Eggless Baked Donut Recipe: A Fluffy, Guilt-Free Treat
If you’ve ever craved donuts but hesitated because of dietary restrictions or the mess of frying, this eggless baked donut recipe is your answer. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier indulgence. Let’s dive into the recipe and some pro tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These eggless baked donuts are:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Top them with glaze, frosting, or sprinkles.
- Diet-friendly: Egg-free, and can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps.
- Healthier: Baked, not fried, so they’re lower in fat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option).
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste).
- 1 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness).
- ¼ tsp baking soda.
- ¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness).
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a vegan version).
- 140ml milk + 1 tsp vinegar (DIY buttermilk for softness).
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for that classic flavor).
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar.
- 1½ tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- Sprinkles or toppings of your choice (optional but fun!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix the milk and vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla to the milk mixture, then pour this into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
2. Bake the Donuts
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full (they’ll rise!).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Glaze and Decorate
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker glaze).
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Add sprinkles or other toppings immediately before the glaze sets.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Use a Piping Bag: Filling the donut pan is much easier with a piping bag or Ziploc bag.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Warm donuts will melt the glaze, so let them cool entirely.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add citrus zest, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon to the batter for a twist.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
- Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Serving: Pair these donuts with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Final Thoughts
These eggless baked donuts are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s a great way to involve kids in the kitchen—they’ll love decorating the donuts with sprinkles!
So, grab your donut pan and get baking. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again.
