Baked Vanilla Donuts

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen. These Baked Vanilla Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress your guests. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a batch of these delightful donuts!

Why Cooks Rave About It

Baked Vanilla Donuts are beloved for their light, airy texture and the versatility they offer. Unlike their fried counterparts, baking gives these donuts a wholesome touch, making them a delightful option for any occasion. With a tender crumb and a sweet glaze, these donuts are incredibly easy to customize. You can experiment with flavors, add sprinkles, or even dip them in chocolate for a decadent twist. Plus, they are ready in just under 30 minutes!

Gather These Ingredients

To create your Baked Vanilla Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, optionally sifted for lighter donuts
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted for best results
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or cream
• Food coloring, sprinkles, glitter; optional
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; optional

Equipment & Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the batter and a smaller one for the glaze.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for combining your dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will ensure your donuts turn out just right.
• Cooling Rack: This will help your donuts cool evenly after baking.

From Start to Finish: Baked Vanilla Donuts

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Baked Vanilla Donuts!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the donuts to rise perfectly as soon as they hit the hot oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking. If you have a silicone pan, you can skip this step as they tend to be non-stick.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps, especially if you chose not to sift your flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot, or it may cook the eggs.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter. This will allow room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk (2-3 tablespoons) until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. If you want a thicker glaze, add less milk.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle with food coloring, sprinkles, or glitter while the glaze is still wet.

Step 11: Add Optional Toppings

For an extra touch of sweetness, you can melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the glazed donuts. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

Elevate your Baked Vanilla Donuts for special occasions with these fun ideas:

• For Halloween, add orange food coloring to the glaze and top with Halloween-themed sprinkles.
• During the winter holidays, incorporate peppermint extract into the glaze and decorate with crushed candy canes.
• For Valentine’s Day, use pink or red food coloring and heart-shaped sprinkles to create a romantic look.
• In the spring, incorporate lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing twist.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use whole milk instead of buttermilk, but buttermilk adds a delightful tang.
• For an even lighter texture, sift your flour before measuring.
• Make sure not to overbake the donuts; they should be just golden on top to ensure they remain moist.
• Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, for a unique flavor.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for best results, bake the donuts fresh before serving. If you have leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why did my donuts come out dense?

Dense donuts are typically a result of overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and mix until just combined.

How can I make my donuts more flavorful?

Try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, or incorporate citrus zest for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

What should I do if my glaze is too thick?

If your glaze is too thick, simply add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture may vary. Be sure to follow the instructions on the specific blend you choose for best results.

Before You Go

These Baked Vanilla Donuts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a joy to make. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to customize them to your heart’s content and share them with friends and family. Happy baking!