Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Baked French Cruller Donuts! They are like little clouds of heaven—light, airy, and utterly delicious. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked donut that feels like it’s floating on air, and the best part? You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a delightful dessert! Trust me, once you try these beauties, you’ll be dreaming about them. They’re super easy to make and don’t require any frying, which means less mess and more time to savor every bite. Whether you’re having a cozy morning or a sweet evening treat, these crullers will definitely impress. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Baked French Cruller Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Baked French Cruller Donuts. I promise it’s all straightforward and easy to find!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Make sure to gather everything before you start—you’ll want to have it all within arm’s reach to keep the momentum going! Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother.
How to Prepare Baked French Cruller Donuts
Let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious Baked French Cruller Donuts! I promise you, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be piping and glazing like a pro.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the donuts rise beautifully and become that light, airy texture we all love. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Dough
Now, grab a medium saucepan and combine the unsalted butter, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling away, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. It’s going to look a bit lumpy at first, but don’t worry! Next, let it cool for a minute, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in that lovely vanilla extract. You’ll be amazed at how it all comes together!
Pipe the Donuts
Once your dough is smooth, it’s time to transfer it to a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just fine! Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating lovely ring shapes. Don’t stress if they’re not perfect; the beauty of homemade treats is in their charm! Just make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they don’t stick together while baking.
Bake and Cool
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when you touch them. Once out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack. This is key because glazing warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt away, and we definitely want that sweet topping to stick!
Prepare the Glaze
Alright, let’s make that glaze! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. You’re aiming for a nice, drippy consistency—if it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk. For a little twist, feel free to add some lemon zest for a zesty kick! Once your donuts are cool, dip the tops in the glaze and let them set. Oh my goodness, you’re going to love these!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick to make—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Baked, not fried, for a healthier twist on donuts.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a sweet treat!
- Customizable with different glazes or toppings for extra fun!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, here are some tips to ensure your Baked French Cruller Donuts turn out absolutely perfect! First, make sure your butter is unsalted; this way, you can control the saltiness in your donuts. If you’re out of eggs, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option, but the texture might be slightly different. Also, don’t rush the cooling process—let them cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This helps the glaze stick better! And if you want to get fancy, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a warm flavor boost. Trust me, it’s the little things that make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the goodness in our Baked French Cruller Donuts! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving, which is one delightful donut:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy these delicious treats guilt-free and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful Baked French Cruller Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While I love using all-purpose flour for its perfect texture, you can try using cake flour for an even lighter cruller. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly, but it’s a fun experiment!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, I recommend using unsweetened applesauce—about 1/4 cup for each egg. This will keep the moisture intact, though the texture might be a tad different. You could also use flaxseed meal mixed with water if you’re feeling adventurous!
How should I store leftover donuts?
To keep your Baked French Cruller Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before piping and baking. Freshly baked crullers are the best, but having the dough ready can save you time!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
If you have leftovers, the best way to reheat these donuts is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that lovely texture without making them soggy. Enjoy your crullers just like they were freshly baked!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Baked French Cruller Donuts fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option! Just wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the donuts in for about 5-7 minutes. This will warm them up nicely and help restore that delightful texture, making them taste just like they came out of the oven! Enjoy every bite of your perfectly stored and reheated crullers!
Print
Baked French Cruller Donuts: 5 Heavenly Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
Baked French Cruller Donuts are light, airy, and delicious pastries. They are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe donuts onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before glazing.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and dip donuts in the glaze.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, try adding lemon zest to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Baked French Cruller Donuts, donuts, baked donuts, French pastries