Baked Jelly Donuts

A delightful treat awaits with these homemade Baked Jelly Donuts. Imagine soft, fluffy dough, gently baked to golden perfection, then generously filled with your favorite sweet, vibrant jelly. These lighter, healthier donuts capture all the classic charm without the deep-fried guilt.

Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, these Baked Jelly Donuts embody comfort and simple joy. Get ready to create magic in your kitchen and savor the goodness.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Jelly Donuts

• Lighter & Healthier: Enjoy the classic taste without deep-fried guilt. Experience the ultimate comfort with these Baked Jelly Donuts, a true delight.
• Simple & Satisfying: Easy to make, providing comforting homemade goodness.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Crafted with everyday pantry staples you trust.
• Irresistible Flavor: Soft dough bursting with sweet, fruity jelly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting exceptional Baked Jelly Donuts begins with thoughtful ingredient selection. Opt for organic and minimally processed options where possible, embracing the slow-living ethos of nourishing ourselves with the best nature offers. These ingredients will help you create the best Baked Jelly Donuts.

• For the Donuts:
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ½ cup warm milk (dairy or unsweetened almond, approximately 105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus a pinch for yeast
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, preferably free-range
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, unbleached, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• For the Filling & Coating:
  • ¾ cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, apricot work beautifully), high quality with natural fruit content
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, for coating (or fine monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing before sugar coating)

Substitutions & Variations

Adapt your Baked Jelly Donuts easily. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk and plant-based butter. Boost fiber with whole wheat pastry flour.

Opt for sugar-free jams or homemade fruit purees. A dash of cinnamon in the sugar coating adds warm spice. Mindful swaps for a delightful, healthier treat. These variations make your Baked Jelly Donuts uniquely yours, catering to all tastes and preferences.

If you’re looking to customize your Baked Jelly Donuts even further, consider trying out a different type of donut entirely. Check out this recipe for Homemade Sugar Donuts that offers a delicious alternative while still being easy to make.

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your tools before you begin simplifies the baking process and makes creating these Baked Jelly Donuts a true joy. This essential equipment ensures your homemade Baked Jelly Donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Large mixing bowl
• Small microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter/warming milk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional, but highly recommended)
• Rolling pin
• 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter or glass rim
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Pastry bag with a small round tip, or a Bismark donut tip
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowl for sugar coating
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking these beautiful Baked Jelly Donuts is a mindful journey from simple ingredients to a delectable treat. Follow these steps for success.

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to bring your donuts to life.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, room temperature egg, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and sea salt to the wet mixture. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. If mixing by hand, stir with a sturdy spoon until just combined.
4. Knead the Dough: Increase the stand mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it achieves the same smooth, elastic texture.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key for light, airy Baked Jelly Donuts.
6. Shape the Donuts: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out donut shapes. Reroll scraps gently once or twice to cut more donuts.
7. Second Rise: Carefully transfer the cut donut shapes to baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each donut. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy. This second rise is crucial for light texture in your Baked Jelly Donuts.
8. Preheat Oven: While the donuts are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts for 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
10. Cool: Remove the baked donuts from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack immediately. Allow them to cool completely before filling.
11. Prepare Filling and Coating: While donuts cool, gently warm your chosen jelly slightly to make it easier to pipe (if it’s very stiff). Melt 1 tablespoon of butter for brushing. Pour ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl for coating.
12. Fill the Donuts: Once completely cool, fit a pastry bag with a small round tip or a Bismark donut tip. Fill the bag with your jelly. Carefully insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently squeeze to fill with jelly. You’ll feel the donut slightly plump. Don’t overfill!
13. Coat the Donuts: Lightly brush each filled donut with melted butter. Then, gently roll each donut in the granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating. Serve your fresh Baked Jelly Donuts immediately and enjoy!

Baking is an art, and each step is crucial for crafting the perfect donut. To ensure you achieve the lightest and fluffiest texture, refer to our guide on Perfect Homemade Baked Donuts for expert tips and tricks.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly light and fluffy Baked Jelly Donuts requires a few expert touches. These tips will elevate your baking experience and results. Mastering these techniques will result in exceptional, bakery-quality Baked Jelly Donuts right in your own kitchen.

