Baked Raspberry Donuts

Introduction

Baked Raspberry Donuts are a light and fluffy treat that combines the sweetness of fresh raspberries with the soft texture of a baked donut. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional donuts, while still delivering on flavor. The tangy raspberries are incorporated into the batter, giving each bite a burst of fresh fruitiness, and they’re topped with a simple glaze that complements the natural sweetness of the raspberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

I first made these when I wanted a healthier donut option but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor. The result was delicious, and my family couldn’t get enough. What I love about these donuts is their versatility—you can enjoy them as is or sprinkle some extra fruit on top, or even dip them in chocolate for an indulgent treat. They’re also incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time.

Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast or enjoying a cozy snack, these Baked Raspberry Donuts are sure to bring a little sweetness to your day!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Afternoon snacks
• Brunch parties or gatherings
• Raspberry lovers
• Light, fruity desserts

Why You’ll Love This Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here’s why Baked Raspberry Donuts will become your new favorite:

• Fresh and Fruity: The addition of fresh raspberries in both the batter and the glaze creates a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
• Light and Fluffy: These donuts are baked instead of fried, which makes them lighter and fluffier while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow ingredients and steps, these donuts come together quickly and without the need for a deep fryer.
• Versatile: You can experiment with different fruits or flavors in the glaze, making this recipe customizable.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Raspberry Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh raspberries, mashed or pureed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

For the Raspberry Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry puree (from fresh raspberries)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk, if needed to thin the glaze

Ingredient Highlights

• Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are the star of the show, adding both flavor and color to the donuts and the glaze.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang that gives the donuts a tender, soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting, warm note to the donuts that complements the tangy raspberries.
• Butter: The butter provides richness to the donut batter, helping them stay soft and tender.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, powdered sugar gives it a smooth, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Baked Raspberry Donuts:

Make the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly coat it with butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the Raspberries: Gently mash or puree the raspberries and stir them into the wet ingredients. If using mashed raspberries, you can leave some small chunks for texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the donuts stay light and fluffy.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the batter evenly.

Bake the Donuts:

7. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown around the edges.
8. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Raspberry Glaze:

9. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, raspberry puree, and vanilla extract. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze, or drizzle it over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Baked Raspberry Donuts

Baked Raspberry Donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these donuts alongside fresh coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• For Dessert: These donuts make a lovely, light dessert after a meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy one or two as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk or a hot beverage.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.

Additional Tips for Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Raspberry Donuts are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until combined.
• Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries work best in this recipe for both the donuts and the glaze. If using frozen raspberries, thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Don’t Overfill the Donut Pan: Be sure to only fill the pan ¾ full to allow the donuts to rise properly.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the donut batter the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake them the next day for a quick breakfast.

Recipe Variations for Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Baked Raspberry Donuts:

• Lemon Raspberry Donuts: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy twist, or top with lemon glaze for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Raspberry Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the donut batter for a chocolatey version, and drizzle with a chocolate glaze.
• Almond Raspberry Donuts: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Coconut Raspberry Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical variation.
• Maple Raspberry Donuts: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract for a maple-flavored glaze.
• Raspberry Streusel Donuts: Add a crumbly streusel topping made with flour, butter, and sugar before baking.
• Raspberry Cream Cheese Donuts: Add a small dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each donut before baking for a creamy surprise.
• Raspberry Almond Glaze: Replace raspberry puree in the glaze with almond extract for a nutty raspberry glaze.
• Gluten-Free Raspberry Donuts: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Raspberry and White Chocolate Donuts: Add white chocolate chips to the donut batter and drizzle with a raspberry glaze for a sweet, creamy combination.

Freezing and Storage for Baked Raspberry Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Baked Raspberry Donuts easier:

• Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is essential for making perfectly shaped baked donuts.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to incorporate the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Bag or Spoon: Use a pastry bag or spoon to easily fill the donut pan with batter.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack is perfect for letting the donuts cool evenly after baking.
• Small Bowl: A small bowl is handy for making the raspberry glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Baked Raspberry Donuts

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
   Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make donut holes or muffins instead of traditional donuts.
3. Can I use a different type of fruit?
   Yes, you can substitute the raspberries with other berries such as blueberries or blackberries for a different flavor.
4. How can I make the glaze thicker?
   Add more powdered sugar to the glaze to thicken it up.
5. Can I make these donuts vegan?
   Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

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Conclusion

Baked Raspberry Donuts offer the perfect balance of light texture, fruity flavor, and a touch of sweetness. They’re quick to make, healthier than traditional fried donuts, and customizable to suit any taste. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are sure to brighten up your day. With their tangy raspberry glaze and soft, fluffy crumb, these baked raspberry donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from lazy mornings to casual gatherings. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these donuts will always hit the spot.

I’d love to see how your Baked Raspberry Donuts turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!