Donuts are one of the most popular bakery items that people enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. However, traditional fried donuts are high in calories and unhealthy. But, you can still enjoy the sweet and delicious taste of donuts without the guilt by making baked donuts at home. Baked donuts are a healthier alternative to fried donuts as they contain less fat and calories.
Ingredients
To make 12 baked donuts, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow the below instructions to make delicious baked donuts at home:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag and cut off the corner to make a small hole.
Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the donut comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Here's the nutrition information for one baked donut:
Calories: 130
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 170mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 2g
Tips for Making Perfect Baked Donuts
Here are some tips that will help you make perfect baked donuts at home:
1. Use the Right Donut Pan
Invest in a good quality donut pan to get the perfect shape and size of the donuts. Non-stick pans are the best as they ensure easy release of the donuts and make cleaning up a breeze.
2. Don't Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can result in tough and chewy donuts. Mix the batter until it is just combined, and no lumps remain.
3. Fill the Donut Pan Properly
Fill the donut pan about two-thirds full to ensure that the donuts rise and bake evenly.
4. Allow the Donuts to Cool Completely
Allow the donuts to cool completely before adding any toppings or glaze. Otherwise, the toppings will melt, and the glaze will slide off.
Baked Donut Toppings and Glazes
Baked donuts taste delicious on their own, but you can add different toppings and glazes to make them more flavorful. Here are some ideas:
1. Chocolate Glaze
Melt some chocolate chips in a microwave or over a double boiler and dip the tops of the donuts in the melted chocolate. Sprinkle some chopped nuts or sprinkles on top for extra crunch.
2. Cinnamon Sugar
Mix some cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and roll the warm donuts in the mixture. This gives the donuts a sweet and spicy flavor.
3. Vanilla Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to make a glaze. Dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze and let them dry for a few minutes before serving.
4. Fruit Toppings
Top the baked donuts with fresh fruits like berries or peaches for a healthy and colorful treat.
Conclusion
Baked donuts are a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional fried donuts. They are easy to make at home with simple ingredients, and you can customize them with different toppings and glazes. Follow the above tips and instructions to make perfect baked donuts at home and enjoy a guilt-free treat.