Joyful pancake donuts: 11 mins to bliss

You know, sometimes the best mornings start with something truly special, but without all the fuss, right? That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for these baked pancake donuts. They’re like the happiest love child between fluffy pancakes and sweet, glazed donuts, and honestly, they’re just pure joy in donut form. Coming from a place where cooking felt like just another chore, finding recipes like these – simple, flavorful, and totally confidence-boosting – has completely changed my perspective. It’s all about finding that moment of pure joy in your own kitchen, just like I did when I finally nailed that first bagel! This recipe is proof that incredible food doesn’t need to be complicated. You can check out more about my journey on the about page, and maybe give us a follow on Facebook!

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Why You’ll Love These Baked Pancake Donuts

• They’re a super easy breakfast treat that feels totally indulgent.
• Seriously quick! We’re talking minutes from batter to tasty donut.
• The cinnamon sugar coating is just *chef’s kiss* – warm and perfectly sweet.
• You can get the kids involved! These are fantastic for kids baking adventures.
• They taste like fluffy pancakes but in fun donut shapes!

Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Pancake Donuts

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready! The beauty of these pancake donuts is that they use simple, everyday things you probably already have in your pantry. For the donuts themselves, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder (this is what makes them nice and fluffy!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar (just a touch for sweetness)
• 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk gives the best flavor, but any kind works!)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (make sure it’s cooled just a bit so it doesn’t scramble the egg!)

And for that irresistible topping that just screams cozy mornings:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

See? Totally doable and uses ingredients that make food taste truly wonderful. It’s amazing what a few key items can do!

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Essential Equipment for Making Pancake Donuts

Okay, so to whip up these awesome pancake donuts, you’ll need a few trusty kitchen pals. First up, a donut pan is your best friend here; it gives them that classic shape. Grab a couple of mixing bowls – one for your dry stuff, one for the wet. A good whisk makes beating everything together a breeze, and of course, your measuring cups and spoons are crucial for perfect results every time. Having these ready honestly makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Pancake Donuts

Okay, let’s get our hands a little floury and make some magic! Putting these pancake donuts together is honestly a breeze, and it’s a perfect way to get the kitchen smelling amazing. Here’s how we’ll do it:

Preparing the Donut Pan and Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven fired up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your donut pan. You want to make sure these beauties slide right out, so give each little donut cavity a good grease and flour. A quick spray of baking spray works wonders too!

Mixing the Pancake Donut Batter

In your big bowl, get the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar all whisked together. Just give it a good stir so everything’s nice and combined. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk up your milk, egg, and those lovely 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Now, pour all those wet ingredients right into your dry ones. Mix it gently until it’s just combined. Seriously, stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks – overmixing is the enemy of a tender donut!

Filling and Baking Your Pancake Donuts

Carefully spoon or pipe your batter into the prepared donut pan. You want to fill each spot about two-thirds of the way full – they’ll puff up a bit. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. A toothpick test is your best friend here: stick one into the center, and if it comes out clean, they’re ready!

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Creating the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While those pancake donuts are baking, let’s whip up that yummy topping. Melt that ½ cup of butter in a small bowl. In another little bowl, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon together until it’s all nicely combined. This is where that amazing smell really starts!

Topping and Finishing Your Pancake Donuts

Once the donuts are done, let them cool in the pan for just a minute or so. Then, gently flip them out onto a wire rack. While they’re still warm (but not too hot!), grab a donut, dip the top into that melted butter, and then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Do this while they’re warm so that yummy coating sticks like a dream. Serve them up right away for the best, most delicious experience! These are perfect for an easy brunch!

Tips for Perfect Pancake Donuts Every Time

Okay, wanting perfect pancake donuts is totally achievable! It really comes down to a few little tricks. First, don’t overmix that batter! Just stir until the dry bits disappear. Too much mixing means tougher donuts, and we want them light and fluffy like pancakes, right? Also, make sure your oven temperature is spot on. Sometimes ovens run a little hot or cool, so a quick oven thermometer check can save the day. For that amazing cinnamon sugar coating, make sure your donuts are still warm when you dip them – the butter sticks best then!

And if you don’t have a donut pan? No worries at all! You can totally use a mini muffin tin sprayed really well. Just fill those cups about two-thirds to three-quarters full and keep an eye on them; they might bake a minute or two faster. Baking them is way easier than dealing with yeast, and it’s a joy to see them turn out so beautifully, kind of like how I felt when I finally got my bread right! Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get the little ones involved in baking; checking out my kids baking tips might give you even more ideas!

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Pancake Donuts

These pancake donuts are fantastic just as they are, but you know me, I love a good little twist! For something extra special, maybe try a simple vanilla glaze – just powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drop of vanilla extract. Or, sprinkle some colorful nonpareils on top while the glaze is still wet! They’re also amazing for creating a stunning easy brunch board. Arrange them with some fresh berries, a dollop of creamy yogurt, and a little side of maple syrup for dipping. It looks super impressive but takes almost no extra effort! It’s almost as fun as setting up a hot cocoa bar for the holidays!

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Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Pancake Donuts

Okay, so if you happen to have any of these amazing pancake donuts leftover (which I highly doubt!), storing them is super simple. Just pop them into an airtight container at room temperature. They’re really best enjoyed the same day they’re made, when they’re still super tender and the cinnamon sugar topping is just perfect. If you do need to reheat them, just pop a donut or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds – just enough to take the chill off and make them warm and gooey again. Honestly though, they’re so easy to make, whipping up a fresh batch is part of the fun!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pancake Donuts

Got questions about these delicious pancake donuts? I’m happy to help! It’s all about making things easy and fun in the kitchen, so let’s clear up any little doubts you might have. If you ever need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Can I make pancake donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, no sweat. Mini muffin tins work perfectly! Just make sure to grease them really well. You’ll want to fill them about two-thirds full and keep an eye on the baking time – they might cook a minute or two faster than donuts. They’ll be just as yummy!

How do I prevent my pancake donuts from sticking?

Sticking is the worst, right? For perfect releases, really give your donut pan or mini muffin tin a good coating of grease and flour. A baking spray with flour in it is also fantastic and super quick. That little bit of prep makes all the difference!

Are these pancake donuts suitable for kids?

Oh, 100%! These are totally kid-friendly. Because they use a simple baking method and no yeast, they’re perfect for little helpers. Getting them involved in mixing the batter or rolling the donuts in cinnamon sugar is always a huge hit. It’s a super fun activity, especially if you’re looking for something new for kids baking!

Understanding the Nutrition of Your Baked Pancake Donuts

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside these delightful pancake donuts! Since everyone’s ingredients can vary just a tiny bit, these numbers are pretty close estimates. We’re looking at roughly 250 calories per donut, with about 12g of fat (that’s the yummy butter and egg helping out!). You’ll also get around 35g of carbohydrates and about 20g of sugar from that lovely cinnamon-sugar coating. Remember, these are just general figures, and you can always check out our disclaimer for more details. But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for such a happy start to your day!

Share Your Delicious Creations!

I would absolutely LOVE to see how your pancake donuts turned out! Seriously, seeing your creations makes my day. Did you try any fun variations? Did the kids help out? Drop a comment below, give the recipe a star rating if you loved it, or tag us on social media. It really helps us out and lets us bask in your baking glory! You can find more tips and inspiration over on our blog!

Baked Pancake Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

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Enjoy these easy baked donuts that taste like pancakes. They are a perfect quick breakfast treat for any morning.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• For the Topping:
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the donuts are baking, melt the ½ cup of butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
8. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Serve immediately.

Notes

• These donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
• You can customize the topping by adding nutmeg or other spices to the cinnamon sugar.
• For a fun brunch board, serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in mini muffin tins, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg