These Baked Coconut Donuts are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy donut texture with a tropical coconut twist. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a slightly healthier version, but they are still just as delicious. The addition of coconut flakes gives the donuts a natural sweetness and chewy texture, while the coconut milk adds a rich, creamy flavor. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re light, airy, and wonderfully satisfying without the heaviness of fried donuts.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (granulated or coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60g) melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon coconut flakes (for topping)
For the Coconut Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (for topping)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or a light coating of coconut oil.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should be slightly thick but smooth.
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Fill the Donut Pan:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Use a spoon or a piping bag to evenly distribute the batter.
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Bake the Donuts:
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the Coconut Glaze (Optional):
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Once the donuts are done baking, allow them to cool slightly, then dip the top of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
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Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the donuts cool completely before serving. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
The Origins and Popularity of Donuts:
Donuts, also spelled “doughnuts,” have a long history, dating back to the 19th century. While the exact origin is debated, it’s believed that the modern donut, with its distinctive hole in the middle, was first introduced by a Dutch settler in the U.S. in the 1800s. Donuts became more widespread in the early 20th century with the introduction of donut-making machinery, making them more accessible to the masses.
Today, donuts are a popular breakfast and snack item, enjoyed worldwide in various forms and flavors. The classic fried donut has evolved into numerous variations, including baked versions, glazed donuts, and filled donuts, with tropical twists like coconut and pineapple gaining popularity in many regions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the richness of coconut with the fluffiness of baked donuts. These donuts are light yet satisfying, with a subtle sweetness that comes from the coconut and vanilla. The coconut glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these donuts the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, they’re baked, so you get the classic donut experience without the extra grease from frying!
Health Benefits of Baked Coconut Donuts:
- Coconut is a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps support heart health.
- Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are beneficial for energy and metabolism.
- Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12, which support brain function and overall health.
- These donuts are baked, making them a lighter alternative to fried donuts, which are often higher in fat and calories.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Baked Coconut Donuts with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing breakfast or afternoon snack.
- These donuts also make a great addition to a brunch spread or can be enjoyed as a sweet treat after dinner.
- For an extra touch, pair with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt.
Tips:
- Use unsweetened coconut to control the sweetness of the donuts and keep them from becoming too sugary.
- Toast the coconut flakes before using them as a topping for added flavor and texture. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can result in dense donuts. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Freeze for later: These donuts freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes to restore their fluffiness.
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Coconut Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Lemon Coconut Donuts: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and glaze them with lemon glaze for a citrusy flavor.
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.
Conclusion:
These Baked Coconut Donuts are an irresistible treat that combines the tropical flavors of coconut with the light, airy texture of baked donuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are easy to make and full of delicious flavor. Whether you choose to top them with a coconut glaze or enjoy them plain, they are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore their freshness. -
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative. -
Can I make the glaze without coconut extract?
Yes, you can replace the coconut extract with vanilla extract or simply skip the flavoring for a more neutral glaze.
Enjoy your Baked Coconut Donuts!