When I decided to trade in store-bought donuts for something homemade, my kitchen transformed into a magical bakery filled with the heavenly scent of freshly baked Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts. Believe me, there’s pure joy in whipping up a batch of these treats—light, fluffy, and with a delightful hint of vanilla, they are a game changer!
As I whisked together the simple ingredients, I was reminded of the times I’d longed for a treat that didn’t come with the guilt of fast food. The ease and elegance of baking these crullers made me feel a sense of accomplishment every time the timer buzzed.
If you think you can only enjoy crullers from a café, think again! In just about 15 minutes, you can create beautiful, golden donuts right in your own kitchen. They’re versatile enough for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet ending to a dinner party. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will impress any crowd while satisfying your cravings for homemade goodness.
Why are Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts irresistible?
Homemade Delight: These donuts provide the warm comfort of homemade baked goods, making you feel like a pro in your own kitchen.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for those busy mornings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack with coffee.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: With no frying involved, you can savor the fluffy goodness without the extra calories!
Impressive Presentation: These crullers are not just tasty but also look stunning, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The backbone of your cruller; sift it for an airy texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – This leavening agent ensures your donuts rise perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Richness and moisture come from this delicious ingredient.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the mixture and creates a nice golden crust.
• 2 large eggs – Provide structure and help bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a delightful aroma and flavor; feel free to use a premium brand for extra depth.
• 1/4 cup milk – This brings all the ingredients together, keeping your donuts moist.
For the Glaze
• 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for a sweet and shiny glaze.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to suit your preference; more milk for a thinner glaze!
Get ready to indulge in your homemade Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts that will steal the spotlight at any gathering!
How to Make Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your donut pan a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray. This will help your crullers slide out effortlessly once they’re baked to perfection.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a light texture in your donuts.
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Beat softened butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and milk, ensuring everything is fully incorporated for a rich batter.
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Combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can result in dense donuts, and we want them fluffy!
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Transfer the batter into a piping bag, then pipe it into your donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This will allow room for the donuts to rise beautifully during baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary! Let them cool slightly before glazing for the perfect finish.
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Drizzle the glaze made from mixing powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired consistency. A little thicker glaze looks stunning, but a thinner one offers a nice sheen.
Optional: Garnish with colorful sprinkles for an extra touch of joy and fun!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep your cruller donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store them in the fridge, but be mindful that this may alter their texture slightly. Consume within 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cruller donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To refresh your frozen donuts, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for a warm, delightful treat, bringing back that homemade goodness!
Expert Tips for Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts
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Pipe with Care: Fill the donut pan just three-quarters full to allow for proper rising. Overfilling can lead to donuts spilling over and losing shape.
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Mix Lightly: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing will make your crullers dense instead of fluffy—aim for a smooth yet slightly lumpy batter.
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Glaze Wisely: Adjust your glaze consistency by adding milk gradually. A thinner glaze gives a nice sheen, while a thicker one holds beautifully on top for a stunning finish.
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Cool Before Glazing: Let your donuts cool slightly before glazing. This helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting into the donuts.
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Storage Solutions: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To maintain freshness, consider freezing them and reheating when you’re craving that homemade goodness!
Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful tweaks and make this recipe your very own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the same delightful texture.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil to cater to dairy-free diets.
- Add Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright, citrusy kick. The zest elevates the flavor profile beautifully!
- Flavored Glaze: Replace the milk in the glaze with maple syrup or coffee for a unique flavor twist. It adds a cozy richness that’s simply irresistible!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top instead of the glaze for a decadent chocolatey option. Who can resist chocolate on their crullers?
- Add Spice: Dust the donuts with cinnamon or nutmeg before baking for a warm, aromatic touch. This simple addition takes your crullers to the next level!
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Your taste buds will celebrate this extra texture!
- Heat It Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder into the glaze for a sweet and spicy combination that will delight the adventurous palate.
This is your chance to customize and have fun—let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
What to Serve with Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts?
Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts, ready to be paired with delightful accompaniments.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries offers a refreshing tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the crullers.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this adds a luxurious touch—perfect for dolloping on top of the donuts or alongside for dipping. It enhances every bite!
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of your favorite morning beverage perfectly complements the sugary goodness, creating a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle in some maple syrup for a sweet touch that brings an extra layer of flavor to the donuts—a true breakfast classic!
- Chocolate Sauce: Rich, velvety chocolate sauce drizzled over the crullers transforms them into an indulgent dessert, pleasing chocolate lovers everywhere.
- Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side during special occasions; it’s a dreamy combination with the warm donuts.
- Coconut Flakes: Lightly toasted coconut adds a tropical twist and lovely texture— sprinkle some on top of the crullers for a fun finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness even on your busiest days! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately, then refrigerating them both. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the batter and pipe it into the donut pan, allowing for a quick and easy baking session. To maintain their fluffy texture, bake them fresh; don’t glaze until just before serving—this ensures a shiny finish. With these make-ahead tips, you can savor these delightful treats with minimal effort!
Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients for my cruller donuts?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients, opt for the freshest items. For flour, avoid bags with tears or lumps—this means it’s stale. Make sure your eggs are fresh by checking the date on the carton. Butter should be firm but easy to spread. When using vanilla extract, high-quality extracts can really elevate the flavor.
How should I store my Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for 3-4 days, though they may lose a bit of their fluffy texture. I often prefer room temperature; it keeps them pillowy!
Can I freeze my cruller donuts? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
What can I do if my donuts turn out dense?
If your cruller donuts come out dense, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, leaving a few lumps. Remember to measure flour correctly—it’s best to spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to packing and extra flour.
Are there any dietary considerations for people with allergies?
Yes, definitely! These donuts contain gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter and milk). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, I recommend substituting with gluten-free flour blends and using non-dairy milk alternatives. Also, be sure to check the labels on your baking powder and powdered sugar to ensure they meet your needs. Always prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure!
Oven Baked French Cruller Donuts for a Sweet Homemade Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Beat softened butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and milk.
- Combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually and mix until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into the donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before glazing.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk to create the glaze, adjusting for desired consistency.