Fluffy Homemade Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Those soft, pillowy baked vanilla donuts have been my weekend breakfast obsession lately.

My kitchen always fills with an incredible sweet aroma when these treats are in the oven.

Nobody can resist the gentle warmth and delicate fragrance wafting through the house.

Each donut promises a delightful balance between tender crumb and subtle vanilla essence.

Family brunches have never been the same since I perfected this simple recipe.

Home bakers will appreciate how quickly these donuts come together with minimal ingredients.

Serving these golden, perfectly glazed rings that look like they came from a professional bakery.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible homemade delights.

Best Sips And Sides For Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

• Pair with Aromatic Coffee: The subtle sweetness of vanilla donuts perfectly complements a rich, medium-roast coffee. The nutty and caramel undertones in the coffee enhance the delicate vanilla flavor, creating a harmonious morning breakfast experience.
• Complement with Fruit Compote: Serve these donuts alongside a fresh berry compote or raspberry sauce. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the donut's sweetness, adding a bright, refreshing contrast that elevates the entire dessert.
• Match with Creamy Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate provides a decadent pairing for these vanilla donuts. The smooth, chocolatey drink creates a comforting combination that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.
• Enhance with Vanilla Chai Latte: The spicy notes of a chai latte beautifully highlight the vanilla essence in the donuts. Its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and other warm spices creates a complex and delightful flavor profile that makes each bite more exciting.

Tasty Twists On Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

• Chocolate Swirl Donuts: Blend cocoa powder into half the batter and create a marbled effect by swirling the vanilla and chocolate batters together before baking.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Add fresh orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweet vanilla base.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or toasted coconut over the donuts before baking for added texture and nutty richness.
• Glazed Berry Version: Top warm donuts with a quick strawberry or raspberry glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with fresh berry puree for a fruity finish.

Simple FAQs For Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

• Why bake donuts instead of frying them?

Baking donuts is a healthier alternative that reduces oil absorption, cuts down on calories, and creates a lighter, softer texture while still delivering delicious flavor without the mess of deep frying.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum, which helps maintain the donuts’ structure and texture.

• How do I get a perfect donut shape without special equipment?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and create a donut shape by placing a small round object (like a bottle cap) in the center of each cavity before pouring the batter, which will create a hole as the donuts bake.

• What's the best way to ensure my donuts don't stick to the pan?

Always generously grease your donut pan with nonstick spray or butter, and consider using a silicone donut pan for the easiest release of baked donuts.

Why Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe Is So Easy And Good

• Effortless Baking Delight: These vanilla donuts offer a simple, straightforward baking experience that even novice bakers can master with minimal kitchen skills.
• Quick Oven-Friendly Treat: Baking at a standard 350F temperature means you'll have delicious donuts ready in no time, without the mess and hassle of deep-frying.
• Versatile Breakfast or Snack Option: Perfect for morning breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or unexpected sweet cravings, these donuts provide a convenient and crowd-pleasing solution for any time of day.
• Nonstick Pan Convenience: Using a donut pan with nonstick spray ensures easy release and minimal cleanup, making the entire baking process smooth and stress-free.

Ingredients List For Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donuts, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donut.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a classic, warm flavor to the donuts.

• Nonstick Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan.
• Powdered Sugar or Vanilla Glaze (Optional): For a sweet finishing touch.

How To Make Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for some donut magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Grab your donut pan and give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray or gently brush it with softened butter. This ensures your donuts will slip out perfectly golden and intact.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg (optional but delightful)

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Step 5: Create Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are totally okay and will keep your donuts tender.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re done when they spring back when lightly touched and have a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove and transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

Pro Tips For Better Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

• Grease with Care: Use a light, even coating of nonstick spray or softened butter to ensure donuts release effortlessly from the pan without sticking.
• Temperature Precision: Allow oven to fully preheat before baking to guarantee consistent, golden-brown donuts with perfect texture.
• Pan Selection Matters: Invest in a quality non-stick donut pan for professional-looking results and easy cleanup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance vanilla notes by using pure vanilla extract or scraping fresh vanilla bean seeds for a more intense, authentic taste.

How To Keep Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm donuts at 300F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their delightful softness and bringing back that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave Option: Quickly heat donuts for 10-15 seconds, which helps revive their warmth without making them tough or dry.

Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly “Baked Vanilla Donuts” offer a delightful twist on classic pastry perfection. Sweet vanilla notes and light cake texture invite donut enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk (or whole milk)
• ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even heat distribution for perfect donuts.
2. Prepare the donut pan by creating a light, non-stick surface using cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
3. Sift together the dry ingredients, blending flour, baking powder, and salt to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
5. Gently fold in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive batter without overmixing.
6. Incorporate the vanilla extract, allowing its rich aroma to permeate the mixture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
8. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off for precise filling of the donut molds.
9. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
10. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven, baking until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes to set their shape.
12. Gently release the donuts from the pan, transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, dip in glaze, or decorate as desired for a personalized touch.

Notes

• Always use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant vanilla flavor, especially high-quality vanilla extract.
• Room temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly, creating a more consistent donut batter with better texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense donuts; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Grease the donut pan thoroughly and use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with the corner snipped for neater, more precise filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg