Description
Delight in these warm, baked vanilla donuts that are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened. Made with simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and vanilla extract, these homemade donuts are baked instead of fried, offering a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a smooth vanilla glaze, they are ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of donuts.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are thoroughly combined, providing an even leavening and balanced flavor base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, plain yogurt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, which will help produce tender donuts.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be smooth with a slightly thick consistency to ensure light donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. For a cleaner and more precise fill, transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into the molds.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
- Add Toppings: Once completely cooled, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or dip the tops into vanilla glaze, if desired, to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can try using a mini muffin pan but the shape will differ.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- To make a simple vanilla glaze, combine powdered sugar with vanilla extract and a little milk until smooth.
