No Yeast Baked Donuts

Craving warm, tender donuts without the yeast hassle? These delightful No Yeast Baked Donuts are your perfect solution! Experience light, fluffy texture and irresistible sweetness with minimal effort.

No proofing needed – just quick, homemade goodness. Dive into this simple recipe and rediscover the joy of baked treats.

Why You’ll Love This No Yeast Baked Donuts Recipe

As Hana, I adore recipes that bring joy without complexity, and these No Yeast Baked Donuts truly deliver!

• Quick & Easy: No yeast means no proofing time, saving you valuable minutes in the kitchen.
• Healthier Indulgence: Baked, not fried, these donuts offer a lighter take on a classic treat.
• Endless Customization: A perfect canvas for your creative glazes and toppings, embracing flavour fusions.
• Plant-Forward Potential: Easily adapt this recipe with simple swaps for a delightful vegan option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these No Yeast Baked Donuts lies in their simplicity and the quality of their ingredients. Choosing organic and locally sourced where possible truly elevates the flavor!

• All-Purpose Flour: About 1 ½ cups. Opt for unbleached organic flour for the best texture and taste.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. I recommend unrefined cane sugar for a subtle caramel note.
• Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons. This is your yeast substitute, giving these baked donuts their lift.
• Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon. Works with the acid to create a light crumb.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon. A pinch enhances all the sweet flavours.
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. Essential for that classic donut shop aroma and taste. Freshly grated is always superior!
• Plant-Based Milk: ¾ cup. Almond, oat, or soy milk work wonderfully. For a richer flavour, use full-fat oat milk.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Combined with plant-based milk, it creates a quick “buttermilk” effect, crucial for tenderness in our baked donuts without yeast.
• Melted Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: ¼ cup. Choose a high-quality, unsalted vegan butter or virgin coconut oil for a delicate flavour.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Pure vanilla extract makes a world of difference.

Substitutions & Variations

Embracing creativity and anti-gaspillage is at the heart of my kitchen. These homemade baked donuts are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some healthy and delicious ideas to make them your own:

• Flour Alternatives: For a lighter whole grain option, use whole wheat pastry flour. You can also experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Sweetener Swaps: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar (reduce liquid in the recipe slightly, by about 2 tablespoons). You can also use date sugar for a mineral-rich sweetness.
• Fat Options: Instead of vegan butter or coconut oil, try unsweetened applesauce (half the amount) combined with 2 tablespoons of oil for a lower-fat version. Mashed ripe banana can also add moisture and natural sweetness.
• Milk Choices: Any plant-based milk works perfectly – almond, soy, oat, or even rice milk. Experiment to find your favourite texture!
• Flavor Fusions: Introduce citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) for a bright flavour profile. Cardamom, cinnamon, or even a touch of ginger can transform these quick baked donuts. For a chocolatey twist, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and a handful of chocolate chips. Matcha powder can also create a beautiful, earthy green donut.
• Anti-Gaspillage Glaze: Have overripe fruit? Blend it into a puree with a touch of sweetener and use it as a vibrant, natural glaze instead of powdered sugar. You can also make a simple glaze from leftover nut pulp (from making nut milk) mixed with maple syrup and a splash of milk.
• Toppings: Beyond sprinkles, consider toasted nuts, shredded coconut, freeze-dried fruit pieces, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.

For more creative variations on your baked donut journey, check out our recipe for Brioche Donuts. These rich and fluffy donuts add a delightful twist to your baking repertoire.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets to create these delightful No Yeast Baked Donuts. Simple kitchen tools will do the trick:

• Donut Pan: A standard 6-cavity donut pan is essential for shaping. You might need two or to bake in batches.
• Two Large Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and mixing the batter.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For folding the batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking.
• Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag: Makes filling the donut pan much easier and neater. A Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly.
• Wire Rack: For cooling your freshly baked donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking these incredible No Yeast Baked Donuts! Follow these clear steps for perfect results every time. Remember, mindful preparation makes the baking process even more enjoyable.

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease your donut pan(s) with a little vegan butter or coconut oil. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes; this will curdle the milk slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk” essential for tender baked donuts without yeast. Then, stir in the melted vegan butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine for these quick baked donuts.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. This technique ensures neat and evenly shaped donuts.
6. Bake: Place the donut pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The timing might vary slightly depending on your oven.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the No Yeast Baked Donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
8. Glaze (Optional): Once completely cool, dip or drizzle your baked donuts with your favourite glaze or topping. Get creative with fruit glazes, chocolate ganache, or a simple powdered sugar glaze!

