Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe
I can’t tell you how much joy these glazed baked orange donuts bring to my kitchen. There’s something so refreshing about the bright citrus flavor paired with a tender donut that’s light but satisfying. Plus, because they’re baked, not fried, you get that guilt-free indulgence that feels right any time of day.
This Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe is one of my go-to treats when friends pop by for coffee, or when you just want to brighten up a weekend morning. The orange zest and juice add such a lovely burst of freshness that balances beautifully with the sweet vanilla glaze. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your donut cravings won’t be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe works together to create the perfect balance of tender crumb and citrus punch. When shopping, opt for fresh oranges for zest and juice, and don’t skip the vanilla bean paste if you can find it — it makes a subtle, rich difference.
- Cake flour: Helps give the donuts a lighter, tender texture compared to all-purpose flour alone.
- All purpose flour: Adds structure while still allowing that soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Essential for that perfect rise and lightness.
- Baking soda: Just a pinch balances the acidity and helps with leavening.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the sweetness and citrus.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness and moisture; I always measure carefully for the right balance.
- Fresh orange zest: This is the star for that bright, aromatic flavor that makes these donuts unique.
- Large eggs (room temperature): I find room temp eggs mix in better for a smooth batter.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled so it blends smoothly without cooking the eggs.
- Sunflower oil (neutral oil): Adds moistness without overpowering the orange essence.
- Almond paste or almond extract: Just a tiny bit brings lovely warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Vanilla bean paste: Intensifies sweetness naturally with those tiny vanilla seeds.
- Fresh orange juice: Adds tang and moisture; always freshly squeezed for best taste.
- Full fat buttermilk (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness thanks to its acidity.
- Powdered confectioners sugar (for glaze): Gives that smooth, sweet coating that cracks just right.
- Whole milk (for glaze): Balances the glaze texture, making it silky and pourable.
Variations
I love playing around with this glazed baked orange donuts recipe, and you should, too! It’s fun to make it your own by switching up a few ingredients or trying different toppings — go ahead and personalize it to suit your mood.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flours with a gluten-free blend once and was surprised how well it worked — just be sure to add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- Citrus Mix-Up: Sometimes I drizzle a lemon glaze or mix grapefruit zest with orange for a zesty twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: I tried substituting eggs with flax eggs and using coconut oil instead of butter — the texture was a bit different but still delicious!
- Spiced Orange Donuts: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter gives a cozy vibe perfect for fall.
How to Make Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Carefully
Start by bringing your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature—this helps the batter mix evenly and rise beautifully. Go ahead and zest your orange first, then juice it. Melt the butter and let it cool completely so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and fresh orange zest. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is key to getting an even rise and balanced flavor—don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, sunflower oil, almond paste or extract, vanilla bean paste, fresh orange juice, and buttermilk until smooth. The mixture will be beautifully fragrant and a bit glossy—a good sign.
Step 4: Gently Fold and Prepare for Baking
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few lumps are okay. I use a light hand to keep the batter tender and fluffy. Spoon the batter into a lightly greased or parchment-lined donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting at 12 minutes—you’re looking for a lightly golden top and a springy touch. You can test with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are okay but no raw batter. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Orange Glaze
While the donuts bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. If your glaze feels too thick, add a teaspoon more milk; too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. The glaze should coat the donuts nicely without running off.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Dip the tops of the warm donuts into the glaze or spoon it over. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set—usually around 10-15 minutes. Then slice, sip coffee, and savor that perfect blend of sweet and citrusy!
How to Serve Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a few finely chopped pistachios or a hint of orange zest on top of the glaze for texture and a pop of color. Sometimes a dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers adds a pretty touch if I’m serving to guests — it makes the donuts feel extra special and festive.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a rich cappuccino or a bright cup of Earl Grey tea to complement the citrus notes. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt drizzled with honey — it’s a nice balance between light and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a brunch or holiday gathering, try stacking these donuts on a tiered cake stand with some fresh orange slices and sprigs of mint around them. Another fun idea I’ve done is arranging them around a pot of warm mulled cider for guests to grab and dip — it always gets a big smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover glazed baked orange donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents the donuts from drying out. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is okay but I recommend reheating before eating.
Freezing
When I freeze these donuts, I do it before glazing — it freezes better that way. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to a month. To thaw, I let them sit on the counter for about an hour, then glaze fresh for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheating is simple. I pop the donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to warm them through without drying out. If already glazed, warming gently helps the icing soften and bring back that fresh donut vibe.
FAQs
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Can I use orange oil or extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?
While orange oil or extract can work in a pinch, fresh zest and juice really make a difference in flavor and freshness for this glazed baked orange donuts recipe. If using oil or extract, use sparingly—you don’t want an overpowering or artificial taste.
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Why do you use both cake flour and all-purpose flour?
Using a mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour balances tenderness and structure. Cake flour gives the donuts a softer crumb, while all-purpose flour provides enough protein for a good rise and chew without being tough.
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Is it necessary to let the melted butter cool?
Yes, cooling the melted butter before adding it to the eggs and wet ingredients helps avoid cooking the eggs prematurely and keeps the batter smooth and consistent.
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Can I make these donuts vegan?
You can! I’ve experimented with flax or chia eggs and coconut oil instead of butter and oil. The texture differs slightly but still tastes great. Experiment and adjust leavening if needed.
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What’s the best way to prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?
Use a good-quality non-stick donut pan or lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray, and consider lining with parchment rounds for extra insurance.
Final Thoughts
This glazed baked orange donuts recipe is such a joy to make and eat — it combines comfort with a refreshing twist that never gets old. I honestly love reaching for this recipe when I want to impress without too much fuss. Give it a go and see how those bright, citrusy flavors can turn an ordinary morning into a special occasion. You’ll love having this in your baking repertoire, I promise!
Print
Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Glazed Baked Orange Donuts that perfectly balance citrus brightness with a tender, cakey bite. Combining cake and all-purpose flour with fresh orange zest and juice, these moist donuts are baked to perfection and topped with a luscious vanilla orange glaze for a refreshing breakfast or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 125 grams (1 cup) cake flour
- 208 grams (1 2/3 cups) all purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 57 grams (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 56 grams (¼ cup) sunflower oil (neutral oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond paste or pure almond extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 240 grams (1 cup) full fat buttermilk, room temperature
Vanilla Orange Glaze
- 330 grams (3 cups) powdered confectioners sugar
- 90 grams (6 tablespoons) whole milk
- 3 teaspoons fresh orange juice
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and salt throughout the dough.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the fresh orange zest, eggs, melted and cooled unsalted butter, sunflower oil, almond paste or almond extract, vanilla bean paste, fresh orange juice, and full fat buttermilk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the batter is combined and no large flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Prepare donut pan and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut molds, filling about 3/4 full to allow for rise. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Cool donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting of the glaze.
- Make the vanilla orange glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered confectioners sugar, whole milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, then place back on the wire rack to set. Let the glaze firm up for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cooled before adding to wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Use neutral oil like sunflower to keep the flavor bright and not overpower the orange.
- Almond paste adds a subtle depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: baked orange donuts, glazed donuts, orange zest donuts, breakfast donuts, vanilla orange glaze
