This baked vanilla donuts recipe is going to WOW the entire family! Vanilla yogurt, vanilla almond milk and vanilla extract make this easy donut recipe very very VERY vanilla!
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Before I talk about donuts, (I know, sorry for the delay) I want to have a little bit of body talk tonight.
Having a baby in the house has been a breath of fresh air in terms of the way we talk about bodies.
We celebrate every last inch of babies’ bodies.
When friends and family are around, they gush over how cute Sam’s thigh rolls are, his big belly, his long lashes, his gap toothed smile, his dimpled rear end. Every single word that comes out of anyone’s mouth in relation to his body is full of genuine, unconditional love and admiration. There is not a single part of him that is ever noted as bad or wrong–nope, every inch of him is PERFECT.
So then tell me, what changes??
Well, certainly a lot changes. Our bodies grow and change, and somewhere down the line, we become aware, aware of the message. The message that we see everywhere we look that makes us look at our bodies and see rolls and dimples as bad and ugly.
What if we considered looking at our bodies exactly the same way that we looked at a baby?
Things would be soooo different. We would celebrate the beauty we see in the mirror. We would stand tall and proud. And we wouldn’t see certain parts of our bodies as flawed or as something that needs to be changed or made smaller.
What if we ignored those ads telling us how to get rid of cellulite quick because we celebrate the exact same thing in a dimpled bum of an infant? It seems so simple and yet since we are constantly bombarded with the message that we need to change or shrink our bodies, it can be a bit challenging.
But I challenge you to try it. Try treating the thoughts you have about your body exactly as you would a baby. If a negative thought comes up, imagine yourself talking about a child in the same way. Doesn’t sound right, does it? Nope, but for some reason we allow it to happen all the time.
Starting now, right this moment, it’s time to celebrate, every last inch of YOU.
Ok, donut time.
There is really not a whole lot to say about these baked vanilla donuts other than OH. EM. GEE. I am talking about the donuts that my husband snuck one after another, and said they reminded him of McDonald’s Hot Cakes, one of his favorites, so a big compliment to say the very least.
While this is a baked donut recipe, you will not be disappointed–they pretty much taste like cake, vanilla cake that is. And it’s all thanks to the tri-fecta element of vanilla in these gooey glazed circles of deliciousness.
Cake or yeast donuts?
I have to admit, I am a cake donut fan. I thought for a long time that I just didn’t like donuts, but I realized I wasn’t trying the right kinds. I’m an old fashioned cake donut kind of girl.
Keep the yeast donuts for yourself, or everyone else who is in love with them. ( I think I am in the minority here, but I am not a fan of the yeast, too much air I think!). I am so glad I have learned this about myself in the past year. And now I am working on making up for lost time!
So the donut, the vanilla in these vanilla donuts comes from three sources: vanilla yogurt (this is the one I used!), vanilla extract, and vanilla almond milk. We are big into yogurt these days and I am actually big on a lot of the baby versions of yogurt. They use whole milk and a lot less sugar than most of your “adult” yogurts.
I like this for the flavor as it is way less sweet. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved unsweetened vanilla almond milk recently when I tried some on sale. Needless to say, if you are as big a fan of vanilla as I am, these donuts will NOT disappoint.
These Vanilla Donuts are here for the glaze
Aaaaaand the glaze. No donut wants to be naked, ever, I promise. Gotta cover them up with a good glaze–and perhaps some other goodies. But I love a good glaze and it’s such a simple way to make donuts even prettier.
A touch of maple syrup and vanilla in this glaze makes the ooey gooey goodness–I am pretty sure it’s the maple that makes Anthony think these taste a bit pancake like, but I don’t mind the compliment regardless.
I have a donut eating pro-tip for you for this recipe: crumble one up over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can thank me later! I mean, you can never have too much vanilla right??? Let’s certainly hope not!
I love donuts, but I can’t do super sweet in the morning. These are more of a snack or dessert for me most of the time. But they are perfect for a brunch spread, a donut birthday party and so much more. For the pecan lovers, don’t forget to sprinkle some pecans on top as well! Enjoy friends!
Here is a great donut baking pan if you are looking for one! I got mine a couple of years ago for $5.00 on clearance. I you catch one on sale let me know so I can share!
Pro-Tips/Notes for making these Triple Vanilla Donuts:
- I have not tested these donuts with oil instead of the butter. I know sometimes it is an alternative for butter, but if at all possible, I would stick with the butter. The flavor is so great thanks to the buttery goodness–and all of the vanilla.
- When baking, always use fresh baking soda and baking powder. If they are expired they can really impact the results of any recipe. And not in a great way.
