10 Oven-Baked Donut Recipes That Skip the Deep Frying
Making fresh donuts at home doesn’t require messy oil or special equipment. These oven-baked treats deliver all the sweetness and satisfaction you crave.
From chocolate coffee combinations to fruity banana varieties, these simple recipes transform basic ingredients into bakery-worthy donuts right in your kitchen.
01. Rich Chocolate Coffee Donuts
Bold coffee flavor meets rich chocolate in these decadent baked treats. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of joe.
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled), ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons coffee (for glaze).
How To Make Rich Chocolate Coffee Donuts
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 6-cavity donut pan with butter or cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
2. Combine cooled coffee, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl, whisking until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix which can make donuts tough.
3. Fold in chocolate chips gently, then spoon batter into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes until donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with coffee until smooth, then dip each donut face-down into glaze and let set for 10 minutes before serving.
02. Bite-Sized Mini Donuts
These adorable mini treats pack warm spices into every bite-sized morsel. Made in a regular muffin tin, they’re perfect for parties or portion control.
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup whole milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating).
How To Make Bite-Sized Mini Donuts
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until batter comes together with no streaks of flour visible.
3. Transfer batter to a piping bag or large zip-top bag with corner snipped off. Pipe batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full to prevent overflow during baking.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and tops spring back when touched. Cool for 3 minutes in pan, then remove and immediately roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture for best coating adhesion.
03. Classic Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Simple chocolate donuts with a glossy glaze that rivals any bakery version. These kitchen staples come together quickly for satisfying homemade treats.
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
How To Make Classic Chocolate Glazed Donuts
1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease donut pan well. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps that could create dense spots.
2. Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and fold together gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing which creates tough donuts.
3. Spoon batter evenly into donut pan cavities, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 11-13 minutes until donuts feel set when lightly pressed and pull slightly away from pan edges.
4. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before turning out. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cocoa powder until smooth. Dip cooled donuts face-down into glaze, letting excess drip off before placing on wire rack.
5. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving. I like to add a pinch of espresso powder to the glaze for extra depth of chocolate flavor.
04. Crispy Buttermilk Donuts
These golden donuts achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Tangy buttermilk creates the ideal tender crumb structure.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¾ cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, powdered sugar for dusting.
How To Make Crispy Buttermilk Donuts
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and thoroughly grease donut pan with butter for best browning. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl, whisking to distribute spices evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until mixture is completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible.
3. Create a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture all at once. Stir just until flour disappears, keeping mixing to minimum for tender results.
4. Fill donut pan cavities ¾ full with batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops are golden brown and donuts spring back when touched lightly in center.
5. Cool in pan for 3 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust generously with powdered sugar or dip in your favorite glaze for extra sweetness.
05. Healthy Banana Yogurt Donuts
Fresh bananas and Greek yogurt make these donuts surprisingly nutritious without sacrificing flavor. A guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 2 ripe bananas (mashed), ½ cup banana Greek yogurt, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Healthy Banana Yogurt Donuts
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pan with coconut oil or cooking spray. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining for texture. Stir in Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla until mixture is creamy and uniform.
3. Add banana mixture to flour mixture and fold together gently until just combined. Don’t worry if batter looks slightly lumpy – overmixing will make donuts dense and heavy.
4. Divide batter evenly among donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack. These are delicious plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with a drizzle of Nutella as the original recipe creator suggests.
06. Quick Basic Buttermilk Donuts
This foolproof recipe delivers bakery-quality results in just thirty minutes. Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most satisfying homemade treats.
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, oil for greasing.
How To Make Quick Basic Buttermilk Donuts
1. Heat oven to 375°F and generously grease donut pan. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, making sure baking powder is evenly distributed for consistent rise.
2. Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla in a measuring cup until smooth and well blended. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir just until batter comes together.
3. Spoon batter into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Tap pan gently on counter to release any air bubbles and ensure even baking.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pan for 2 minutes before carefully removing to wire rack to finish cooling completely before glazing or dusting.
07. Autumn Apple Chunk Donuts
Sweet apple pieces throughout create delightful texture contrasts in these seasonal favorites. Perfectly spiced for cozy mornings with coffee and conversation.
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 medium apple (peeled and diced), 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
How To Make Autumn Apple Chunk Donuts
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pan thoroughly. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl, whisking to break up any brown sugar clumps.
2. Whisk milk, melted butter, and egg in separate bowl until smooth. Dice apple into small ¼-inch pieces for even distribution and optimal texture in finished donuts.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in diced apple pieces gently, being careful not to overmix which can make donuts tough and dense.
4. Fill donut pan cavities ¾ full with batter. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
5. Cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove to wire rack. While still warm, brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture for a bakery-style finish that adds extra sweetness and spice.
08. Simple Baking Mix Donuts
Using all-purpose baking mix as a shortcut ingredient makes these donuts incredibly easy. Perfect for busy mornings when you want fresh treats fast.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick), ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, oil for greasing, powdered sugar for dusting.
How To Make Simple Baking Mix Donuts
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease donut pan well with oil or cooking spray. Pour baking mix into a large mixing bowl and create a well in the center for easy mixing.
2. Whisk together milk, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl until sugar dissolves and mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
3. Pour wet ingredients into the well of baking mix and stir just until batter comes together. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are fine and will create more tender donuts.
4. Spoon batter into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and donuts feel firm when lightly pressed.
5. Cool in pan for 3 minutes before turning out onto wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar while still slightly warm, or let cool completely before adding your favorite glaze or frosting.
09. Tender Cake-Style Donuts
These incredibly fluffy donuts have a cake-like crumb that melts in your mouth. Once you try these homemade versions, store-bought will never compare.
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup powdered sugar.
How To Make Tender Cake-Style Donuts
1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease donut pan generously. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together in a large bowl to ensure the lightest possible texture.
2. In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until completely smooth and well combined. The oil helps create the tender crumb that makes these donuts so special.
3. Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture. Stir gently just until flour disappears – overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, chewy donuts instead of tender ones.
4. Fill donut pan cavities ¾ full with batter, tapping pan lightly to settle batter and remove air bubbles. Bake for 12-14 minutes until tops are golden and spring back when touched.
5. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack. Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic finish that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
6. These donuts are best served slightly warm when their cake-like texture is at its peak. I recommend eating them within a few hours of baking for optimal freshness and flavor.
10. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Fresh apple cider and warm spices create the ultimate fall comfort food. These cozy treats capture autumn flavors in every perfectly spiced bite.
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh apple cider, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cardamom, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
How To Make Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
1. Start by reducing apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmering until it reduces to ½ cup, about 15-20 minutes. This concentrates the apple flavor significantly and prevents watery donuts.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pan thoroughly. Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until spices are evenly distributed.
3. Let reduced cider cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in melted butter and egg until smooth. The mixture should be well combined with no streaks of egg visible.
4. Pour cider mixture into flour mixture and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix – the batter should look slightly lumpy but hold together when stirred.
5. Fill donut pan cavities ¾ full and bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown and tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pan for 3 minutes.
6. Remove warm donuts from pan and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. The residual heat helps the coating stick perfectly, creating that classic cider donut exterior everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
These oven-baked donuts prove you don’t need a deep fryer to create bakery-worthy treats at home. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures.
From quick morning treats to special occasion desserts, these simple techniques will have you making fresh donuts whenever the craving strikes your sweet tooth.
