How to Make the Perfect Baked Doughnut Without Frying

How to Make the Perfect Baked Doughnut Without Frying

Baked doughnuts are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts, offering the same soft, fluffy texture without the added oil and mess. Making the perfect baked doughnut is easy, and with the right technique and ingredients, you can enjoy these treats at home without the need for frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect baked doughnut.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

For the base of your doughnuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the pan)

2. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the doughnuts bake evenly once the batter is ready. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the doughnut pan.

3. Prepare the Doughnut Pan

To make sure your doughnuts come out easily from the pan, grease a doughnut pan with vegetable oil or non-stick spray. If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin pan and shape the doughnuts by pressing a spoon into the center of each muffin.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are fully combined.

5. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix them until smooth and fully incorporated.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into it. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense doughnuts. The batter should be thick but slightly pourable.

7. Pipe the Batter Into the Pan

To easily fill the doughnut pan, transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the wells of the doughnut pan, filling each about three-quarters full. This will give the doughnuts room to rise without overflowing.

8. Bake the Doughnuts

Place the filled doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The doughnuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.

9. Let the Doughnuts Cool

Once baked, remove the doughnuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they maintain their texture and don’t become soggy.

10. Add Toppings or Glaze

While the doughnuts are cooling, you can prepare your favorite glaze or topping. Some popular options include:

• Simple Sugar Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, a small amount of milk, and vanilla extract to create a sweet glaze. Dip each doughnut into the glaze and let it set.
• Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips and mix with a bit of milk and butter for a rich, glossy chocolate coating.
• Cinnamon Sugar: After the doughnuts have cooled, roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for a classic finish.

You can also get creative and top your doughnuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup.

11. Serve and Enjoy

Once the glaze or toppings have set, your baked doughnuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. The soft, light texture of these baked doughnuts will make them a hit with everyone.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Doughnut

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the doughnut batter can make the doughnuts dense and tough. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter and better texture, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.

3. Customize Your Doughnuts: Feel free to add flavor variations to your batter. You can add chocolate chips, fruit zest, or even a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic baked doughnut.

4. Store Properly: These doughnuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Making the perfect baked doughnut is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and a doughnut pan, you can enjoy soft, fluffy doughnuts that are baked, not fried. Customize the flavor and toppings to suit your preferences, and you’ll have a delicious treat to share with family and friends. Whether you prefer them with a sugary glaze or a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar, these baked doughnuts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.