For the Glaze/Topping:

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping : Mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Roll warm doughnuts in the mixture.
• Chocolate Glaze : Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon heavy cream or almond milk. Drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
• Lemon Glaze : Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Dip doughnuts in the glaze.

How to Make Oven Doughnuts

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfection.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-sized doughnut pan or line it with parchment paper circles. If you don’t have a doughnut pan, muffin tins work too!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter (if using) until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan

1. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared doughnut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon if necessary.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

1. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool enough to handle, dip or roll them in your chosen glaze or topping.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill the Cavities : Filling the doughnut pan too much can cause overflow during baking. Stick to ¾ full for best results.
• Experiment with Flavors : Add extracts like almond, coconut, or orange for unique variations. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients : Eggs and milk at room temperature help the doughnuts rise better and achieve a lighter texture.
• Store Properly : Keep leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Oven Doughnuts prove that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for healthiness. By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy the classic doughnut experience without the guilt. Plus, their versatility means you can customize them however you like—whether it’s a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar or a decadent chocolate glaze. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to fall in love with this delightful twist on a timeless treat. Happy baking!