How to Make Baked Donuts at Home – Easy, No-Fry Donut Recipe

Baked donuts are a healthier, oven-baked twist on the classic treat soft, flavorful, and free from excess oil. Whether you’re a beginner baker or looking for a guilt-free dessert, these donuts are easy to make at home with simple ingredients and endless flavor options.

• How to Store Donuts Properly: Keep Them Fresh Longer
• How Long Do Donuts Last?
  

Introduction to Baked Donuts

Baked donuts have become a popular choice for those seeking a delicious treat without the extra oil and calories of traditional fried donuts. Unlike fried donuts, baked donuts are cooked in the oven, making them a lighter, healthier option that still satisfies your sweet cravings.

Comparison: Baked Donuts vs. Fried Donuts

Benefits of Baking Donuts Instead of Frying

• Less Oil, Fewer Calories: Baking reduces fat content, making donuts better for weight management.
• Healthier Ingredients: Allows control over ingredients, ideal for clean eating.
• Easy and Convenient: No need for hot oil or deep fryers, safer and less messy.
• Suitable for Various Diets: Perfect for those on low-fat, vegan, or diet-conscious plans.

Who Should Try Baked Donuts?

• Dieters and Health Enthusiasts: Looking for guilt-free treats.
• Beginner Bakers: Easy recipes without frying risks.
• Busy Home Cooks: Quick and simple preparation.
• Vegan and Special Diet Followers: Easily adaptable recipes.

Basic Ingredients for Homemade Baked Donuts

Creating perfect baked donuts starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a list of the essential components:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for soft, tender donuts.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the dough for a light texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
• Milk: Provides moisture and tenderness.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor and a soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the donut’s aroma and taste.
• Optional Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to add warmth and depth.
  

How to Make Basic Baked Donuts at Home: Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Baked donuts are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make soft, fluffy baked donuts right in your oven without any frying. Follow this detailed guide to create perfect homemade baked donuts every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 175°C (350°F)

Begin by preheating your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature is ideal for baking donuts evenly, ensuring they rise well and develop a light golden crust without drying out.

Step 2: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the donuts from sticking and helps them release easily after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth and flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Whisking these ingredients ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth:

• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk or buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donuts dense and tough.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

If you don’t have a piping bag, use a spoon to carefully fill each mold.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the donuts are puffed, lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Check for doneness starting at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Remove the donut pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then gently remove them from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the glaze or toppings from melting.

Step 9: Optional – Add Glaze or Toppings

Once cooled, you can enhance your baked donuts with a variety of toppings:

• Classic glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip donuts and let excess drip off.
• Cinnamon sugar: Toss warm donuts in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• Chocolate glaze: Melt chocolate with a bit of cream and dip donuts for a rich finish.
• Sprinkles or nuts: Add immediately after glazing for decoration and texture.

Popular Variations of Baked Donuts

Chocolate Baked Donuts

To make chocolate baked donuts, simply add cocoa powder to your basic donut batter to give it a rich chocolate flavor. After baking, enhance the donuts by glazing them with a smooth chocolate glaze or dusting with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to make chocolate baked donuts:

• Mix cocoa powder into the dry ingredients of your donut batter.
• Bake the donuts as usual at 175–180°C for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
• Prepare a chocolate glaze by melting dark chocolate with a bit of cream or butter.
• Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack. Alternatively, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

This variation offers a moist, tender donut with a deep chocolate taste that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.

Healthy Diet-Friendly Baked Donuts

For those looking for a healthier or lower-carb option, you can substitute traditional all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. These flours add nutritional value and a slightly different texture that many find enjoyable.

Tips for diet-friendly baked donuts:

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour in the recipe.
• Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup instead of refined sugar.
• Consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance flavor without extra calories.

This version is ideal for people on low-carb, gluten-free, or clean-eating diets, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

Vegan Baked Donuts

Vegan baked donuts exclude all animal products but still deliver delicious results by using plant-based alternatives.

How to make vegan baked donuts:

• Replace eggs with natural egg substitutes such as unsweetened applesauce (about 1/4 cup per egg) or mashed ripe banana. These ingredients help bind the batter and add moisture.
• Use plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
• Swap melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil to maintain richness.

These swaps create soft, fluffy donuts suitable for vegans or those with dairy or egg allergies, without sacrificing taste or texture

How to Store and Package Baked Donut Recipe for Gifting or Takeaway

Baked donuts, unlike fried ones, tend to dry out faster if not stored properly. Here’s how you can keep them fresh and presentable whether you’re saving them for later, gifting to friends, or selling at a home bakery.

Storing at Home:

• Let the donuts cool completely before storing.
  
• Use an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  
• For longer freshness, refrigerate and reheat in the oven for 3–5 minutes before serving.
  
• Avoid plastic wrap it traps moisture and can ruin the glaze.
  

Gifting or Selling Baked Donuts:

Presentation matters! Whether you're giving donuts as a gift or delivering them to customers, eco-friendly packaging is a great way to show care for the planet and the product.

• Use kraft paper boxes or windowed cake boxes to protect and display your donuts beautifully.
  
• Choose biodegradable or recyclable materials that are food-safe and grease-resistant.
  
• Consider adding a personal touch like a thank-you sticker or handwritten note.
  

How to Ship Baked Goods? Tips For Bakery Owner

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Donuts

Q1: Are baked donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Yes, baked donuts generally contain less fat and fewer calories since they’re made without deep frying. However, they can still be indulgent depending on the ingredients used.

Q2: Why are my baked donuts dry or dense?

This usually happens if you overmix the batter or bake them for too long. Make sure to measure ingredients carefully and check doneness around the 8-minute mark.

Q3: Can I make baked donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can pipe the batter into muffin tins or silicone molds and use aluminum foil “plugs” to shape the hole. Though a donut pan gives the best result, it’s not mandatory.

Q4: How should I package baked donuts for selling or gifting?

Opt for food-safe, eco-conscious packaging like kraft boxes or paper trays. It keeps your donuts fresh, looks great, and aligns with modern sustainability values.

Conclusion

Baked donuts are the perfect combination of simplicity, health, and indulgence. With just a few ingredients and no deep-frying required, anyone can enjoy making them at home. From vegan to chocolate variations, there’s a baked donut for every taste and diet. Don’t forget if you’re gifting or selling your creations, choosing eco-friendly packaging helps keep them fresh and beautifully presented while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.