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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the doughnut dough the night before and bake them in the morning?

Yes, you can! After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting the doughnuts. Bake as directed. This method allows the flavors to develop even further, but be sure to bake them within 12 hours for the best results.

What can I use instead of active dry yeast if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Use the same amount, but you don’t need to activate it in warm milk first; simply add it directly to the dry ingredients. Alternatively, you could try using baking powder and baking soda as a leavening agent, but the doughnuts will be denser and less flavorful. Use 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for this substitution.

How can I tell when the baked doughnuts are perfectly done without over-baking them?

The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown on top and the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs. Also, gently press the top of a doughnut; it should spring back slightly. Over-baking will result in dry doughnuts, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger batch of doughnuts?

Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets to accommodate the increased dough. The baking time should remain the same, but you may need to bake the doughnuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven. If tripling, consider using a stand mixer to knead the dough more efficiently.

What are some of the nutritional benefits of these baked doughnuts compared to fried ones?

These baked doughnuts are significantly lower in fat and calories compared to fried doughnuts, as they aren’t submerged in oil. They also retain more of the nutrients from the ingredients like milk and eggs, providing some protein and calcium. Additionally, using whole-wheat flour as a partial substitute can increase the fiber content, promoting better digestion.

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Homemade Baked Doughnuts: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

This recipe provides an easy and delightful way to enjoy fresh baked doughnuts at home, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 27

Servings: 12

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

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

Feel free to glaze or coat the doughnuts with sugar for added flavor.

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Homemade Baked Doughnuts: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Notes