Ah, donuts. Can you really find a more indulgent, sweet, fried, satisfying treat? I submit that you cannot. However, those calories add up. And the grease? Yeeks. I’ve definitely have donut-eaters remorse on more than one occasion (donuts happen to be a favorite treat of mine and the boys!), and really thought there had to be a better option that simply going without. Enter: the baked donut. A sort of cake / donut hybrid, this lighter version retains so much of the flavor of traditionally fried donuts without the intensity of actually frying them. These baked vanilla bean donuts with vanilla glaze are easy, quick, and I’m betting even the most die-hard-fried-donut-lovers among you will be shocked at how much they love them.
What you’ll need to make these baked vanilla bean donuts with vanilla glaze:
All Purpose Flour
Granulated Sugar
Baking Powder
Salt
A Large Egg
Milk
Salted Butter
Dietary Substitutes
Now these donuts are fairly straightforward to make, and you can absolutely use some simple subs to make them both dairy free and / or gluten free. Bobs Red Mill makes a wonderful 1:1 gluten free flour blend. Miyokos makes the best plant based butter, and any unsweetened plant based milk can substitute for dairy milk. My go-to is almond milk, because the mild flavor blends seamlessly into my baked goods. Using coconut milk might add a small coconut flavor, which would pair very well with the vanilla bean if you like coconut.
Alternate Toppings for Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts
Vanilla candy melts were used for the glaze in this recipe to get the whitest frosted look (plus I colored half of it pink for those mini donuts), and it paired beautifully with the crushed rose petals (SOOOO Valentine-y right?). You could definitely add any sort of alternate topping that you fancy! While the donuts are still hot, roll them in granulated sugar and enjoy them warm. You could also melt milk chocolate and dip them in that, creating a definitely-donut-drive-through-like experience. Sprinkles, white chocolate, crushed nuts, coconut, candy pieces ... basically dip, top, and drizzle anything your heart desires onto these incredibly versatile vanilla bean donuts! I’m fairly certain that they will become a staple in your baked good repertoire.
As always, tag me if you make them! -> #HHBBAKES
XO,
Heather
Other Favorite Dessert Recipes
Mini Tarts with Lemon Curd and Shortbread Crust
Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups whole or 2% milk
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste
- ¾ cup vanilla candy melts
Instructions
- To make the donuts: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray a standard donut baking pan well.
- Into a large bowl, combine all donut ingredients until just incorporated. Spoon 3 tbsps into each donut cavern.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before tapping the donuts out onto a baking rack.
- For the glaze: Melt candy according to packaging, being cautious to not overmelt as it will become stiff and unworkable. Gently mix in the rose syrup well. Dip donuts into the warm mixture and allow to cool. Enjoy!
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