Homemade Baked Doughnuts: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Craving something sweet yet simple? This baked doughnuts recipe hits all the right notes—a perfect fusion of ease and deliciousness. In less than an hour, you can have a fresh batch of warm, sweet treats that’s healthier than traditional fried doughnuts.
Growing up, my grandmother always had a knack for making the simplest ingredients shine. One chilly autumn day, I recall peering over the kitchen counter as she mixed a batch of dough that would soon fill the air with an irresistible sweetness. Those warm baked doughnuts became a family favorite, and even today, they bring us all together in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence with baked—not fried—doughnuts. The light, fluffy texture is paired with a crisp outer layer, making each bite perfect. It’s easy to customize flavors and toppings to suit your mood or occasion. No deep-frying means less mess and virtually no oil, which makes this recipe cleaner and faster without compromising taste.
Ingredients Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Substitute almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Make sure to use active dry yeast to ensure the doughnuts rise properly. You can source these ingredients from most local grocery stores.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Allow it to foam for about 5 minutes. This ensures your dough will be light and airy.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for developing flavor.
Step 4
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to shape the doughnuts. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to rise.
Step 5
Bake the doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before coating with your choice of glaze or sugar.
Storage Options
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy them later, reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags. You can reheat frozen doughnuts directly in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Variations & Substitutions
For a whole-wheat version, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs. Add different fillings like jams or custards for extra flavor, or try topping with a chocolate glaze and nuts for a decadent dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but remember that cake flour gives a lighter texture. If using all-purpose, you might want to reduce it by 2 tablespoons and replace with cornstarch to maintain the softness.
How do I know if my dough is ready to be baked? Look for a dough that has doubled in size during the rise. When you gently press a finger into the dough, the indent should slowly fill back in. This indicates that the dough has developed enough gluten and is ready for the oven.
Can baked doughnuts taste like fried ones? While baked doughnuts won’t have the exact texture of fried ones, they offer a similar sweetness and fluffiness. The benefit of less oil and fewer calories is a major plus, and with various toppings, you can mimic the rich flavor of fried doughnuts closely.
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Homemade Baked Doughnuts: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk at room temperature
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill the doughnut pan molds about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
