When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, few things compare to the delight of a freshly made donut. However, the traditional fried donut can be a little too indulgent for those looking to enjoy a healthier option. That’s where baked spiced cake donuts come into play. With their rich flavors and fluffy texture, these donuts offer a perfect balance of taste and health. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of baked spiced cake donuts, explore their origins, and guide you through making the best batch at home.
What is the Difference Between Baked and Cake Donuts?
Before we get started, let’s clarify some common terms. The main keyword for this article is “baked spiced cake donuts,” but understanding the differences between various types of donuts can enhance your appreciation of this recipe.
- Baked vs. Cake Donuts: Cake donuts are made from a sweetened batter that’s leavened with baking powder, resulting in a dense and cakey texture. Baked donuts, on the other hand, can refer to the method of cooking rather than the ingredients, where the donuts are baked in an oven instead of being fried.
- Baked vs. Fried Donuts: The traditional method of making donuts involves deep-frying them in oil, which gives them a crispy outer layer. Baked donuts are cooked in the oven, making them lighter and healthier due to less oil absorption.
- Dunkin Donuts Cake Donuts: Interestingly, most cake donuts found in popular chains like Dunkin Donuts are typically fried, not baked. However, with a baked version, you can enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect batch of baked spiced cake donuts requires a blend of carefully selected ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the best baked spiced cake donuts at home:
Preparing the Donuts
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or use a silicone donut mold.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing the Donuts
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack to set.
Tips and Variations
- Baked Cake Donuts Without Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and shape the holes with a piece of foil.
- Spiced Donuts Without Yeast: This recipe doesn’t require yeast, making it quicker and easier than traditional yeast donuts.
- Use Cake Mix: For an even quicker option, you can use a spice cake mix. Just follow the package instructions and bake them in a donut pan.
- Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, try adding cocoa powder to the batter or using a chocolate glaze.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Baked spiced cake donuts are the perfect treat for those who want to indulge without the guilt of frying. With their aromatic spices and fluffy texture, they make a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. Plus, they’re easy to customize and make at home.
If you’re interested in trying more delicious recipes, check out our Old Fashioned Cake Donut Recipe Baked or our Best Baked Cake Donut Recipe. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts on this recipe and share your baked spiced cake donuts on social media with the hashtag #easycrispyrecipes. Subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes and kitchen tips. Enjoy baking