• Temperature Matters for Yeast: Ensure your milk is truly warm (105-115°F/40-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Don’t Over-Flour: Resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading or rolling. A slightly tacky dough is ideal for soft donuts. Add flour sparingly, just enough to prevent sticking.
• Proper Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives your donuts their structure and chewiness. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently poked.
• Patience with Rising: Allow adequate time for both rises. Don’t rush this crucial step. A warm, draft-free environment (like a turned-off oven with the light on) is perfect. Under-risen dough will result in dense donuts.
• Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Ovens can have hot spots, and this simple step makes a difference for uniform Baked Jelly Donuts.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Warm donuts will absorb the jelly, making them soggy. Ensure they are fully cooled to room temperature before attempting to fill them.
• Filling Technique: For a clean fill, insert the pastry tip into the side of the donut until you feel resistance, then gently squeeze. Watch for the donut to slightly expand.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To preserve the comforting freshness of your homemade Baked Jelly Donuts, proper storage is key. Keeping your delicious Baked Jelly Donuts fresh means you can savor them longer.

• Room Temperature: Store unfiilled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once filled, it’s best to consume them within 24 hours for optimal freshness, as the jelly can start to make the dough soggy over time.
• Refrigeration: Filled donuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
• Freezing (Unfilled): You can freeze unfiilled, baked donuts for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature, then fill and coat as desired.
• Reheating: While best fresh, you can gently warm unfiilled donuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be cautious not to dry them out.

To maintain the taste and texture of your Baked Jelly Donuts, proper storage is essential. Learn how to best preserve your treats by checking out our advice on The Gelatin Trick Diet to keep them fresh longer.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While these Baked Jelly Donuts are a delightful treat on their own, pairing them with wholesome options enhances the slow-living experience. Balance the sweetness with fresh, vibrant choices. Enhance your experience and create a complete, nourishing moment with these delightful Baked Jelly Donuts pairings.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal berries, melon, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast and a boost of vitamins.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layers of Greek yogurt, granola (homemade, of course!), and fresh fruit offer protein and probiotics for a well-rounded meal.
• Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of your favorite herbal tea or a freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness and encourages a moment of calm reflection.
• Smoothie: A nutrient-dense green smoothie or a berry smoothie can balance the richness of the donuts with essential greens and antioxidants.
• Light Scrambled Eggs: For a more substantial breakfast, a small serving of scrambled eggs provides savory protein, contrasting beautifully with the sweet donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the dough for these Baked Jelly Donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise. After it has doubled in size, gently punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours).

The cold fermentation can even enhance the flavor. When ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, then proceed with shaping and the second rise as directed.

What’s the best way to get an even sugar coating on my Baked Jelly Donuts?

For the best sugar coating, ensure your donuts are completely cooled after baking. Then, lightly brush them with melted butter while they are still slightly warm to the touch (but not hot). Immediately roll them in a shallow dish of granulated sugar, gently pressing to adhere. This creates that classic sweet, slightly crisp exterior found on traditional Baked Jelly Donuts, mimicking the fried texture beautifully.

Can I use different fillings for these Baked Jelly Donuts?

Certainly! The beauty of homemade Baked Jelly Donuts is their versatility. Beyond traditional fruit jelly, consider fillings like lemon curd, chocolate hazelnut spread (for a treat!), a simple homemade vanilla custard, or even a thicker fruit compote.

Just ensure the filling isn’t too liquidy, as it might make the donut soggy. Always wait until the donuts are completely cool before filling. Experiment and discover your favorite version of these delightful Baked Jelly Donuts.

Baked Jelly Donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, offering a fluffy texture and a burst of sweet jelly. These delightful treats celebrate the joy of baking and can be easily customized with your favorite fillings and toppings; learn more about culinary treats at this link.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Baked Jelly Donuts brings profound joy. Each bite offers warmth, a taste of home, and simple pleasures. Embrace the slow-living philosophy, savor the process, and share these wholesome treats. It’s more than a recipe; it’s an act of love and well-being, bringing sweetness and comfort to your everyday moments.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note, this is an estimated nutritional breakdown per donut and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and chosen jelly. This estimate provides a general idea for informed choices.

Baked Jelly Donuts

These Baked Jelly Donuts are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. They are soft, fluffy, and filled with your favorite fruit jelly, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 42 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for brushing)

Method

 

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy.
2. Stir in the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into donut shapes, then let rise again until puffy.
6. Preheat the oven and bake the donuts until golden brown.
7. Cool the donuts before filling them with jelly and coating with sugar.

Notes

Ensure milk temperature is between 105-115°F for optimal yeast activation. Donuts should be completely cooled before filling to prevent sogginess.