Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe

Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about these Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe that just makes mornings brighter. The blend of zesty orange with a tender, cakey donut base and that shiny, sweetly citrus glaze? It’s like a little burst of sunshine on your plate. I love making these when I want a treat that feels special but isn’t fussy—perfect for weekend breakfasts or an afternoon coffee break with friends.

What makes this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe stand out for me is how easy it is to whip up without frying—less mess, less guilt! The freshness of real orange zest and juice adds a lovely brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich buttermilk dough. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a sweet gift for someone, these donuts always impress without needing hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together beautifully to create the moist, tender crumb and that vibrant orange flavor you’re aiming for. A quick heads-up: using fresh orange zest and juice really lifts the whole recipe, so don’t skip that!

• Cake flour: Gives the donuts a soft, delicate texture.
• All purpose flour: Balances structure and softness.
• Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise just right.
• Baking soda: Works with buttermilk for tenderness.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Fresh orange zest: Bursts with citrus aroma—always use fresh for best flavor.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds buttery flavor and tenderness.
• Sunflower oil (neutral oil): Keeps donuts moist without heavy flavor.
• Almond paste or pure almond extract: Just a hint adds warmth and depth.
• Vanilla bean paste: Intensifies sweetness with a lovely vanilla aroma.
• Fresh orange juice: Adds acidity and fresh orange flavor.
• Full fat buttermilk, room temperature: Reacts with baking soda for lift and keeps crumb tender.
• Powdered confectioners sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet coating.
• Whole milk: Thins the glaze for the perfect drizzle.

Variations

I’ve found that this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe is a great base for custom tweaks—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Sometimes I swap a bit of the orange juice for lemon juice to punch up the citrus notes, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for cozy warmth.

• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; the texture shifts slightly but still tasty.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute almond milk and coconut oil—it still bakes up beautifully.
• Spiced twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or ginger into the batter for extra warmth.
• Zesty glaze: Mix in some finely chopped candied orange peel into the glaze for texture and flair.

How to Make Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your cake flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a big bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and you won’t get any surprises once you add the wet ingredients. I like to sift the flours if my kitchen’s feeling humid—helps keep the texture light.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Zest

Now, zest your orange and add that zest to the granulated sugar, then rub them together with your fingers until the sugar looks speckled and smells amazing. This step is key to infuse your donuts with a fresh burst of orange aroma that really shines through in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter, sunflower oil, almond paste or extract, vanilla bean paste, fresh orange juice, and buttermilk. Give it a good mix until everything’s evenly combined. I always make sure my buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature—it helps the batter mix smoothly without lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently just until combined. It’s okay if you still see some flour streaks; you don’t want to overmix or your donuts might turn out dense. A light hand here makes a world of difference for fluffiness.

Step 5: Bake Your Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan well. Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 15-18 minutes—start checking around 14 minutes with a toothpick; when it comes out clean, they’re done. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Orange Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla bean paste until silky smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—if it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too thick, splash some milk. I love dipping the tops of the donuts in this glaze while they’re still warm so it sticks beautifully.

How to Serve Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I like to sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds or a pinch of extra orange zest on top of the glaze for a bit of crunch and a burst of freshness. Poppy seeds or even edible flowers give a charming touch if you’re aiming to impress someone special.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a bright herbal tea. If it’s brunch, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt with honey and nuts—balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve set up a donut “bar” with different glazes, sprinkles, and chopped nuts so everyone can customize their own Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe. It’s always a hit and sparks great conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After glazing, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh for about two days. I usually layer them carefully with parchment paper so they don’t stick or smudge the glaze.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts unglazed—you can wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then glaze fresh. The texture holds up really well and it’s a great way to enjoy a quick homemade treat without the rush.

Reheating

To warm them up, I pop the donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or the texture might get dry. If you have leftover glaze, a quick fresh drizzle after reheating makes them taste like they’re straight from the bakery!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s approachable, full of flavor, and always brings smiles around the table. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get perfect results and impress with a fresh twist on classic donuts. So grab your mixing bowls, zest those oranges, and treat yourself—you deserve these little bites of sunshine.

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