Warm & Cozy: Baked Spiced Cake Donuts Recipe

Craving a comforting and delicious treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall and winter? Look no further than these baked spiced cake donuts! They’re moist, tender, packed with warming spices, and require no deep-frying. That’s right, these donuts are baked, making them a healthier and easier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or simply a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, these spiced cake donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is designed for home bakers of all skill levels. We’ll walk you through each step, from gathering the ingredients to glazing the finished donuts. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves!

## Why Baked Donuts?

While fried donuts have their own undeniable charm, baked donuts offer several advantages:

* **Healthier:** Baking significantly reduces the fat content compared to frying. You can enjoy these donuts guilt-free!
* **Easier Cleanup:** No messy oil splatters or disposing of used frying oil.
* **Simpler Process:** Baking is generally more straightforward and less prone to mishaps than frying.
* **Consistent Results:** Baked donuts tend to be more uniform in shape and texture.

## The Key to Perfect Baked Cake Donuts

The secret to achieving moist and flavorful baked cake donuts lies in a few key techniques:

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough donuts. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender donut.
* **Proper Donut Pan:** A good-quality donut pan is essential for evenly shaped donuts.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking leads to dry donuts. Keep a close eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.
* **Cool Slightly Before Glazing:** This allows the glaze to adhere properly and prevents it from melting excessively.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Donuts:**

* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs, room temperature
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)

**For the Glaze:**

* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or apple cider
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for spiced glaze)

**Equipment:**

* Donut pan(s) (yielding approximately 12 donuts)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula
* Piping bag or ziplock bag (optional, for easier filling of donut pan)
* Wire rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious baked spiced cake donuts.

**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease your donut pan(s) thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. Make sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking. You can also lightly flour the pan after greasing.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars**

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender donut.

**Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla**

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

**Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients.
2. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts.

**Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan**

1. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. This will make it easier to fill the donut pan evenly.
2. Pipe the batter into the greased donut cavities, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Avoid overfilling, as the donuts will rise during baking.

**Step 7: Bake the Donuts**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown.

**Step 8: Cool the Donuts**

1. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.

**Step 9: Prepare the Glaze**

1. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add cinnamon for a spiced glaze, if desired. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired consistency.

**Step 10: Glaze the Donuts**

1. Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off.
2. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set completely.
3. Optionally, sprinkle with festive sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon.

**Step 11: Enjoy!**

1. Serve and enjoy these warm and cozy baked spiced cake donuts with your favorite beverage!

## Tips for Success

* **Use a kitchen scale:** For the most accurate measurements, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially the flour. This can make a big difference in the texture of your donuts.
* **Adjust the spices:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more cinnamon. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can omit them altogether.
* **Add a crumb topping:** For extra flavor and texture, consider adding a crumb topping to the donuts before baking. A simple crumb topping can be made with flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
* **Experiment with different glazes:** Get creative with your glazes! Try a maple glaze, a chocolate glaze, or a lemon glaze.
* **Store properly:** Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Make them vegan:** Substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute, the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice, and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
* **High Altitude Adjustments:** If you live in a high-altitude area, you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. Reduce the baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and increase the liquid (buttermilk) by 1-2 tablespoons. This will help prevent the donuts from collapsing.

## Variations

* **Apple Cider Donuts:** Substitute apple cider for the buttermilk and add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the dry ingredients.
* **Pumpkin Spice Donuts:** Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and increase the cinnamon and nutmeg to 1 teaspoon each. Consider adding a cream cheese glaze.
* **Gingerbread Donuts:** Increase the ground cloves to 1/2 teaspoon and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Consider adding a molasses glaze.
* **Chocolate Spiced Donuts:** Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. Consider adding a chocolate glaze.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked spiced cake donuts are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments:

* **Coffee or Tea:** A classic pairing that never fails.
* **Hot Chocolate:** Perfect for a cozy winter treat.
* **Apple Cider:** Enhances the fall flavors.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Berries, apples, or pears add a touch of freshness.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
* **Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream turns these donuts into a decadent dessert.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per donut)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Final Thoughts

These baked spiced cake donuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, healthier than fried donuts, and bursting with warm, comforting flavors. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delicious donuts! Happy baking! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #BakedSpicedDonuts! We can’t wait to see them.

## FAQ

**Q: Can I use a different type of flour?**

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. However, keep in mind that using different flours may affect the texture of the donuts. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the batter. If using gluten-free flour, make sure to use a blend that is designed for baking.

**Q: Can I freeze these donuts?**

A: Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.

**Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can glaze them just before serving.

**Q: My donuts are dry. What did I do wrong?**

A: Several factors can contribute to dry donuts. Overbaking is the most common cause. Make sure to check the donuts for doneness with a toothpick and avoid overbaking them. Overmixing the batter can also lead to dry donuts, as it develops the gluten in the flour. Make sure to mix the batter until just combined. Finally, using too much flour can also result in dry donuts. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately.

**Q: My glaze is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?**

A: If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If your glaze is too thick, add more liquid (milk or apple cider), a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?**

A: While a donut pan is recommended for achieving the classic donut shape, you can still bake these donuts without one. You can bake the batter in muffin tins for donut-shaped muffins, but the texture will be slightly different. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag to pipe the batter into circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but the donuts may spread out and lose their shape during baking.

**Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?**

A: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the batter is a great way to enhance the flavor of these donuts. You can use any type of chocolate chips you like, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. Add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before filling the donut pan.

**Q: Can I use applesauce instead of buttermilk?**

A: While buttermilk provides a specific tang and moisture, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Use the same amount of applesauce as buttermilk. Be aware that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

**Q: What is the best way to grease the donut pan?**

A: The best way to grease the donut pan is to use a non-stick cooking spray specifically designed for baking. Make sure to spray the entire pan, including the center posts. Alternatively, you can grease the pan with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. This will help prevent the donuts from sticking.

**Q: How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?**

A: Thoroughly greasing the donut pan is the most important step in preventing the donuts from sticking. You can also try using a silicone donut pan, which is naturally non-stick. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack. If the donuts are still sticking, gently loosen them with a thin spatula.

Enjoy baking these delicious spiced cake donuts!