Baked Donuts

Steps

1. 1

   Lightly grease a donut pan and preheat the oven to 175°C (180°C)*.

2. 2

   Place a sieve over a large bowl, and sift in the flour and baking powder. Then add the sugar and salt, and mix well.

3. 3

   Then add the milk, butter, applesauce, and vanilla. Stir until combined, but try not to overmix.

4. 4

   Fill each donut well until ¾ full. Bake on the center rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.

5. 5

   Make the vanilla glaze by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl**. If the glaze is too thick, add a small splash more milk. Add a few drops of optional food colouring if desired.

6. 6

   Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon together on a plate. In a separate shallow bowl, melt the butter.

7. 7

   Remove the donuts from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes before flipping the donuts onto a wire rack until they are cool enough to handle, but still warm.

8. 8

   Dip half of the donuts in the glaze. For a thicker coating, let the first coat dry completely and then dip the donut in the glaze again.

9. 9

   For the sugar-cinnamon donuts, quickly dip the remaining donuts in the melted butter, and then in the mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

10. 10

    Transfer the frosted donuts to a wire rack and add optional toppings (like sprinkles) while the glaze is still wet. Enjoy!