Baked Doughnuts II
Baked Doughnuts II Recipe: Deliciously Authentic American Treat
Introduction
Baked Doughnuts II is a delightful recipe that offers a healthier alternative to the traditional fried doughnuts. This recipe combines the warmth of nutmeg and the sweetness of sugar to create a treat that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. With a soft, tender texture and a deliciously sweet coating, these baked doughnuts are sure to become a favorite in your household.
History
The concept of doughnuts has been around for centuries, with early versions being fried dough sweetened with sugar or honey. The introduction of baking powder in the 19th century allowed for the creation of a baked version, offering a lighter, less greasy alternative. This particular recipe, Baked Doughnuts II, is a modern take on those early baked versions, incorporating contemporary ingredients like egg beaters and vegetable shortening to achieve a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water and let it dissolve for five minutes.
- Put milk and shortening in a small saucepan and warm until the shortening melts. Cool to lukewarm.
- Pour the yeast mixture into a mixing bowl; add the milk mixture, egg beaters, nutmeg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat briskly until well mixed.
- Add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. The dough will be soft but manageable.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 0.5 inch thick.
- Cut doughnuts out with a three-inch doughnut cutter.
- Place the doughnuts on a greased baking sheet and let them rise, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. (The doughnuts do not spread much, so you can place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet).
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar mix.
- Variation: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar mix, let the doughnuts cool after brushing with butter. When cool, dip them in a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
- Makes about 30 doughnuts. Each doughnut is approximately 125 calories and contains 3.9 g of fat. (28.5% of calories from fat).
Variations
- For a chocolate lover's twist, add cocoa powder to the dough and finish with a chocolate glaze. If you prefer fruit-flavored doughnuts, mix in some lemon zest or blueberries into the dough. For a festive touch during the holidays, add pumpkin spice to the dough and top with a maple glaze.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your baked doughnuts come out perfectly, make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky; if it's too sticky to handle, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. When cutting out your doughnuts, try not to twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly. Lastly, for an even golden color, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
These baked doughnuts are delicious on their own, but for an extra special treat, serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of your favorite jam. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Cooking Techniques
Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, providing a healthier alternative to frying. The key to successful baking is maintaining an accurate oven temperature and not overcrowding the baking sheet, allowing for even heat distribution and proper rising.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegan version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, the egg beaters with a flaxseed egg, and use a vegan butter alternative. If you're out of nutmeg, cinnamon makes a great substitute, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature and proceed with cutting and baking the doughnuts as directed. Baked doughnuts can also be frozen for up to a month, ready to be warmed and enjoyed at a moment's notice.
Presentation Ideas
For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle your baked doughnuts with glaze and sprinkle with toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles. Serving them on a tiered cake stand can also make for an impressive display at brunches or parties.
Pairing Recommendations
Baked doughnuts pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a morning treat, enjoy them with a latte or cappuccino. In the afternoon, a glass of cold milk or a cup of Earl Grey tea complements their sweetness perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them tough.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each doughnut is approximately 125 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a sweet treat. The calories are primarily derived from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.
Carbohydrates
Each doughnut contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come primarily from the all-purpose flour and sugar, providing quick energy. For those monitoring their carb intake, consider reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute.
Fats
Each serving contains about 3.9 grams of fat, which constitutes roughly 28.5% of the total calories. The fats are primarily from the vegetable shortening and melted butter used in the recipe. For a lower fat version, you can substitute the shortening with applesauce and use a low-fat milk.
Proteins
These baked doughnuts offer a modest amount of protein, with each serving containing approximately 3 grams. The protein comes from the milk and egg beaters, contributing to the doughnuts' soft texture and providing a small but valuable boost to your daily protein intake.
Vitamins and minerals
While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, these doughnuts do provide some nutritional benefits. The milk adds calcium and vitamin D, while the eggs contribute to the intake of vitamin B12 and selenium. For an added nutritional boost, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
Alergens
This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs. For those with allergies, gluten-free flour, lactose-free milk, and egg substitutes can be used.
Summary
Overall, Baked Doughnuts II are a moderately healthy option for those craving something sweet. They offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, with a relatively low calorie count per serving. However, for those with specific dietary needs or restrictions, adjustments may be necessary.
Summary
Baked Doughnuts II is a versatile and delightful recipe that offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts. With a variety of serving suggestions, recipe variations, and make-ahead tips, these doughnuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and tender texture.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Baked Doughnuts II. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through some old cookbooks in my attic looking for a new recipe to try. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a worn and stained piece of paper tucked away in between the pages of an old cookbook. The title read "Baked Doughnuts II," and my curiosity was instantly piqued.
I carefully unfolded the paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, milk, and butter. It seemed simple enough, but what caught my eye was the method of baking the doughnuts instead of frying them. I had never heard of baked doughnuts before, and I was intrigued by the idea of a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version.
As I read through the recipe, memories flooded back to me of my grandmother teaching me how to bake when I was just a little girl. She was a fantastic cook and had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients. I remembered the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven and the sound of her laughter as we worked together in the kitchen.
I decided to give the Baked Doughnuts II recipe a try, in honor of my grandmother and the joy she had brought to my life through cooking. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully and methodically. The dough came together beautifully, and as I shaped the doughnuts and placed them on the baking sheet, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me from heaven, proud of the cook I had become.
As the doughnuts baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of my childhood. I eagerly waited for them to be done, my mouth watering in anticipation of the first bite. When I finally pulled them out of the oven, they were golden brown and perfectly puffed, with a light dusting of sugar on top.
I took a bite of the warm, fluffy doughnut and was instantly transported back in time to my grandmother's kitchen. The flavors were rich and comforting, reminding me of the love and care that went into every dish she made. I knew then that this recipe for Baked Doughnuts II would become a cherished favorite in my collection, passed down through generations as a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of a good recipe.
As I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying my freshly baked doughnut with a cup of hot tea, I felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me. My grandmother's legacy lived on in every dish I made, and I knew that she was with me in spirit, guiding me through each recipe and helping me create something delicious out of simple ingredients.
And so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I vowed to continue exploring new recipes and sharing the joy of cooking with my loved ones. The recipe for Baked Doughnuts II had opened up a world of possibilities for me, and I couldn't wait to see where my culinary journey would take me next.