Indulge in the homemade delight of these Soft Baked Donuts, a perfect treat for those who prefer their sweets oven-baked to perfection. Unlike their fried counterparts, these donuts offer a lighter texture while still maintaining that indulgent taste. Infused with the zest of orange for a subtle citrus hint and topped with a luxurious white chocolate glaze and crunchy nuts, they are as visually appealing as they are delicious. This recipe is straightforward, making about 12 donuts using a silicone mold for ease and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at donut-making for the first time, these baked goods are sure to impress with their soft texture and decadent toppings.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Baked, Not Fried: A healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, but just as satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable, you can decorate these donuts with a variety of glazes and toppings to suit your taste.
- Citrus Twist: The addition of orange zest adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the sweet glaze and toppings.
Perfect Occasion:
- Brunch Gatherings: Serve these donuts as a sweet addition to your brunch menu.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Special Occasions: Customize with different toppings for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.
Decoration Tips:
- White Chocolate Glaze: The white chocolate glaze not only adds sweetness but also a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly coats each donut.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle with your choice of chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast to the soft donut and smooth glaze.
- Edible Flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, decorate with edible flowers alongside the nuts.
Ingredients & Instructions:
For the Donuts:
- Beat 2 eggs with 100g of sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in 200ml of buttermilk and 100g of melted and cooled butter, along with the zest of one orange.
- Sift 260g of all-purpose flour with a flat teaspoon of baking powder and half a teaspoon of baking soda into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag, cut off the tip, and fill each donut mold about 3/4 full. If using a silicone mold, there’s no need to grease.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let cool before removing from the mold.
For the White Chocolate Glaze (for about 6 donuts):
- Melt one bar of white chocolate with 5 tablespoons of 30% cream over low heat. Allow to cool slightly before dipping the donuts.
- Dip each donut in the white chocolate glaze, then sprinkle with your choice of nuts.
Enjoy these Soft Baked Donuts as a delightful treat that combines the comfort of baked goods with the luxury of white chocolate and the crunch of nuts, making them a perfect sweet for any occasion.
