Craving donuts without the mess of frying or the hassle of kneading dough? These baked no-knead donuts are the perfect shortcut to sweet satisfaction. Soft, fluffy, and endlessly customizable, they come together quickly and taste just as indulgent as their deep-fried counterparts—without the extra oil.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Donuts
- No Yeast or Kneading – Forget proofing and mixing by hand. Just stir, bake, and enjoy!
- Better-For-You Option – Baked instead of fried means less oil and a lighter treat.
- Foolproof and Fast – Whip up a batch in under an hour, even on a busy morning.
- Kid-Approved – Perfect for decorating and snacking—let little hands help!
- Totally Customizable – Change up glazes, add-ins, or flavors to match any mood or season.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Makes 12 Donuts)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk (any variety—dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping Ideas:
Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or melted chocolate drizzle.
How to Make No-Knead Baked Donuts
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or coat with baking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In one bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 3: Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Pipe into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Let cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Add Glaze & Toppings
While the donuts cool, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip or drizzle over the donuts, then decorate as desired while the glaze is still wet.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Yeast Needed: Baking powder does the heavy lifting here, keeping things light and quick.
- Baked, Not Fried: You’ll get all the donut flavor you love without deep frying.
- Simple, Real Ingredients: No special equipment or tricky steps—just everyday pantry staples.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Chocolate Donuts: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter and top with chocolate glaze.
- Spiced Version: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for fall flavor.
- Zesty Citrus: Mix in orange or lemon zest and use citrus juice in the glaze.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized fun—bake just 6–8 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Tips for the Best Baked Donuts
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Leave room for the donuts to rise—3/4 full is perfect.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let them cool completely to avoid melted glaze.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days. Refresh in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch Ready: Pair with coffee or tea for a laid-back weekend treat.
- Birthday Fun: Glaze with bright colors and cover in sprinkles!
- DIY Donut Bar: Let guests dip and decorate their own at your next gathering.
Final Thoughts
These no-knead baked donuts prove you don’t need a fryer—or hours in the kitchen—to enjoy fresh, homemade donuts. Light, fluffy, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any sweet craving in between. Plus, they’re a blank canvas for endless creativity.
Have you tried baking your own donuts at home? Let us know your favorite glaze, flavor combo, or secret tip in the comments below! 🍩
