Mini Baked Donuts
If you’re a fan of soft, fluffy treats that are just the right size for snacking, then these Mini Baked Donuts are sure to become your new favorite. With a light lemony flavor and a convenient baked method, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. What’s even better? They’re simple to make and can be customized to fit your craving. Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked donut that’s just sweet enough, with the perfect hint of citrus. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks everywhere adore Mini Baked Donuts for several reasons. First and foremost, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. The zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist that brightens up the palate, making these donuts a delightful choice at any time of the day. Their small size means you can enjoy just one or indulge in a few without guilt. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can glaze them, dust them with powdered sugar, or even dip them in chocolate. Once you try these Mini Baked Donuts, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved treat in kitchens around the world.
Ingredient Notes
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. We’re using cup for just the right amount of sweetness.
- Lemon Zest: The zest of one lemon brings a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the donuts to a whole new level.
- Cake Flour: Using 1 ½ cups of sifted cake flour gives these donuts a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder: At 1 ½ tsp., this is essential for leavening, ensuring your donuts rise beautifully.
- Salt: A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Buttermilk: ½ cup of buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the lemon zest perfectly.
- Egg: A lightly beaten egg acts as a binder and contributes to the richness of the donuts.
- Butter: 1 ½ tbsp. of melted butter adds flavor and moisture, making the donuts irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: Just ½ teaspoon of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness.
Recommended Tools
- Donut Pan: Essential for shaping your mini donuts perfectly. A non-stick pan works best.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of these for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Whisk: A good whisk helps combine your ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key in baking, so don’t skip these!
- Cooling Rack: This allows your donuts to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.
Mini Baked Donuts: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Mini Baked Donuts will rise perfectly and develop that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Prepare Your Donut Pan
Grease your donut pan with a light coating of cooking spray or melted butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest together, allowing the oils from the zest to infuse the sugar. Then add the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients just combined.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter. This allows room for rising without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Once your Mini Baked Donuts are cool, feel free to glaze them, dust with powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain. They’re delicious either way!
Fit It to Your Goals
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar to suit your taste or use a sugar substitute.
- Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Healthier Fats: Replace butter with coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option.
Errors to Dodge
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Not greasing the donut pan properly can result in sticking. Ensure it’s well greased for easy removal.
- Underbaking or overbaking can spoil the texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Skipping the cooling rack may leave your donuts soggy. Always let them cool properly before serving.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Mini Baked Donuts are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them properly before enjoying!
Handy Q&A
Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes! While the shape will be different, you can still use a muffin pan. Just be cautious with the baking time, as muffins may take longer to bake than donuts.
How can I add a glaze to my Mini Baked Donuts?
To make a simple glaze, combine powdered sugar with a bit of milk and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled donuts for a sweet finish.
What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
If your donuts turn out dense, try checking your baking powder for freshness. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter as this can lead to a tougher texture.
Can I add toppings to my Mini Baked Donuts?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle them with sprinkles, dip them in chocolate, or roll them in cinnamon sugar for an extra special treat.
Let’s Eat
These Mini Baked Donuts are not just a delightful treat; they’re a canvas for creativity. With their soft texture and zesty lemon flavor, they make for a perfect snack or dessert option. Whether you choose to keep them simple or dress them up with glazes and toppings, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients, grab your tools, and get ready to bake a batch of Mini Baked Donuts that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Mini Baked Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare Your Donut Pan - Grease your donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Then add the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 5: Combine Mixtures - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
- Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan - Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter.
- Step 7: Bake - Bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 8: Cool - Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Serve & Enjoy - Glaze, dust with powdered sugar, or enjoy plain.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Reduce sugar for a lower-sugar option or use a sugar substitute.
- Add spices like cinnamon for different flavor variations.
