Most Delicious Baked Donuts

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Bake soft and delicious donuts right at home with this simple and healthier recipe. These donuts combine classic spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for unbeatable flavor and aroma. Easy to customize with glazes, powdered sugar, or sprinkles, these treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday snack. By baking instead of frying, you’ll enjoy a lighter treat without compromising on taste. Follow straightforward instructions for fluffy results every time, and impress friends and family with your baking skills. These delightful donuts are sure to become a household favorite!

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 15:37:23 GMT
A stack of donuts with powdered sugar on top. Pin it
A stack of donuts with powdered sugar on top. | zestplate.com

This baked donut recipe transforms the traditional fried treat into a healthier, homemade delight that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The pillowy soft texture and versatile nature of these donuts make them perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings, whether for a special breakfast or afternoon treat.

I discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend when my children were desperately craving donuts but I didn't want to venture out to the bakery. What started as a kitchen experiment has become our Sunday morning tradition, with everyone choosing their own toppings and flavors.

  • All purpose flour: forms the foundation of your donuts providing structure
  • Granulated sugar: adds the perfect sweetness without being overwhelming
  • Baking powder and baking soda: these leavening agents create that light fluffy texture
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
  • Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: these warm spices give that classic donut shop aroma
  • Large egg: provides structure and richness
  • Buttermilk: creates tenderness and a subtle tang look for full fat for best results
  • Melted butter: adds moisture and that irreplaceable buttery flavor
  • Vanilla extract: use pure extract for the most authentic flavor
  • Optional toppings: allow for personalization and creativity

How To Make Baked Donuts

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your donut pan ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. The pan preparation is crucial for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Combine flour sugar baking powder baking soda salt nutmeg and cinnamon in a large bowl whisking thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. This ensures every bite has that perfect donut flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk together egg buttermilk melted butter and vanilla until completely unified. Make sure your butter has cooled slightly so it doesn't cook the egg when added.
Create The Batter:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a gentle folding motion with a spatula. Stop mixing when just combined as overmixing develops gluten making tough donuts. The batter should look slightly lumpy.
Fill The Donut Pan:
Transfer your batter to a piping bag or ziplock bag with corner cut for precise filling. Fill each cavity about two thirds full allowing space for rising. This technique prevents messy spillover.
Bake To Perfection:
Place pan in the center rack of your preheated oven baking for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for golden edges and perform the toothpick test for doneness. Avoid overbaking which can dry out your donuts.
Cool And Release:
Allow donuts to rest in the pan for exactly 5 minutes. This cooling period helps them set and release easily. Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling which prevents soggy bottoms.
Add Your Finishing Touches:
Once cooled dip in glaze dust with powdered sugar or add sprinkles. For chocolate lovers try melted chocolate instead of traditional glaze. The possibilities are endless.
A plate of powdered donuts. Pin it
A plate of powdered donuts. | zestplate.com

My absolute favorite way to enjoy these donuts is with a maple glaze made from pure maple syrup mixed with powdered sugar. The first time I served these at a family gathering my grandmother who was skeptical about baked donuts ended up requesting the recipe and now makes them for her bridge club monthly.

Storage Solutions

These baked donuts maintain their best texture and flavor when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you've added a glaze or frosting place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage refrigerate for up to 5 days though the texture may become slightly more dense. To refresh refrigerated donuts microwave for 10 seconds before serving to restore their softness.

A stack of donuts with powdered sugar on top. Pin it
A stack of donuts with powdered sugar on top. | zestplate.com

Perfect Substitutions

If you're looking to customize this recipe there are several easy substitutions that work beautifully. For a dairy free version replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk plus 1 teaspoon of vinegar and use coconut oil instead of butter. Whole wheat flour can replace up to half of the all purpose flour for added nutrition though the texture will be slightly denser. For gluten free donuts use a 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if it's not already included in the mix. Sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener can also be used with minimal texture changes.

Flavor Variations

Transform this basic recipe into countless variations by experimenting with different flavor profiles. For chocolate donuts replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder. Create lemon donuts by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and replacing vanilla with lemon extract. Apple cider donuts are perfect for fall replace half the buttermilk with reduced apple cider and double the cinnamon. For coffee lovers add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The glaze can also be flavored with extracts maple syrup fruit purees or even a splash of bourbon for adult versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes baked donuts different from fried donuts?

Baked donuts are cooked in the oven instead of fried in oil. This makes them lighter and lower in fat while still being soft and flavorful.

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk. For the tangy flavor of buttermilk, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk.

→ How do I keep baked donuts from sticking to the pan?

Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter. This helps ensure easy removal after baking.

→ What toppings work best for baked donuts?

The donuts can be topped with a simple glaze, powdered sugar, sprinkles, or even chocolate frosting. Choose toppings based on your personal taste!

→ How do I know when the baked donuts are ready?

The donuts are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically in 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

→ Can baked donuts be stored for later?

Yes, store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Most Delicious Baked Donuts

Enjoy baking soft, airy donuts at home. Simple steps and customizable toppings!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 donuts)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1 large egg
09 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 Optional toppings: glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until completely blended.

Step 04

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it should be slightly lumpy.

Step 05

Using a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off, fill each donut mold about two-thirds full with batter.

Step 06

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

If desired, prepare a glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and allow excess to drip off, or dust with powdered sugar or add your preferred toppings.

Step 09

Enjoy the baked donuts warm or at room temperature. They are perfect as a treat for breakfast or any time of the day!

Tools You'll Need

  • Donut pan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Piping bag or zip-lock bag
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 3 g