Almond Baked Donuts Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a delicious treat that’s both light and bursting with nutty flavor, these Almond Baked Donuts are exactly what you need. Imagine soft, tender donuts infused with fragrant almond extract and topped with crunchy sliced almonds—each bite offering a perfect balance of cozy sweetness and satisfying texture. Whether you want a quick snack or a lovely breakfast surprise, these Almond Baked Donuts bring warmth and joy straight out of your oven without the fuss of frying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From fluffy flour and sweet sugar to fragrant almond extract and buttery richness, these components come together perfectly to create that unforgettable Almond Baked Donuts texture and flavor.

• Flour (240 g): Provides the structure and softness essential for the donuts’ tender crumb.
• Sugar (90 g): Adds just the right level of sweetness without overpowering the delicate almond notes.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures your donuts rise beautifully, making them light and airy.
• Egg (1): Acts as a binder, giving the donuts moisture and richness.
• Milk (150 ml): Brings moisture while helping to tenderize the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Melted butter (40 g): Adds buttery flavor and keeps the texture soft and moist.
• Almond extract (1/2 tsp): The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable, fragrant almond aroma and taste.
• Sliced almonds (for topping): Offer a satisfying crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Almond Baked Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk, melted butter, and almond extract until everything is well combined. This simple division ensures that your dry ingredients stay fluffy while the wet ingredients mix smoothly, setting the stage for perfectly tender Almond Baked Donuts.

Step 2: Combine the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the flour is incorporated and you have a smooth batter. This helps keep the donuts light and soft after baking, with no heavy or dense spots.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This prevents spillage while allowing enough room for the donuts to rise to perfectly fluffy heights during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into a preheated oven and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden on top and spring back gently when pressed. The magic of Almond Baked Donuts is how they come out tender without being greasy, thanks to the baking method.

Step 5: Add the Almond Topping

While the donuts are still warm, brush them with a light milk glaze and sprinkle generous amounts of sliced almonds on top. This step not only enhances the nutty flavor but also adds that inviting crunch that makes these donuts irresistible.

How to Serve Almond Baked Donuts

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the Almond Baked Donuts to a whole new level of indulgence. Fresh berries on the side also add lovely color and a hint of tartness that complements the nutty sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

These donuts make a wonderful breakfast or brunch treat when paired with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla yogurt or a scoop of your favorite ice cream to balance the toasted almond flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Almond Baked Donuts into a charming tower on a rustic wooden platter or arrange them in a circle on a pretty cake stand for a festive gathering. You can also sandwich a bit of raspberry jam or cream cheese frosting between two donuts for a playful twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Almond Baked Donuts fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and keeps those lovely almond flavors intact.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, giving you a quick almond-flavored treat anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring your Almond Baked Donuts back to life, simply warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until soft and fragrant again. This quick reheating revives their fresh-baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?

Almond flour has a very different texture and moisture content, so simply swapping it 1:1 will affect the donuts’ structure. It’s best to use regular flour for this recipe to ensure a light and fluffy result, but you can mix in a small amount of almond flour for extra flavor if you want.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla?

Yes, vanilla extract is a great substitute if you’re out of almond extract, but it will change the signature almond flavor of the donuts. For that classic taste, almond extract is recommended.

How do I prevent the sliced almonds from burning?

Brushing the donuts with milk glaze before adding almonds helps them stick without burning. Baking the almonds gently on top after the donuts are baked rather than during baking keeps them perfectly toasted, not burnt.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses regular flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind that the texture and rise might differ slightly.

Can I make these vegan?

To make Almond Baked Donuts vegan, you would need to replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, and substitute butter with a vegan alternative. The flavor will remain lovely, but expect some subtle changes in texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking Almond Baked Donuts at home—the inviting aroma, the delicate crumb, and that delightful crunch of toasted almonds on top. I can’t encourage you enough to try making these yourself; they’re incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming treat for guests, these donuts promise to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.