Love donuts but not the mess (or heaviness) of frying? Baked donuts are the perfect solution! They’re soft, fluffy, and just as delicious as their fried cousins — plus, you can make them right in your oven with simple ingredients. Think of them as the perfect mix between a muffin and a donut.
Here’s how to make baked donuts that are light, flavorful, and ready for glaze in under an hour.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
This recipe makes about 12 baked donuts.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for classic donut flavor)
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed (don’t overmix — the batter should be thick but smooth).
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
- Lightly grease a donut pan.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Smooth tops lightly for even baking.
Tip: Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) for easy filling.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Glaze or Top Them
Now for the fun part — toppings!
Simple Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth, then dip cooled donuts. Add sprinkles if you like!
Other Ideas:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Brush donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips with a little cream for dipping.
- Maple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps them light and fluffy.
- Always grease the donut pan, even if it’s nonstick.
- For bakery-style donuts, let them cool fully before glazing.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze unglazed donuts for later.
Final Thoughts
Baked donuts are a lighter, easier twist on a classic treat — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack without the deep fryer. Once you master the basic recipe, the flavor and topping options are endless.
🍩 Save this recipe for your next baking day — and treat yourself to homemade donuts anytime!
Would you like me to also share a pumpkin spice baked donut variation for fall?
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