Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making baked vanilla donuts at home yet, you are in for such a treat! Seriously, these little rings of joy are so simple to whip up, and the smell that fills your kitchen while they bake is just heavenly. I remember the first time I made these; I was looking for a sweet breakfast option that didn’t involve frying (because, let’s be honest, who wants that mess?). I stumbled upon this baked vanilla donuts recipe and it changed everything for me!
They come out perfectly fluffy and have that delightful vanilla flavor that makes them taste like they came straight from a cozy bakery. Plus, you can dress them up with glazes, sprinkles, or leave them as is for a classic treat. Trust me, everyone in your house (or your brunch guests!) will be begging for more. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Ingredients for Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful baked vanilla donuts. I promise, it’s a straightforward list that you probably already have in your pantry!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure everything accurately, especially the flour, because too much can lead to dense donuts. And if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. Easy peasy! Now that you have your ingredients lined up, we’re on our way to making something delicious!
How to Prepare Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful baked vanilla donuts! It’s easier than you think, and I promise, each step is totally manageable.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important for even baking and achieving that perfect fluffy texture. While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk these together to make sure they’re well mixed. Proper measurement is key here, especially with the flour—too much can lead to a dense donut. So, gently spoon and level your flour for the best results!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, it’s time to whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. The mixture should be a lovely creamy consistency; this will help achieve that delicious moistness in the donuts.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to keeping your donuts light and fluffy. A few lumps are totally okay!
Fill the Donut Pan
Grab your donut pan and lightly grease it if you haven’t already. I find it easiest to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the pan. This way, you can easily control the amount of batter you’re adding and avoid any messy spills. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full for the best rise!
Bake the Donuts
Pop the filled donut pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s such a satisfying moment!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where the magic happens! You can enjoy them plain, or dress them up with your favorite glaze or sprinkles for an extra special touch. Wow, are you in for a treat!
Tips for Success with Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
Alright, friends, let’s talk about how to make sure your baked vanilla donuts turn out absolutely perfect every time. I’ve had my share of baking trials, so I’m here to share the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way!
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: If you can, stick with buttermilk for that tender, moist texture. But if you’re in a pinch, as I mentioned before, you can easily substitute with a mix of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. It’s a game changer!
- Watch Your Mixing: Remember, mixing is key! You want to combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely don’t want that. Keep it gentle!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feeling adventurous? You can jazz up your donuts with different extracts like almond or even a splash of maple syrup. Just a little tweak can transform the flavor profile entirely!
- Get Creative with Toppings: The best part about these donuts is how versatile they are! You can glaze them with a simple powdered sugar icing, dip them in chocolate, or even roll them in cinnamon sugar right after they come out of the oven. Yum!
- Check for Doneness: Stay vigilant while they’re baking! Donuts can go from perfect to overbaked in a matter of minutes. Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re good to go!
- Storing Your Donuts: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. They’re best fresh, but you can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your delicious baked vanilla donuts. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your creation!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note, friends! The nutritional information for these baked vanilla donuts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels of your products to get the most accurate information. Keep in mind, while these donuts are a delightful treat, moderation is key! Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ about Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
I know you might have some questions about these delightful baked vanilla donuts, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together! I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you get the most out of this recipe.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. It works like a charm!
How should I store leftover donuts?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking. The texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still taste delicious!
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worries! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups and bake them for a few extra minutes. They won’t be the classic donut shape, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to the batter for an extra flavor kick. Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
How can I tell when the donuts are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overbaked in no time!
Is it okay to add toppings before baking?
I wouldn’t recommend it, as toppings like glaze or sprinkles are best added after they’ve cooled down. However, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top right after they come out of the oven for a delightful twist!
Hopefully, these answers clear up any doubts you might have. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! Happy baking, and enjoy those delicious donuts!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack!
- Deliciously Fluffy: The texture is light and airy, giving you that bakery-fresh feel right at home. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one!
- Customizable: Whether you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or fun toppings, these donuts are a blank canvas for your creativity!
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy them guilt-free!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From breakfast to brunch, or even as a dessert, these donuts fit right in. They’re great for gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these donuts! Get them involved in the kitchen for some fun family time, and watch them get excited to decorate their own.
- Quick to Bake: In about 30 minutes, you can have these beauties baked and ready to serve. It’s a great way to satisfy that sweet craving without a long wait!

Baked Vanilla Donuts Recipe: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked vanilla donuts recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill a donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Store donuts in an airtight container.
- Top with glaze or sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked vanilla donuts recipe