Healthy Baked Donuts

If you love donuts but want a healthier alternative, you’re in the right place! These healthy baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened, making them the perfect treat without the guilt. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like whole grain flours, maple syrup, and coconut oil, and they’re completely free of refined sugar and deep frying!

Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate glaze or a comforting cinnamon sugar coating, these baked donuts will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and nutritious. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make them!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Baked Donuts

• Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar, only honey or maple syrup.
• Baked, Not Fried: Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried donuts!
• Light & Fluffy: Thanks to a mix of whole grain flours and a hint of acidity for lift.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and no fancy equipment needed.
• Customizable: Choose your favorite glaze or topping to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Healthy Baked Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• Spelt flour or Oat flour + Almond flour – The perfect base for fluffy and nutritious donuts.
• Baking powder – Helps the donuts rise.
• Baking soda – Reacts with the acid to create fluffiness.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon (optional) – Adds warmth and extra depth.
• Maple syrup or honey – A natural sweetener that keeps things light.
• Melted coconut oil – Adds moisture and richness.
• Vanilla extract – For that classic bakery-style aroma.
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice – Reacts with the baking soda for an extra fluffy texture.
• Milk (almond, oat, or coconut) – Keeps the batter smooth and soft.

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate glaze: Dark chocolate + Coconut oil.
• Cinnamon sugar: Coconut sugar + Cinnamon.

Tools You Need for the Perfect Healthy Baked Donuts:

• Mini Donut Pan: This specialized pan is essential for shaping the dough into perfect little donuts. Look for a non-stick version to make removing the donuts a breeze.
• Piping Bag: A piping bag with a round tip makes it easy to neatly fill the donut cavities with batter. If you don’t have one, a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works well too.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowls: These will help you combine your ingredients smoothly, ensuring the batter is lump-free and well-mixed.
• Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack allows the donuts to cool evenly after baking, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Pastry Brush: If you’re glazing your donuts, a pastry brush will help you evenly coat them with glaze, ensuring each bite is deliciously sweet.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 140 g (1 ⅛ cups) spelt flour or ½ oat flour + ½ almond flour
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 60 ml (¼ cup) maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 120 ml (½ cup) milk (almond, oat, or coconut)

For the Toppings:

• Chocolate glaze: 25 g dark chocolate (70%) + ½ tsp coconut oil.
• Cinnamon sugar: 1 tbsp coconut sugar + ¼ tsp cinnamon.

Directions:

1. Prep Your Oven & Donut Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a donut pan or use a silicone mold to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and milk until fully combined.
4. Mix the Batter: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix! The batter should be smooth but slightly thick.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
7. Cool the Donuts: Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding toppings.

Topping Ideas

1. Chocolate Glaze: Melt 25 g dark chocolate (70%) with ½ tsp coconut oil.Dip each donut into the glaze and let them set.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brush donuts lightly with melted coconut oil. Mix 1 tbsp coconut sugar and ¼ tsp cinnamon in a bowl. Roll the donuts in the mixture for a sweet and crunchy coating.

Tips and Tricks:

Tips for the Donuts:

• Extra Fluffiness: Add 1 tbsp of applesauce or ½ an egg for extra moisture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. A few lumps are okay; the key is to avoid overworking the batter.
• Experiment with Flavors and Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding spices, extracts, or citrus zest to the batter.

General Tips:

• Grease the Pan Well: Ensure that you generously grease the mini donut pan or use a non-stick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking. Even with a non-stick pan, greasing is crucial for easy removal.
• Use a Piping Bag for Precision: To ensure even distribution of the batter into the donut pan, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off. This helps you fill the cavities neatly and avoids spills.
• Check Donuts Early: Start checking the donuts a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time is up. Oven temperatures can vary, and mini donuts can bake quickly.
• Fill the Pan Properly: Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the batter to rise and form a perfect donut shape without overflowing.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the mini donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them before glazing or coating helps the glaze set better and prevents it from melting off.
• Storage Tips: Oven-baked mini donuts are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and then reheat gently before serving.
• Use a Donut Pan: Using a mini donut pan is essential for achieving the classic donut shape and ensuring even baking. If you don’t have a mini donut pan, a regular donut pan can be used, but the baking time might need adjustment.

More Baking Ideas:

• Flower Brownies – Fudgy brownies topped with colorful “flowers” that are as fun to look at as they are to eat – perfect for a playful twist on a classic treat!
• Frosted Oreo Cookies – Soft, chewy cookies crowned with creamy Oreo frosting—perfect for anyone who loves a cookies-and-cream dream!
• Tiramisu Cookies – Espresso and mascarpone come together in these elegant Tiramisu Cookies, delivering the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in every bite.
• Chocolate Banana Bread – Rich, moist, and studded with chocolate chips, this Chocolate Banana Bread is a heavenly treat for chocolate and banana lovers alike.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: