Can a wholesome baked donut recipe really compete with the crispy, golden perfection of a fried classic? We put both to the test—with shocking results! Discover which version wins for flavor, texture, and health (and get our foolproof recipes to try both).
Why this showdown matters:
✅ Blind taste test results – Which did testers prefer?
✅ Nutrition breakdown – Calories, fat & sugar compared
✅ Texture secrets – Why fried donuts crisp (and how baked mimic it)
✅ Best for your goal – Craving indulgence vs. guilt-free treats
Whether you’re a deep-fried purist or a health-conscious baker, this face-off will change how you see donuts forever. Let’s settle this delicious debate!
Key Recipe Stats
Here’s what you need to know before you start:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 donuts
- Calories: 220 per donut
- Dietary Tags: Dairy-Free, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (optional)
Ingredients for Baked Donut Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these divine Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour mix)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative, like almond or oat milk)
- 1 egg (or 1 flax egg for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or ¼ cup neutral oil, like canola or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips)
- Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a donut pan, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can use a muffin tin—just know your donuts will have a slightly different shape.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using gluten-free flour, make sure to whisk it well to incorporate any xanthan gum or other additives.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg (or flax egg), applesauce (or oil), and peppermint extract. If you’re using flax eggs, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before proceeding.
4. Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you’re using dairy-free chocolate chips, be extra careful not to overmix, as they can be more delicate.
6. Pipe the Batter
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional info for these Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts:
| Nutrient | Value (per donut) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
Tips, Variations, and FAQs
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations
- Glazed Donuts: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk (or dairy-free milk).
- Sprinkles: Add some festive sprinkles on top of the glaze for a colorful touch.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for some extra crunch.
FAQs
- Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! Use a flax egg, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. - What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No problem! Use a muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but the taste will be just as delicious. - Can I freeze the batter?
Yes, you can freeze the batter for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Baked donuts offer a lighter, cake-like texture with 30-50% fewer calories than fried, while traditional fried donuts deliver that iconic crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth richness. But here’s the twist: with the right recipe (like our secret cornstarch trick), baked donuts can achieve surprising crispiness—making this showdown closer than you’d think! Whether you prioritize health or indulgence, we’ve got science-backed tips to perfect both methods.
Final Tip: These donuts are perfect for sharing! Wrap them up in a cute box or bag and surprise someone special with a homemade treat. 🍩✨
