Get ready to transport yourself to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with these irresistible King Cake Baked Doughnuts! Forget boring breakfast treats - these festive, Mardi Gras-inspired delights are a celebration in every bite. Imagine soft, cinnamon-infused doughnuts adorned with the iconic purple, green, and gold sugars that scream carnival season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, this recipe will turn your kitchen into a Louisiana-style party that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cavity doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring each cavity is evenly coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are fully integrated and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but still pourable.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each doughnut cavity, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- Place the doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn out the doughnuts onto a wire cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, sprinkle generously with colored sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold, creating a festive King Cake appearance.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - stop stirring as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined to keep the doughnuts tender.
- For perfect piping, transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off for precise filling.
- Check doneness with a toothpick - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Let doughnuts cool completely before decorating to prevent color bleeding.
- For extra festive flair, use sanding sugar or edible glitter in Mardi Gras colors.
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
