SMALL BAKED DONUTS FOR CAKE DECORATION

Ingredients

Donuts

1 egg (at room temperature) | 1.00 item
55 grams (1.95 ounces) butter
75 grams (2.65 ounces) powdered sugar
195 grams (6.90 ounces) flour
100 milliliters (3.40 fluid ounces) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1.00 teaspoon
0.5 teaspoon baking soda | 0.50 teaspoon
pinch of salt | 0.00 pinch

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
You'll need a few reliable mixing bowls of various sizes to separate and combine your ingredients. Choose bowls with a non-slip base for added stability.
Hand Mixer
A hand mixer helps in whipping the butter and powdered sugar until it's light and airy. Opt for one with multiple speed settings.
Silicone Donut Molds
Silicone molds are perfect for these baked donuts. They make it easy to remove the donuts without them sticking to the mold. Make sure they are oven-safe.
Piping Bag
A sturdy piping bag helps in filling the molds with the donut mixture precisely. You can also use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off as an alternative.
Oven
An oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) is essential for baking these donuts to golden perfection. Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Instructions

Step 1

Hello, everybody! We have a new recipe for you! This will guide you on how to make sweet baked donuts, perfect for cake decoration. These are not your ordinary deep-fried donuts—no excess fat and no yeast dough! You can bake these donuts in silicone molds. They are small, cute, and perfect as a standalone dessert or for decorating cakes and even cupcakes! You've probably seen those trendy donut 'caps'; these ones have the perfect size!

Step 2

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.

Step 3

2. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together: flour, powdered sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4

3. In another bowl, whip the softened butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract; continue to whip at a low speed until well combined. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Step 5

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture, alternating with milk. Start with a portion of the dry mixture, then add some milk, and repeat this process (dry-milk-dry-milk-dry). You can add food coloring at this stage if you want colorful donuts.

Step 6

5. Transfer the dough into a pastry bag and fill the silicone molds with thin 'rings' of dough. Make sure not to overfill, otherwise, the center hole will close up.

Step 7

6. Bake in the oven for about 18-20 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown. If you have multiple molds, bake all the donuts at once for more efficient cooking.

Step 8

7. Once baked, let the donuts cool slightly in the molds before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9

8. You can enjoy the donuts as they are, but they taste even better with glaze! Consider covering them with white chocolate ganache or a mirror glaze, based on your preference. For a quick glaze, microwave white chocolate with a splash of cream until smooth.

Step 10

Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts!

Servings

These adorable baked donuts are fabulous on their own, but why stop there? Serve them as a delightful addition to your brunch spread, paired with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. Layer them atop a decadent cake for a unique and festive touch that's sure to impress at any celebration. Kids will adore these mini donuts as a fun after-school snack, especially when they get to customize them with their favorite glazes and sprinkles. For a more sophisticated twist, arrange them on a dessert platter with various dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, caramel, and fruit coulis. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination! Go ahead, get creative and enjoy the endless ways to serve these scrumptious baked donuts.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, simply replace the regular flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of gluten. For a vegan alternative, swap the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. These adjustments still deliver delightful donuts without compromising on taste or texture!

Faq

Why are my donuts dense and not fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the molds?
Ensure that the silicone molds are well-greased or use a non-stick spray before filling them with the batter.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer works well too. Just make sure to use the paddle attachment and mix at a low speed to avoid overmixing.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
The donuts are ready when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
Can I freeze the donuts?
Absolutely! Let the donuts cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag before freezing. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to eat.
What type of glaze works best with these donuts?
White chocolate ganache is a great option because it's fluid and creamy. However, a simple sugar glaze or even a mirror glaze can work beautifully as well.