Treat your mom to a bakery-style delight with these Vanilla Almond Glazed Donuts. Light, fluffy, and baked to perfection, these donuts are topped with a smooth vanilla almond glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
1.For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then place back on the rack. Sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.
- Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
History of Donuts and Their Evolution
Donuts have a long and rich history that dates back centuries. While their exact origin is debated, many believe they were brought to America by Dutch settlers who made “olykoeks” or oily cakes. These early versions were fried dough balls that often lacked the classic ring shape we recognize today. Over time, innovations in recipes and techniques led to the creation of ring-shaped donuts, which became widely popular in American bakeries. Today, donuts have evolved into countless varieties with unique glazes, fillings, and toppings—making them an essential part of modern dessert culture.
The Appeal of Baked Donuts
Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, baked donuts offer a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. Many home bakers appreciate that baked donuts are easier to prepare and less messy, especially when using a non-stick donut pan. Baked donuts also contain less oil, making them a great choice for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy a sweet treat.
Why Vanilla and Almond are a Classic Combo
Vanilla and almond are a timeless pairing in baking. Vanilla adds warmth and a rich, creamy base flavor, while almond extract brings a slightly sweet, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dessert. This complementary combination makes the glaze on these donuts irresistible and perfectly suited for those who enjoy a refined sweetness without overpowering richness.
Perfect for Celebrations
These donuts are an ideal treat for special occasions like Mother’s Day, birthdays, or brunch gatherings. Their elegant glaze and optional almond topping give them a sophisticated look while remaining easy to serve and share. You can prepare them ahead of time and even decorate them with pastel sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive touch.
Great for Beginners
This donut recipe is particularly friendly for beginners. With simple steps and basic ingredients, it provides a manageable baking project that yields impressive results. Using a donut pan eliminates the need for frying, which can be intimidating for new bakers. The easy-to-mix batter and quick bake time make this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Customizing the Glaze
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to customize the glaze. While the vanilla almond glaze is delicious on its own, you can infuse it with citrus zest, maple syrup, or even add a dash of food coloring to match a theme or season. For a richer topping, consider mixing in melted white chocolate or cream cheese for added depth.
Using High-Quality Extracts
Using high-quality vanilla and almond extracts can dramatically enhance the flavor of your donuts. Pure extracts offer more authentic taste compared to imitation varieties. When baking for someone special—like your mom—it’s worth investing in these premium ingredients for that extra touch of flavor excellence.
Best Flour Type for Baked Donuts
All-purpose flour is ideal for baked donuts as it offers a balanced texture—light yet firm enough to hold the glaze. You could also experiment with cake flour for a softer bite or whole wheat flour for added fiber, though this might slightly alter the final texture and flavor.
The Importance of Buttermilk
Buttermilk plays a critical role in this recipe by adding moisture and a slight tang, which enhances the overall flavor. Its acidity also reacts with the baking soda to provide a lighter and more tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute using milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Why Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture and more consistent baking. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or bake unevenly, especially in quick recipes like this one. Letting your egg and buttermilk sit out for 20–30 minutes before mixing can make a noticeable difference.
Tips for Filling the Donut Pan
To avoid overfilling or underfilling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This ensures uniform donut shapes and even baking. Fill each mold about 3/4 of the way full to allow room for the donuts to rise without spilling over.
How to Know When They’re Done
These donuts bake quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as it can lead to dry, crumbly donuts.
Cooling and Glazing Best Practices
Letting the donuts cool completely before glazing is essential. Warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt too quickly and slide off, resulting in a messy finish. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack over parchment paper to catch any drips and keep your counters clean.
Optional Toppings and Decorations
In addition to sliced almonds, you can get creative with toppings like shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles. For a rustic look, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle them with an extra layer of glaze. Fresh fruit like berries can also complement the almond and vanilla flavors beautifully.
Making Donuts Ahead of Time
These donuts can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. For best results, glaze them the day you plan to serve. If storing overnight, wait to apply the glaze until just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store glazed donuts in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If unglazed, they can be kept longer or even frozen for up to a month. To freeze, wrap each donut individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Making Them Gluten-Free
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be adapted using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the donut’s structure. While the texture may vary slightly, the flavor will remain delicious and satisfying.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a vanilla chai latte, or herbal tea for a cozy experience. They also make a lovely pairing with fresh fruit or a mimosa at a brunch table. Their balanced sweetness complements a wide range of beverages.
Fun with Kids in the Kitchen
Baking these donuts can be a fun family activity. Let kids help with measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and decorating the glazed donuts. This is a great opportunity to introduce young ones to baking in a safe, hands-on way that results in a tasty reward.
Conclusion
Vanilla Almond Glazed Donuts are a delightful way to show love through baking, especially when celebrating someone special like your mom. Their soft texture, rich flavor, and simple preparation make them a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast or just to brighten someone’s day, these donuts deliver homemade comfort in every bite.