INTRODUCTION
Baked Funfetti Donuts are a delightful treat that brings a touch of joy to anyone who takes a bite. They are soft, fluffy, and full of colorful sprinkles that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a tasty breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to please. With a simple recipe that anyone can follow, you can bring a little bit of happiness into your kitchen. You won’t need any special frying techniques, as these delicious donuts are baked, making them a healthier choice too. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Baked Funfetti Donuts!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Baked Funfetti Donuts! First, they are easy to make. You don’t have to be an expert baker to whip up a batch. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. Second, they are perfect for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or simply a sunny Saturday morning. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch that brightens up any day.
Another great aspect of this recipe is the flavor. Funfetti donuts have a delicious vanilla taste that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the glaze and the fun of the sprinkles. Plus, they are baked, which means they are lighter and less greasy than traditional fried donuts.
You can also customize your Funfetti donuts. Feel free to switch up the sprinkles or the icing colors to fit whatever theme you have in mind. Lastly, these treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for a few days, making them a convenient snack to have on hand. With all these fantastic qualities, it’s no wonder that Baked Funfetti Donuts are a favorite among both kids and adults!
HOW TO MAKE Baked Funfetti Donuts
Making Baked Funfetti Donuts is a fun and rewarding process. Follow along with these simple steps, and you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Piping bag or ziplock bag (for filling the donut pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for dry ingredients)
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups cake flour (substitute all-purpose flour if necessary)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze, as needed)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. This helps prevent the donuts from sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla bean paste, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and make the donuts lighter.
- Take half of the dry ingredients from the medium bowl and mix it into the egg mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Now, add the milk to the mixture and stir until smooth. It should look creamy and well-mixed.
- Gently fold in the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Finally, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or carefully spoon it into the donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Once baked, remove the donut pan and invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl. Gradually add whole milk until you reach your desired consistency. You can add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a fun color.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and then place them back on the cooling rack. Immediately sprinkle them with more rainbow sprinkles while the glaze is wet.
- Enjoy these delicious donuts fresh! They are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
HOW TO SERVE Baked Funfetti Donuts
Baked Funfetti Donuts are perfect for serving at special occasions like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even just a fun family breakfast. You can serve them plain or dress them up with a variety of toppings. Consider adding chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or different colored glazes to make them even more festive. They are great on their own too, with a nice cup of coffee or milk to pair them with.
You can also serve them warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Some people love the fresh-baked warm donuts, while others enjoy them slightly cooled. Either way, they are sure to bring smiles!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Baked Funfetti Donuts
To keep your Baked Funfetti Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days. However, if you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. To freeze:
- Allow the donuts to cool completely after baking.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. Once thawed, you can re-glaze them if needed and add more sprinkles for a fresh look!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When it comes to serving Baked Funfetti Donuts, the options are endless! Here are a few serving ideas to make your donut experience even sweeter:
- Pair your donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness.
- Cut the donuts in half and spread some butter or cream cheese on them for a richer taste.
- Make a brunch spread and serve these donuts alongside pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or whipped cream, for a fun donut bar.
- Put together a dessert platter with these donuts, fruit, and other sweet treats for a colorful display.
VARIATIONS
Baked Funfetti Donuts are incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Chocolate Funfetti Donuts: Replace half the cake flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version. Add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Lemon Funfetti Donuts: Add lemon zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy taste. You can also use lemon juice in the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Pumpkin Funfetti Donuts: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the batter during the fall season for a seasonal treat.
- Nutty Funfetti Donuts: Fold in crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to experiment and find the combination that you love the most!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. The donuts might be denser.
Q2: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it is a 1:1 substitute.
Q3: How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to spray your donut pan generously with non-stick spray. Additionally, letting them cool slightly before removing them can help.
Q4: Can I make these donuts without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the donuts moist.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Baked Funfetti Donuts
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. This way, when you’re ready to make the donuts, all you need to do is add the wet ingredients.
You can also prepare the glaze in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before using. This saves time and makes it easier to whip up a batch when you have visitors or a special occasion coming up.
Overall, Baked Funfetti Donuts are such a delightful, easy, and impressive treat to make. With their colorful sprinkles and soft texture, they are bound to thrill anyone who tries them. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy some sweet baking fun!
Baked Funfetti Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla bean paste, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Take half of the dry ingredients from the medium bowl and mix it into the egg mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add the milk to the mixture and stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the remaining dry ingredients and rainbow sprinkles until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or spoon it into the donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
- Bake the donuts for 10-11 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Remove the donut pan and invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl.
- Gradually add whole milk until reaching your desired consistency. Optionally add pink food coloring.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles.