Last week I started a “Homemade Celebrations” series. Basically, my theory is that instead of running out to buy everything for your family’s celebrations, try your hand at making instead. The philosophy isn’t about making life harder, but more simple. It isn’t always more simple or better to make it yourself – in which case, yes! go out and buy it. However, I think we needlessly get intimidated by things like making simple flower arrangements, baking birthday cakes, etc. It isn’t that hard and it can be so much fun to do it yourself.
I love good bakery donuts, but they are so hard to find. I want them fresh, I want them warm and I want them not too sweet. Frying homemade donuts is not something I want to do very often… maybe 2-3 times a year. However, I’ve finally perfected a baked donut recipe that is so yummy – tender, soft and fluffy. The best part is that you can make the batter ahead of time, scoop into a disposable piping bag which can then be placed into the freezer or fridge. Thaw overnight (if placed in freezer), pipe into a donut pan, then bake them anytime you want. (I do the same thing with muffins!) They take 6-8 minutes to bake. Literally, by the time the coffee is ready I can have warm, fluffy cake donuts any day of the week and I don’t have to leave the house. This could get dangerous!
Baked Cake Donut Essentials :
I’ve topped these with a chocolate glaze and sprinkles – perfect for a morning birthday treat. Or for a Friday. Or Tuesday. We also love tossing them in cinnamon and sugar, or powdered sugar. For the recipe, I started with the King Arthur Flour recipe, but modified after trying a couple of times. (More butter and brown sugar, less flour.)
There is also a new Mini Donut Pan available in my store. Have you ever?! These are the cutest things I’ve ever seen. I think they would be darling for a ladies breakfast or shower. Served with a pumpkin spice or vanilla latte? omg.
Stay tuned for more toppings ideas!
Baked Cake Donuts
makes 12 large donuts or 24 mini
6 tablespoons of butter, melted
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 granulated sugar
1/2 light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup of milk
2 1/4 flour
……
2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing pan
……
recipe for glaze follows below
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a mixer, mix together 6 t of melted butter, oil and white and brown sugars until smooth. Add eggs, beating until combined. Stir in baking powder, soda, salt and vanilla. Pour in milk, then top with flour. Mix on low just until incorporated.
Scoop the batter into two large piping bags. Brush the donut pans with the melted butter. Pipe batter into pans until they are almost full.
Large Donuts : Bake donuts for 8 minutes until golden and puffed.
Mini Donuts : Bake 5-6 minutes until golden and puffed.
Let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto parchment to glaze.
The batter is similar to a muffin batter – super easy to mix together.
This recipe will make about 2 batches. Split the batter between two large disposable piping bags. Save one for later in the fridge (if using within a couple of days) or the freezer. Just get it out of the freezer and put it in the fridge the night before so it is thawed ready to go in the morning.
I write on the bag with a sharpie so I can tell it isn’t muffin batter!
The piping bag makes it so much easier to put it in the pan. Fill them almost to the top to get fluffy, full donuts.
Glaze while they’re still a little warm, but not too hot.
Chocolate Glaze
1/2 stick of butter (4 tablespoons)
1/4 cup of milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 cups powdered sugar (desired consistency)
*Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar if you don’t want any lumps.
In a microwave safe measuring cup, heat butter and milk in the microwave until butter is melted. Add cocoa and heat for 30 more seconds, stir vigorously to break up any lumps of cocoa. Stir in powdered sugar, starting with 1 cup at a time, then add more if you’d like it to be thicker.
And top with sprinkles, of course.
I hope you find an occasion (like any day of the week) to make them soon : )
Baked Cake Donut Essentials :