Hey friends! Today, I’m excited to share a baking recipe that brings back sweet memories of weekend breakfasts and warm kitchen aromas — baked old-fashioned donuts. These beauties are soft and cakey inside, with a golden crust and a hint of nutmeg that makes them taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
I remember making these with my mom on chilly mornings, dipping them in cinnamon sugar while they were still warm. The best part? No frying! Just mix, bake, and coat — and you’ve got a nostalgic treat that’s lighter and easier than the traditional version.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 7–9 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Tools Needed: Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk
- Make-Ahead Tip: Store uncoated donuts and sugar separately, coat before serving
Ingredients List & Substitutions
Donut Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg → Adds classic flavor; skip if preferred
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk → Can sub with milk + 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: brush donuts with melted butter before coating for better stick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Spray donut pan with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk:
- Buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
Step 4: Combine & Fill
- Gently stir wet into dry until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity almost full.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, until tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool slightly before removing from pan.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- While donuts are still warm, roll in sugar mix.
- Tip: Brush with melted butter if sugar doesn’t stick well.
Serving & Storage Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Serve | Warm with coffee or milk |
| Room Temp | Store in airtight container for 2 days |
| Fridge | Keeps for 4–5 days, reheat before serving |
| Freezer | Freeze uncoated donuts up to 2 months |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Donuts too dry | Don’t overmix or overbake |
| Sugar won’t stick | Brush with melted butter |
| No donut pan? | Use muffin tin and shape with foil rings |
| Batter too thick | Add 1–2 tbsp milk if needed |
Variations to Try
- Glazed Version: Dip in vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to dry mix.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a fresh note.
Closing Encouragement
These baked old-fashioned donuts are proof that you don’t need a fryer to enjoy a classic treat. They’re quick, cozy, and perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself. Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let’s bake!
