Baked Raspberry Donuts

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When it comes to indulgent breakfast treats or an afternoon pick-me-up, baked donuts can be a true delight. These Baked Raspberry Donuts elevate the classic donut with a soft, pillowy texture, a tangy raspberry filling, and a sweet, glossy raspberry icing. Think of them as a lazy version of jelly-filled donuts—without the mess and fuss! The raspberry jam is nestled in the center of the donut, much like a thumbprint cookie, giving it a beautifully sweet, fruity burst in every bite.

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Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie looking for a simple yet irresistible recipe, these baked raspberry donuts will win you over with their soft texture, fruity aroma, and gorgeous finish. With a slight dusting of powdered sugar on top, they make for an impressive homemade breakfast or snack.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Raspberry Donuts

• Fluffy and Soft Texture: Unlike deep-fried donuts, these baked donuts are light, airy, and soft, with a satisfying chew.
• Sweet and Tangy Raspberry Filling: The raspberry jam is the star of this recipe, providing a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the donut’s fluffy interior.
• Easy Raspberry Icing: The raspberry icing is simple to make yet adds a beautiful, glossy finish to the donuts, enhancing both the flavor and appearance.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These donuts are ideal for brunch, a snack, or even a sweet gift. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
• Versatile and Customizable: With a few ingredient swaps and variations, you can make these donuts your own. Add your favorite jam, sprinkle with extra toppings, or even try different icings!

Ingredients for Baked Raspberry Donuts

For the Raspberry Donuts:

• 1 cup (240 mL) lukewarm water (about body temperature)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons (90 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 to 4 cups (360 g-480 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading and shaping
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 & ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (active dry yeast can also be used, see notes)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ⅔ cup raspberry jam (for filling the donuts)

For the Raspberry Icing:

• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons raspberry jam
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions for Making Baked Raspberry Donuts

1. Prepare the Donut Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The butter should be cooled to avoid curdling the egg.
• Add 2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to the bowl. Mix until you have a very sticky dough.
• Gradually add more flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough begins to form a rough ball. You may need up to 4 cups of flour in total, depending on the humidity and flour type.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you poke the dough, it should spring back.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Brush 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over the top of the dough to prevent it from forming a skin.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lint-free tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Donuts:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Punch the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions (for larger donuts) or 12 portions (for medium-sized donuts).
• Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them at least 3 inches apart.

5. Second Rise:

• Cover the dough balls with a towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until they double in size again.

6. Add the Raspberry Jam:

• Uncover the dough and use a small jar, glass, or your thumb to make an indent in the center of each donut. The indent should be about halfway down, leaving a small border around the edge to hold the jam.
• Spoon 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into the center of each donut, filling the indent but not overflowing.

7. Bake the Donuts:

• Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the jam is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let the donuts cool slightly on the baking sheet.

8. Prepare the Raspberry Icing:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, raspberry jam, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.

9. Finish and Serve:

• Drizzle the raspberry icing over the slightly cooled donuts.
• For an extra touch, dust with additional powdered sugar.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy these sweet, fluffy delights!

Tips, Substitutions, and Variations

• Yeast Options: If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Simply activate it in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5 minutes before using.
• Flour Variations: All-purpose flour is recommended for these donuts, but you can try a mix of whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly.
• Jam Alternatives: Feel free to swap raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: To make these donuts vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute and swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes).
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
• Topping Variations: Instead of raspberry icing, drizzle chocolate glaze or dust with cinnamon sugar for a different take on these donuts.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast or Brunch: These donuts make the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea. Serve them alongside fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Dessert: Serve these raspberry donuts as a sweet treat after dinner, with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Gift Idea: Pack these donuts in a cute box or gift bag to share with friends and family. They’ll love the homemade touch and the sweet, fruity flavor!

The Experience: Fluffy, Fruity, and Simply Divine

As you take your first bite of a warm Baked Raspberry Donut, the fluffy texture will melt in your mouth, followed by the burst of tangy raspberry jam. The soft donut crumb is perfectly complemented by the sweet and slightly tart icing that cascades over the top. With every bite, you’ll experience a satisfying contrast of textures—the pillowy softness of the donut with the gooey fruit center and the light glaze that adds a perfect touch of sweetness.

These donuts are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. They’ll fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma of freshly baked goods, making your home feel warm and inviting. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a snack later in the day, these Baked Raspberry Donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these irresistible, homemade raspberry donuts. Happy baking! 🍩💕