Baked Raspberry Donuts

Introduction

Baked Raspberry Donuts are a deliciously light and fruity treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. These donuts are made with fresh raspberries, giving them a natural tartness that balances beautifully with their soft, cake-like texture. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

I remember the first time I made these, the scent of raspberries filled the kitchen, making them impossible to resist. The best part is how simple they are to whip up—just a few basic ingredients, a donut pan, and a handful of fresh raspberries are all you need. A sweet glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar takes them to the next level, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re looking for a light breakfast option, a fun weekend baking project, or a sweet treat to share, these donuts are sure to impress. Their soft, fruity goodness makes them a delightful choice for any occasion!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast and brunch
• Dessert lovers
• Special occasions
• Gifting and sharing
• Anyone who loves raspberries

Why You’ll Love This Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here’s why Baked Raspberry Donuts will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Soft and Moist Texture: These donuts are light and fluffy, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Bursting with Raspberry Flavor: Fresh raspberries add a natural sweetness and a touch of tartness.
• Healthier Alternative: Since they’re baked, these donuts are lower in fat than traditional fried ones.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need a deep fryer—just a simple donut pan and an oven.
• Versatile and Customizable: They pair well with different glazes, toppings, or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Raspberry Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup fresh raspberries, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Raspberries: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the donuts.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the donuts tender and moist while enhancing the flavor.
• Lemon Zest: A hint of citrus brightens up the raspberry flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with a soft crumb.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Donut Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the Buttermilk: Stir in the buttermilk and mix until fully combined.
5. Fold in the Raspberries: Gently fold in the mashed raspberries and lemon zest (if using) to distribute evenly.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fill and Bake the Donuts

7. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Baked Raspberry Donuts

Baked Raspberry Donuts can be enjoyed in different ways:

• With a Light Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.
• With Powdered Sugar: Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these donuts as a breakfast treat alongside your favorite hot beverage.
• As a Dessert Plate: Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
• With Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the donuts for a decadent finish.
• With Fresh Berries – Serve alongside fresh raspberries for a burst of freshness.
• With Yogurt – Pair with a side of Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy addition.
• With a Cup of Coffee – Serve with a hot cup of coffee for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
• With Lemon Zest – Sprinkle lemon zest on top to add a citrusy brightness that complements the raspberries.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream – For a decadent treat, serve the donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips for Baked Raspberry Donuts

To make the best Baked Raspberry Donuts, follow these tips:

• Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain excess moisture before adding.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Grease the Pan Well: To prevent sticking, grease the donut pan thoroughly.
• Pipe the Batter: Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut makes it easier to fill the donut cavities neatly.
• Check for Doneness: The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed and have a golden edge.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the donuts to cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet donut, reduce the sugar slightly or skip the glaze.

Recipe Variations for Baked Raspberry Donuts

Here are 10 variations to try for Baked Raspberry Donuts:

• Raspberry Lemon Donuts: Add extra lemon zest and a lemon glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Raspberry Donuts: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.
• Almond Raspberry Donuts: Add a teaspoon of almond extract and top with sliced almonds.
• Coconut Raspberry Donuts: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Raspberry Cream Cheese Donuts: Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter for a rich, creamy texture.
• Raspberry White Chocolate Donuts: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness.
• Raspberry Nut Donuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Raspberry Maple Donuts: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Vegan Raspberry Donuts: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and replace the egg with a flax egg.
• Gluten-Free Raspberry Donuts: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage for Baked Raspberry Donuts

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Baked Raspberry Donuts

To make Baked Raspberry Donuts, these tools will help:

• Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is essential for shaping and baking these donuts.
• Mixing Bowls: Use different-sized bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Makes it easier to fill the donut cavities neatly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the donuts to cool evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients together without overmixing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Baked Raspberry Donuts

1. Can I use frozen raspberries for baked raspberry donuts? Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking to the bottom of the donuts? Toss the raspberries in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the donut.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing the batter to achieve the freshest texture. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 hours before baking.
4. Can I use another type of berry instead of raspberries? Yes, you can substitute raspberries with other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
5. How long do baked raspberry donuts last? Baked raspberry donuts stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Baked Raspberry Donuts offer the ideal blend of fruity, light, and sweet. The tender texture paired with the vibrant raspberry flavor makes them a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to the classic version, without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying them on a leisurely weekend, celebrating a special event, or indulging for no reason at all, these donuts are sure to please. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to make them your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

I can’t wait to see your Baked Raspberry Donuts in action! Snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!