Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey with these incredible Sugar Coated Baked Donuts! This recipe makes homemade donut creation an absolute breeze, transforming everyday pantry and fridge staples into an irresistible breakfast or dessert. Forget the complexities of deep-frying; these baked beauties offer a healthier, simpler, and equally delicious alternative that promises to be a resounding hit with every member of your family. Imagine: light, fluffy, cake-like donuts, perfectly golden, and generously coated in a shimmering blanket of sugar that melts delicately in your mouth with every bite. This isn't just a recipe; it's an invitation to create joy in your kitchen and lasting memories around your breakfast table.
The Golden Standard of Homemade Donuts
My passion for donuts runs incredibly deep – it’s a love affair that many can relate to! A quick glance at the Instagram hashtag #TheBakerMamaDoesDonuts reveals a vibrant collection of my donut adventures. And I can confidently say that these Sugar Coated Baked Donuts are a stellar addition to my beloved donut repertoire. What makes them truly special is that they are baked, not fried. This method results in a donut that is wonderfully crisp on the outside, yet unbelievably soft and tender, with a moist, cake-like crumb on the inside. Each donut is then lovingly enveloped in a melt-in-your-mouth sugar coating, creating a harmonious balance of texture and sweetness that is simply divine. In essence, they are the epitome of homemade perfection.
For those looking to elevate their baking, I've had wonderful experiences using Domino Golden Sugar in mini versions of these donuts. This fantastic ingredient, which I’ve recently discovered and wholeheartedly embrace, offers a unique flavor profile. It strikes a beautiful balance between the crisp sweetness of granulated sugar and the deeper, richer notes of brown sugar, infused with a subtle hint of molasses. This nuanced flavor adds an incredible depth that takes these donuts from delicious to extraordinary. However, don't fret if golden sugar isn't readily available; as you can clearly see from the photos, classic granulated sugar performs beautifully, delivering an equally delightful and satisfying result. The key is the simple, honest ingredients and the love you put into baking them.
Effortless Baking: Ingredients You Already Have
One of the most appealing aspects of this Sugar Coated Baked Donut recipe is its remarkable simplicity and accessibility. You likely won't need a special trip to the grocery store, as all the essential ingredients are probably already nestled in your fridge and pantry. We’re talking about basic baking staples: creamy butter, fresh milk, all-purpose flour, your choice of sugar, a farm-fresh egg, a touch of aromatic vanilla extract, and a pinch of baking soda. That’s it! This short, familiar list underscores just how straightforward and approachable this recipe is, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and complete novices.
While the ingredients are simple, there’s one crucial tool that makes all the difference for achieving the ideal baked donut texture: a donut pan. These specialized pans are truly essential, creating the perfect ring shape and ensuring an even bake that yields that characteristic dense, yet tender crumb unique to a baked donut. Without it, you might end up with donut-shaped muffins, which are tasty in their own right, but not quite the same. Once you have your trusty donut pan, the rest of the process is genuinely "easy peasy." The magic truly happens when these humble ingredients come together to form a batter that transforms into glorious, sugar-coated rings of pure bliss.
Mastering the Art of Sugar Coated Baked Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delectable sugar-coated donuts is a wonderfully straightforward process, making them an ideal project for a lazy weekend morning or a fun activity with the kids. Here’s how you can bring these homemade treats to life:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking. Next, take two 6-cavity donut pans and generously spray each cavity with a non-stick cooking spray. A well-greased pan is key to easy removal and perfectly shaped donuts.
- Melt and Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool for a few minutes; you want it warm, not hot, to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely. Once slightly cooled, whisk in your chosen sugar until well combined. Then, incorporate the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and harmonious. This forms the flavorful liquid base for your donuts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Carefully stir the all-purpose flour and baking soda into the wet ingredient mixture. Mix just until everything is combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a tender crumb.
- Fill the Donut Pans with Precision: For a clean and easy transfer, spoon your donut batter into a piping bag. If you don't have a piping bag, a large freezer bag with the corner snipped off works just as well. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling each one approximately two-thirds full. Overfilling can cause the donuts to lose their shape and rise too much, creating a less-than-ideal texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your filled donut pans into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Coat with Sugar: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. After this initial cooling, carefully remove six of the warm donuts and place them into a plastic baggie. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the bag, seal it securely, and gently toss until each donut is beautifully coated. Repeat this process with the remaining six donuts and another tablespoon of sugar.
- Serve and Savor: Your sugar-coated baked donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the ultimate treat, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
These simple steps will guide you to create perfectly textured, wonderfully sweet, and utterly delightful homemade donuts that are sure to impress and satisfy.
The Donut Journey Continues: More Delights to Explore
Once you’ve experienced the joy of these Sugar Coated Baked Donuts, you might find yourself craving even more donut-inspired adventures! Donut enthusiasts, rejoice – there's always more to explore in the wonderful world of donuts. Whether you're looking for quick and easy recipes or spectacular ways to celebrate with donuts, I've got you covered.
For those who love simplicity, my Two-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts are an absolute marvel. They prove that you don't need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delicious and satisfying. If you're a fan of fruity flavors, my Blueberry Donuts offer a sweet and crisp exterior with bursts of juicy blueberries inside, all ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, vibrant breakfast!
Beyond individual recipes, donuts can be the star of any celebration. If you’re marking a special day, why settle for a traditional cake when you can have an show-stopping Birthday Donut Cake? It's a fun, festive, and utterly memorable centerpiece. For a hands-on, creative party activity, my Decorate-Your-Own Donut Spread is pure genius. Imagine a vibrant array of tasty frostings, fresh fruits, colorful sprinkles, and candies, empowering everyone to transform plain donuts into their own personalized masterpieces. It’s an interactive experience that brings out the inner artist in everyone!
And of course, we can't forget the ultimate indulgence: the Donut Board. This magnificent spread is a donut lover's dream come true, piled high with an assortment of fresh, delicious donuts from your favorite local shop, artfully arranged alongside fresh seasonal fruits, crispy strips of bacon, and refreshing cold milk and coffee. It’s an epic culinary presentation that combines sweet and savory, making any gathering truly unforgettable.
Share Your Sweet Creations!
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your baking come to life in other kitchens! If you try this recipe for Sugar Coated Baked Donuts and decide to share your wonderful creations on social media, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama. I absolutely adore seeing the inspired and creative ways you bring my recipes to life. Your photos and stories truly brighten my day and fuel my passion for sharing more delicious ideas with our community. Happy baking!
xoxo,
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Sugar Coated Baked Donuts
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5 from 1 review
Author: The BakerMama
Description
Sugar Coated Baked Donuts make easy work of homemade baked donuts. Whip up these sweet breakfast treats using only staples from your fridge and pantry. They’ll be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup golden or granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons (for coating donuts)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 2 (6-cavity) donut pans with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and let cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar then the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the flour and baking soda until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag (or a sturdy plastic bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe into donut cavities, filling each one about 2/3-full.
- Bake donuts for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove 6 of the donuts and place them in a plastic baggie. Add 1 tablespoon sugar, seal the bag and toss to coat. Repeat with remaining 6 donuts and 1 tablespoon sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!