If you’re looking for a delicious way to elevate your baking experience, don’t miss our recipe for Cinnamon Roll Donuts. These delightful treats combine two favorites into one irresistible pastry.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfectly tender and delicious No Yeast Baked Donuts is simple with a few expert tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help you bake like a pro, ensuring a consistent and delightful outcome:

• Do Not Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any baked good, especially these donuts. Overmixing develops gluten, which results in a tough, chewy texture instead of a light, fluffy one. Mix until just combined – a few small lumps are better than a smooth, overworked batter.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients (Except for the “Buttermilk”): While the milk and vinegar reaction works best from a cooler start, ensuring other ingredients like melted butter are not too hot or too cold helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform texture.
• Accurate Measurements: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag (which can compact it and lead to too much flour).
• Donut Pan Greasing: Even non-stick pans benefit from a light greasing. Use a little vegan butter, coconut oil, or a baking spray. This guarantees easy release and preserves the beautiful shape of your baked donuts.
• Even Filling: Using a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) allows you to evenly fill each donut cavity. This ensures all your donuts bake consistently and have a uniform shape. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to glazing. If you glaze warm donuts, the glaze will melt and run off, resulting in a sticky mess rather than a smooth, appealing finish.
• Experiment with Flavour Intensifiers: A pinch of fresh zest (lemon, orange) or a dash of cardamom can elevate the flavour profile significantly. These subtle additions make a big difference in homemade baked donuts.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your delicious No Yeast Baked Donuts fresh and enjoyable, proper storage is key. Practicing anti-gaspillage, we want to ensure every last bite is savored!

• Room Temperature: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If glazed, store them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sticking, or place parchment paper between layers. They are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
• Refrigeration: If your donuts have a cream cheese frosting or a perishable glaze, refrigerate them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 4-5 days, though their texture might become slightly denser.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature. You can then gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at a low temperature (around 150°C/300°F) for a few minutes until just warm and soft. This brings back their fresh-baked tenderness.

To ensure your No Yeast Baked Donuts stay fresh and delectable, check our tips on storing them properly in our guide for Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Enjoy your baked goodies at their best by following our storage recommendations.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These versatile No Yeast Baked Donuts are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and light snacks. As Hana, I love pairing them with fresh, vibrant options that balance the sweetness and add a touch of healthful goodness:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful bowl of seasonal berries, sliced kiwi, and melon offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts.
• Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of chamomile, peppermint, or a light-roasted coffee provides a comforting accompaniment.
• Homemade Nut Milk: A glass of freshly made almond, oat, or cashew milk complements the flavors perfectly.
• Plant-Based Yogurt Parfait: Layers of dairy-free yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit create a satisfying, wholesome side.
• Green Smoothie: For a truly balanced start to the day, pair a donut with a vibrant green smoothie packed with spinach and fruit.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: On a warmer day, a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or unsweetened iced tea is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these No Yeast Baked Donuts vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already designed to be vegan-friendly. Simply ensure you use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy), apple cider vinegar (to create vegan “buttermilk”), and vegan butter or coconut oil.

There is no egg in this recipe, making it inherently suitable for a plant-based diet. Enjoy delicious, compassionate treats!

How long do homemade baked donuts last?

Your homemade No Yeast Baked Donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked for optimal flavour and texture. However, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, unglazed donuts will remain fresh for up to 2-3 days. If glazed, they’re best within 1-2 days. Freezing extends their life to about a month, ensuring you always have a quick baked donut ready to thaw.

Why did my No Yeast Baked Donuts turn out tough?

The most common culprit for tough baked donuts without yeast is overmixing the batter. When you overmix, you develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense, chewy texture. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, even if a few small lumps remain. The baking powder and soda will do their job to create a light crumb.

Baked donuts, particularly those made without yeast, offer a quick and easy alternative to traditional fried varieties. For more about this delightful treat, explore the art of baking donuts, which varies widely across cultures and recipes.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the secret to incredible No Yeast Baked Donuts, reflecting my ethos of joy, creativity, and conscious cooking. Share these tender, mindful treats, turning every moment into a celebration. Baking at home is a loving act for yourself and the planet. Enjoy this sweet, simple pleasure!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, as well as serving size. This summary is for one unglazed donut.

No Yeast Baked Donuts

Delightful No Yeast Baked Donuts that are quick and easy to make, offering a light, fluffy texture and irresistible sweetness with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup plant-based milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease your donut pan(s).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fill the donut pan cavities about two-thirds full with the batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack.
8. Once cool, glaze or top as desired.

Notes

Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.