Baked Raspberry Donuts

Baked raspberry donuts are a delightful and vibrant twist on classic baked donuts. Bursting with the fresh and slightly tart flavor of raspberries, these soft and fluffy donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option that’s easier to prepare at home. The combination of the soft, cakey interior and the bright raspberry glaze makes these donuts irresistibly delicious and visually stunning.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these baked raspberry donuts are guaranteed to impress. They’re made with simple ingredients, come together quickly, and can be customized with endless variations. Plus, their natural pink glaze from real raspberries makes them not only tasty but also eye-catching and perfect for gifting.

This recipe will guide you step by step to create bakery-quality baked raspberry donuts, complete with tips for making them soft and fluffy, variations for different flavor combinations, and ways to store and serve them. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The raspberries add a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, cakey donuts.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are lighter, healthier, and less messy to make than fried donuts.
• Quick and Easy: You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: Add chocolate, lemon zest, or even a cream cheese glaze to tailor the donuts to your taste.
• Visually Stunning: The natural pink hue from the raspberry glaze makes these donuts as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Kid-Friendly: The bright color and fun shape make these donuts a hit with kids and adults alike.

Once you try these baked raspberry donuts, they’ll become a go-to recipe for special occasions and everyday indulgences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling and Glazing Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts

Nutritional Information (per donut)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g

Ingredients

To make these vibrant and delicious baked raspberry donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for classic donut flavor)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (chopped into small pieces)

For the Raspberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin the glaze if needed)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh raspberries
• White chocolate drizzle
• Sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with nonstick spray or butter.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg (if using), granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
• Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are fine.
• Fold in the chopped raspberries gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

2. Fill the Donut Pan:

• Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This makes it easier to fill the donut cavities evenly.
• Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Avoid overfilling to prevent the donuts from losing their shape while baking.

3. Bake the Donuts:

• Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

4. Prepare the Raspberry Glaze:

• Place the raspberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and release their juices.
• Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds.
• Whisk the raspberry juice with the powdered sugar until smooth and thick. If the glaze is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.

5. Glaze the Donuts:

• Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the raspberry glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack.
• If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries, a drizzle of white chocolate, or sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the donuts immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk!

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for baked raspberry donuts:

• Flour: Provides structure to the donuts, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the donuts rise and become light and airy.
• Butter and Milk: Add richness and moisture to the batter, ensuring soft, tender donuts.
• Raspberries: Add bursts of tangy sweetness and natural pink color to the donuts and glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy glaze that complements the tartness of the raspberries.

Technique Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a Piping Bag: Piping the batter into the donut pan ensures evenly shaped donuts and avoids a mess.
• Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on the donuts as they bake, as overbaking can dry them out.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Ensure the donuts are fully cooled to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized donuts, perfect for parties or dessert platters.
• Donut Holes: Scoop the batter into a mini muffin tin to make donut holes, then glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
• Stacked Donut Cake: Stack the donuts into a tower and drizzle with raspberry glaze for a unique and festive presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Double the Glaze: If you like your donuts extra sweet, make a larger batch of glaze for dipping or drizzling.
• Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries yield the best flavor, but frozen raspberries work well too. Just thaw and drain them before using.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Raspberry Donuts: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Raspberry Donuts: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate-flavored donuts, and top with a raspberry glaze.
• Gluten-Free Donuts: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
• Vegan Donuts: Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Decrease the sugar in the batter and glaze for a less sweet option.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Add Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the milk with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Baked raspberry donuts are perfect for brunch buffets, baby showers, or as a colorful addition to dessert tables. Serve them with coffee, tea, or mimosas for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, create a DIY donut bar where guests can glaze and decorate their own donuts with various toppings.

Special Equipment

• Donut Pan: Essential for baking evenly shaped donuts.
• Piping Bag: Makes it easier to fill the donut cavities neatly.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: For straining raspberry seeds from the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

2. Can I skip the raspberry glaze?
Of course! The donuts are delicious on their own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

3. What can I use instead of fresh raspberries?
Frozen raspberries work just as well. Thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the batter.

4. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I bake these as muffins?
Yes, simply scoop the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes.

6. How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter, and let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them.

7. Can I use other berries?
Absolutely! Try strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, fold in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

Baked raspberry donuts are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. With their soft, fluffy interior, tangy raspberry flavor, and vibrant glaze, these donuts are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a special celebration, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Try these baked raspberry donuts today and enjoy a sweet, delicious way to brighten your day!

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