- While I am a huge huge HUGE fan of this maple vanilla glaze, there are still lots and lots of other options out there for toppings on these donuts. Feel free to have lots of fun with whatever you toss on top.
Love these baked vanilla donuts as much as I do?? Try these flavors as well!
DID YOU MAKE ONE OF MY RECIPES? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW! I ALSO LOVE TO SEE YOUR LEMONS + ZEST RECIPES ON SOCIAL MEDIA–TAG ME @LEMONSANDZEST ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK!
Triple Vanilla Baked Donuts with Maple Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients
For Donuts
- 1 c all purpose flour (or gluten free all purpose)
- 1 large egg
- 2 T unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/3 c vanilla yogurt (whole milk yogurt is best)
- 1/3 c sugar
- 1/4 c plus 1 T vanilla unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- dash of sea salt
For Glaze
- 2/3 c confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 T pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter and egg until smooth. Add in yogurt, milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir to combine. The dough will be a thick consistency but if it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk. Try not to over stir as well.
- Spray oil into donut baking pan to coat. Spoon donut batter into the molds or pour batter into a plastic bag and cut a slit to fill donut molds. I prefer this method and found it to be a lot less messy!
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes up clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool thoroughly.
- While donuts cool, or before serving, whisk together glaze adding maple to desired thickness and dip each donut into glaze and set aside to dry–or dig in immediately!
Trust me I ignore those types of ads. Now onto those great looking donuts. Will be trying these soon.
So good to hear Candy!!
I accept your challenge! I am going to try to think better thoughts about my body. Now, about those donuts! These are amazing! I can almost smell them through the computer! lol.
Yay!!!! It can be a challenge at times.
These look ridiculously good! I have never tried making donuts, but I think I may have to now!
Yes, Lara!!!
The idea of making donuts actually really scares me…but these ingredients may be getting my brave apron on! Thank you!
Well baked donuts are more like making muffins but in a cute shape. Promise they aren’t scary.
Oh this looks amazing and I am definitely going to have to make these!!! Also, your photos are absolutely beautiful!!!
Aaawww thanks so much Haley
Doughnuts are my weakness! Like I really shouldn’t be around them because I lose all self control… and I totally agree that doughnuts should never be naked lol
Nope. Never ever naked. Ever.
These look amazing! I absolutely love that these are baked donuts! I’m pinning this to make later! Thank you!
Thanks Sarah!!! Hope you love them!!
I am with you all the way on “cake” donuts. My baba used to make them when I was a kid. SOOOO good. I love my donut pans, they are so much fun. Baked donuts hands down are the BEST!!
Yes to all of this!!!
Looks delicious!!! They are dafintely being added to my need to try list!
So glad to hear Kelly!
Oh wow, these donuts look so indulgent and yummy! I like that you baked them instead of deep-frying. I have to make your recipe for sure.
I like baked as well as the fried but I think the baked are easier!
You won me over! I love anything maple, and I have a donut pan that needs some attention. I’m going to try these!
Oh yes. You are all set then!
These donuts were made for me!! Vanilla donuts with a maple glaze are my ideal donut. I’ve be seriously craving donuts lately so I am definitely adding these to my to-make list.
Glad I could help, ha! Enjoy!!
Your little sidebar about body image rings SO TRUE and was just what I needed to see today! I cherish my 14 week old’s thigh rolls and big belly after she eats, while hating how I still have to stuff myself like a sausage into my clothes because my post-partum body is not the same size it was before. If only the rest of society found my tubby stomach as cute as hers. 😉
Love. Love. Love. Thanks so much for sharing Julie.
Finally a baked donut!! And I loved your opening about body image!! So true! Seriously those donuts look divine! Can’t wait to try them!
Thanks so much Amanda!!!
These donuts looks absolutely fantastic. Triple vanilla flavor? Oh my… I really love the sound of that. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. My family will be delighted.
Let me know what they think!
These look so good! They would be perfect for a Sunday brunch party!!
Oh yes, best brunch ever!! ??
These look amazing! Better than the bakeries in my area for sure! I would love to share these with the kids for a one of a kind breakfast!
There really is nothing like homemade right?!
These donuts are gorgeous! My kids would absolutely devour them, can’t wait to make a few batches!
Oh yes, I recommend at least a triple batch ?
Oh my, these donuts look absolutely scrumptious! My hubby would love these, can’t wait to give them a try!
Enjoy Andrea!!!
You had me at triple vanilla. There is nothing like too much vanilla and using vanilla in 3 different forms – very cleaver! Donuts looks very tempting as well
Yep. I’m a vanilla freak!! Love it!