Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts

Baked donuts are a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts, offering all the deliciousness without the added grease. These Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are the perfect treat for breakfast or a light dessert. The soft, fluffy donut base is lightly sweetened and infused with a rich vanilla flavor, while the smooth, sugary vanilla glaze adds a perfect finishing touch.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a batch of donuts that taste like they came straight from a bakery. Baked instead of fried, these donuts have a slightly denser, cake-like texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet glaze. They are perfect for special occasions, a weekend treat, or when you want something indulgent but not overly heavy. Whether you enjoy them as-is or dress them up with sprinkles or food coloring, these Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Alternative to Fried Donuts

These donuts are baked rather than fried, which reduces the amount of oil and fat in the recipe, making them a slightly healthier option without compromising on taste.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to follow, requiring basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and doesn’t take much time to prepare.

3. Customizable

The vanilla glaze can be customized with food coloring or sprinkles to suit different occasions, from birthdays to holidays, making them a versatile treat.

4. Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

These donuts are sweet but not overly rich, making them a great option for both breakfast and an afternoon snack or dessert.

5. Soft and Fluffy Texture

The baked donuts have a wonderfully soft, fluffy texture, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Egg (at room temperature)
• Skim milk (at room temperature)
• Vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered sugar (sifted)
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Milk (1 or 2 tablespoons)
• Optional: food coloring and sprinkles

Variations

Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg

For a twist on the classic vanilla donut, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the donut batter. These spices will add warmth and depth to the flavor.

Chocolate Glaze

If you’re a fan of chocolate, switch up the glaze by using cocoa powder or melting some chocolate to create a rich chocolate glaze instead of the vanilla.

Fruit Flavored Glaze

Try adding fruit puree (like strawberry or raspberry) to the glaze for a fruity flavor and a pop of color.

Make Them Vegan

You can easily make these donuts vegan by substituting the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2 ½ tablespoons water) and using plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.

Glazed with Toppings

For added texture, top your donuts with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles after glazing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with non-stick spray or use a silicone donut pan for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the tops of the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts are lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Remove the donuts from the pan and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes while you prepare the glaze.

Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. If you want to use food coloring, add it to the glaze now.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each donut into the vanilla glaze, coating the top. If you like, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or other toppings of your choice.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of the day!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for the lightest texture.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: To ensure your donuts are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they are ready.
• Let the donuts cool before glazing: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• Customize the glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.

How to Serve

These Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them on their own as a light dessert. For special occasions, decorate them with colorful sprinkles or top them with crushed nuts or candy pieces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They are best eaten fresh but will still be delicious for a few days.

Freezing

To freeze these donuts, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave if desired.

Reheating

To reheat the donuts, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk or any milk you have on hand for a richer flavor.

2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make donut holes or mini cakes instead of traditional donuts.

3. Can I freeze the donut batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the batter, as donuts are best when freshly baked. However, you can freeze the baked donuts and glaze them later.

4. How can I make these donuts more flavorful?

Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added warmth or zest. You can also add citrus zest to the batter for a fresh twist.

5. How long should I bake the donuts?

Bake for 12-15 minutes, but check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the donuts. If it comes out clean, they are done.

6. Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, you can make chocolate glaze, lemon glaze, or any flavor glaze you like. Simply adjust the ingredients to your desired flavor.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

8. Can I make these donuts without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.

9. How can I make these donuts more indulgent?

For a richer treat, add a layer of filling, such as jam, chocolate spread, or Nutella, before baking the donuts.

10. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Glazed Baked Donuts are a delicious, light, and customizable treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they are sure to impress with their soft, fluffy texture and smooth, sweet glaze. Simple to make and easy to personalize, these donuts will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh, store the leftovers, or freeze them for a later treat—you can’t go wrong with this delightful recipe.

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