Baked Raspberry Donuts

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Introduction

Baked Raspberry Donuts are a delightful twist on the classic donut, offering the perfect combination of sweetness and a little tang. These fluffy, light donuts are filled with fresh raspberries, creating pockets of juicy fruit that burst with flavor in every bite. The dough itself is soft and tender, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness. Topped with a light glaze, these donuts are the kind of treat you can enjoy without feeling overly indulgent.

I first made these Baked Raspberry Donuts on a weekend morning when I was craving something easy yet satisfying. The smell of fresh raspberries and vanilla filling the kitchen was enough to make anyone’s day brighter. As they baked, the scent was so comforting, it felt like a warm hug in donut form. The glaze on top is just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite feel like a mini celebration.

These donuts are ideal for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re light enough to enjoy without feeling heavy, but still rich in flavor. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines freshness and indulgence, these Baked Raspberry Donuts are an absolute must-try!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Light, fruity desserts
• A healthier alternative to fried donuts
• Gift-giving or holiday treats
• Quick, homemade snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fruity & Fresh – The vibrant raspberry flavor stands out in both the donut and the glaze.
• Baked, Not Fried – Enjoy the classic donut experience with a healthier twist.
• Light & Fluffy – These donuts have a soft, cake-like texture that’s irresistible.
• Simple to Make – No deep frying or complicated steps; just mix and bake.
• Customizable – Add your favorite fruits or flavorings to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)

For the Raspberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh raspberry puree (blend raspberries with a bit of water and strain)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for tang)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Raspberries – Offer a burst of fresh, sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for this donut recipe.
• Lemon Zest – Adds a zesty freshness to complement the raspberries.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and a rich texture to the donut batter.
• Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, glossy glaze that perfectly complements the donuts.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Make the Donuts:

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup donut pan or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Raspberries – Gently fold in the fresh raspberries (if using frozen, make sure they’re thawed and drained). If you want smaller pieces, lightly mash the raspberries with a fork before folding them in.
6. Fill the Donut Pan – Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool – Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze:

9. Prepare Raspberry Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, raspberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar if the glaze is too thin or more raspberry puree if it’s too thick.
10. Glaze the Donuts – Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and set them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.

How to Serve

• With Coffee or Tea – Serve these donuts with a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
• For Special Occasions – These donuts are perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday treats. Decorate with a few extra raspberries for an elegant touch.
• As a Gift – Pack them in a cute box or bag for a homemade, thoughtful gift.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Raspberries – Fresh raspberries will provide the best flavor, but if using frozen raspberries, make sure they’re fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Glaze Options – For a smoother glaze, you can strain the raspberry puree before adding it to the powdered sugar.
• Storage – Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month; thaw before glazing.
• Gluten-Free Option – Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Lighter Donuts – For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the butter with applesauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Raspberry Donuts – Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the donut batter for extra citrus flavor.
2. Vegan Version – Use a flax egg, non-dairy milk, and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
3. Chocolate Chip Raspberry Donuts – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
4. Coconut Raspberry Donuts – Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flair.
5. Almond Raspberry Donuts – Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor.
6. Double Raspberry Glaze – Add some raspberry jam to the glaze for a more intense raspberry flavor.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Instead of glazing, roll the baked donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a different texture.
8. Raspberry Jam-Filled Donuts – Fill the center of the donuts with raspberry jam before baking for a jelly-filled treat.
9. Chia Raspberry Donuts – Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the batter for a healthy crunch.
10. Raspberry Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts – Mix in poppy seeds for an extra texture and a delightful flavor combination.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing – Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw and glaze.
• Storage – Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Special Equipment

1. Donut Pan– is essential for baking perfectly shaped donuts without frying. It allows for even baking and a uniform shape, ensuring a light, fluffy texture. Non-stick donut pans make for easier release and cleanup, while silicone options provide flexibility for popping out the donuts effortlessly.
2. Whisk– is crucial for smoothly and evenly mixing wet and dry ingredients. It helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy donut texture. Using a whisk also ensures that ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar blend seamlessly without lumps.
3. Bowl scraper-makes it easier to transfer batter from the mixing bowl into the donut pan without waste or mess. It ensures that every bit of batter is used, helping you achieve consistent portions and minimizing cleanup.
4. Wire rack– is necessary for cooling the donuts properly. It allows air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess and ensuring they maintain their structure. A wire rack also helps the glaze set evenly, preventing pooling at the bottom of the donuts.
5. Sifter– is useful for ensuring a smooth, lump-free glaze by sifting powdered sugar before mixing. It also helps aerate dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, leading to a lighter donut texture.
6. Small blender or food processor– is perfect for making raspberry puree (or any fruit puree) for the glaze or filling. It helps achieve a smooth consistency, ensuring that the glaze coats the donuts evenly without fruit chunks affecting the texture.
7. Measuring cups and spoons– ensure accurate ingredient proportions, which is crucial in baking. Precision helps achieve the right texture and flavor balance, preventing donuts from being too dry or too dense.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
   Yes! You can use a muffin tin instead, but the texture will be more like a muffin than a donut.
3. Can I freeze these donuts?
   Yes, freeze the unglazed donuts for up to a month. Glaze them after thawing for the best texture.
4. Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?
   Absolutely! Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries work great for a different fruity glaze.
5. Are these donuts gluten-free?
   You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Baked Raspberry Donuts are the perfect way to start your day with a burst of flavor and a comforting, indulgent twist. These donuts boast a light, fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of fresh raspberries, creating a harmonious balance of taste in every bite.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar for a light treat, or top them with a sweet glaze for an extra indulgence. Whether you’re savoring them as a cozy breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack, these Baked Raspberry Donuts are sure to become a new favorite.

Ideal for both special occasions and casual mornings, these donuts are quick to make and will add a delightful touch to any breakfast spread. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see how you bring your own twist to this tasty treat. Enjoy every delicious bite!