked Donuts!
These baked donuts are a healthier, equally delicious alternative to their fried counterparts. They're perfect for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or simply a mid-week pick-me-up. Experiment with different glazes and toppings to create your own unique donut masterpieces! Happy baking!