Name: Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 125 grams (1 cup) cake flour; 208 grams (1 2/3 cups) all purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 57 grams (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 56 grams (¼ cup) sunflower oil (neutral oil); 1/4 teaspoon almond paste or pure almond extract; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 240 grams (1 cup) full fat buttermilk, room temperature; 330 grams (3 cups) powdered confectioners sugar; 90 grams (6 tablespoons) whole milk; 3 teaspoons fresh orange juice; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

I’ve got a little secret to share that’s been brightening up my breakfast routine lately—this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe. Imagine soft, tender donuts infused with fresh orange zest and juice, then topped with a smooth, sweet vanilla orange glaze. It’s like biting into a citrusy cloud that’s just sweet enough without being overpowering. Perfect for weekend brunch or when you want to impress guests without sweating over complicated dough and frying.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how approachable and forgiving it is while still delivering that bakery-quality charm. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on donuts that doesn’t involve deep frying and a dozen extra steps, these baked beauties are definitely worth your time. Plus, the orange glaze adds that zing that makes you keep coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing ingredients that balance citrusy brightness with rich sweetness is key in this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to grab to get started—and a few notes on picking the best versions for top results.

Cake flour: Gives the donuts a soft, tender crumb, lighter than all-purpose flour alone.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure; make sure it’s fresh for best rise.
Baking powder: The main leavening agent, so check it’s not expired to keep your donuts fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a perfect lift and subtly balanced flavor.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the orange zest.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts nicely without overwhelming the citrus.
Fresh orange zest: This is the heart of the recipe—use unwaxed oranges for the best flavor.
Large eggs, room temperature: Help bind everything and add richness.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds moisture and depth without too much heaviness.
Sunflower oil (neutral): Keeps donuts moist without adding any competing flavors.
Almond paste or pure almond extract: Just a hint brings a lovely nutty undertone that complements orange perfectly.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds aromatic warmth and richness to both donut batter and glaze.
Fresh orange juice: Boosts that vibrant citrus flavor in the batter and glaze alike.
Full-fat buttermilk, room temperature: Tenderizes the crumb and pairs beautifully with baking soda for fluffiness.
Powdered confectioners sugar: For the silky smooth glaze that makes these donuts ultra-tempting.
Whole milk: Balances the glaze’s texture for just the right drizzle consistency.

Variations

I love using this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe as a base and mixing it up with different flavors or tweaks depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s super flexible, so feel free to put your own spin on it!

Spiced Orange Donuts: I’ve added a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy fall vibe. It pairs wonderfully with the orange glaze and is perfect with a cup of coffee on chilly mornings.
Gluten-Free Option: Swapping the cake and all-purpose flours for a 1:1 gluten-free blend works surprisingly well here, though texture may be a bit denser.
Lemon-Orange Twist: I sometimes use half orange zest and half lemon zest for a zesty citrus explosion that wakes up the palate.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative. I’ve tried this, and while texture slightly varies, the flavor stays amazing!

How to Make Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Dry Ingredients Ready

Start by whisking together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Mixing these first helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly so your donuts rise just right and get that perfect texture. I like to do this early so there’s no scrambling later on.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Love

In a separate bowl, combine your eggs, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs), sunflower oil, almond extract or paste, vanilla bean paste, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Then stir in the buttermilk. The room temperature ingredients help everything blend seamlessly, giving you a smooth donut batter without lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, But Don’t Overmix

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula just until combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy—that’s perfect. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so stop once you don’t see dry flour.

Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan and Bake

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into a greased or non-stick donut pan. I like to lightly grease with butter for a subtle flavor. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on the first batch since oven temperatures vary!

Step 5: Whip Up the Vanilla Orange Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered confectioners sugar, whole milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. This glaze makes these donuts shine and taste irresistible.

Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them on a rack to set. If you want, a second thin layer after the first dries adds extra shine and sweetness. Be sure to let the glaze set before digging in—you’ll thank me later!

How to Serve Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe

Five glazed donuts with a shiny white sugar coating are arranged on top of layered sheets of old music paper, creating a textured base. Two white ceramic mugs filled with dark coffee sit among the donuts, the coffee rich brown with a smooth surface. On the left side, a small bunch of pale pink roses with green leaves and water droplets rests beside the donuts. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface, with parts of an old, worn book visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel or a few tiny edible flowers on top for that café-style look. Sometimes, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on the glaze before it sets adds a fun twist, too. It’s all about those little touches that make your homemade donuts feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These donuts are fantastic alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait. For cozy breakfast vibes, I often pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea. For brunch, adding a simple cheese plate or scrambled eggs balances sweet and savory delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served these for special occasions or brunch parties, I like to arrange them on a tiered cake stand dusted lightly with powdered sugar and scatter fresh orange slices and mint leaves around. It instantly makes your kitchen table look festive and inviting! You could even drizzle some extra glaze in a pretty zigzag pattern for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze keeps them moist, but after that, they start to lose their freshness. I try to enjoy them quickly—it’s hard not to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze the donuts, I recommend doing so before glazing. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then glaze fresh. This helps the glaze stay fresh and shiny.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a glazed donut in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and gives your glaze a slight, delightful melt without making it runny.

FAQs

Can I make this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap buttermilk for a dairy-free yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Also, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze. The flavor will still be bright and delicious.
Why do these donuts bake instead of fry?

These donuts are baked to keep them lighter and less greasy without sacrificing flavor or texture. Baking also makes the recipe simpler and less messy, perfect for home bakers who want that fresh donuts taste with less fuss.
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?

While you can, fresh zest and juice deliver a much brighter and more natural citrus flavor that really makes this recipe pop. If you don’t have fresh oranges, try to use a high-quality orange extract and adjust amounts cautiously to avoid an artificial taste.
How do I prevent my glaze from being too runny or too thick?

Start with the recommended amounts of powdered sugar and milk, then add tiny amounts of milk or sugar as needed. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, a drop more milk will help. The ideal glaze should coat the back of a spoon and drip slowly.
Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling this Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe is straightforward. Just keep your batter thickness consistent and bake in batches if your oven space is limited. Watch the baking time closely with a toothpick test, as it may vary slightly with quantity.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Baked Orange Donuts Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats to whip up when I want something both comforting and refreshingly bright. The ease of baking rather than frying, combined with the bright citrus and cozy vanilla glaze, just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give it a try—you might find it becomes your favorite way to enjoy donuts at home, just like me!