Indulge your senses with these exquisite Baked Coconut Donuts, a true delight for every coconut enthusiast! Each soft, tender donut is lovingly baked to perfection, then crowned with a luscious coconut icing and a generous sprinkle of perfectly toasted coconut. This recipe promises a heavenly breakfast or a delightful sweet treat that’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. Prepare to fall head over heels for their tropical charm and irresistible texture.
PIN THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR LATER!
There’s a special joy in baking, especially when it involves transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. For a while now, my heart has been captivated by the magic of baked donuts. I’ve shared a few favorites here before, like the delightful Baked Red Velvet Donuts and the zesty Baked Key Lime Pie Donuts. While I’ve always been enthusiastic about these treats, I understand that not everyone keeps a donut pan readily available in their kitchen. That’s why I hesitated to go “full donut fanatic” until now.
But let me tell you, if you harbor even a tiny bit of love for donuts, now is the time to make a small investment. A donut pan is a game-changer! You can often find high-quality silicone donut pans or metal versions for a very reasonable price. Seriously, for less than $15, you can usually snag a set of two pans, opening up a world of baking possibilities. It’s an investment that pays off in countless delicious ways, allowing you to whip up fresh, homemade donuts anytime the craving strikes. No more waiting in line at the donut shop or dealing with messy deep-frying. Baked donuts are cleaner, often lighter, and just as satisfying.
My journey into these specific coconut delights began with a family reunion. Although I couldn’t attend, my family tasked me with brainstorming breakfast ideas. My mind immediately drifted to donuts. I envisioned a grand spread: dozens of freshly baked donuts, each pan boasting a different, exciting flavor. I had a long list of innovative combinations swirling in my head, eager to experiment and delight. We discussed various options, from savory breakfast pockets to classic cinnamon rolls, eventually settling on those. Yet, the vision of those beautiful, round, baked donuts persisted in my mind, a delicious obsession I couldn’t shake. So, what’s a passionate baker to do when inspiration strikes? Head straight to the kitchen, of course!
The moment I decided to bake donuts, the flavor profile was clear: coconut. My enduring affection for coconut in all its forms made it the natural first choice. And oh, what a choice it was! These donuts turned out to be absolutely phenomenal. There’s something truly special about the combination of a moist, cake-like donut base infused with coconut flavor, elevated by a sweet, creamy coconut icing, and crowned with the delightful crunch of toasted coconut. It’s a multi-layered coconut experience that truly shines.
My husband, bless his heart, managed to snag one before I even had a chance to apply the icing. He admitted he wasn’t particularly impressed with the plain base. But as soon as they were glistening with that rich coconut glaze and adorned with crunchy toasted coconut, his tune completely changed. He couldn’t resist them! And honestly, neither could I. Every bite was a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise, a perfect balance of sweet and nutty. This recipe has quickly become a contender for my favorite breakfast treat, the kind of indulgence that makes waking up just a little bit sweeter.
If you’re wondering why baked donuts are so superior, let me elaborate. Firstly, they’re generally a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts, using less fat and often less sugar. This means you can enjoy them with a little less guilt! Secondly, the baking process itself is much less intimidating. No hot oil to manage, no greasy cleanup, just the comforting aroma of cake baking in your oven. The result is a uniformly cooked, tender crumb that’s ideal for soaking up glazes and holding toppings. Plus, the ease of piping the batter into a donut pan makes them a fun project for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners.
Don’t be surprised if I embark on a bit of a donut-baking spree in the coming weeks. I’ve got a whole list of exciting flavor combinations I’m eager to try, and now that I’ve seen the sheer delight these coconut donuts bring, there’s no stopping me! From fruity glazes to decadent chocolate variations, the possibilities are endless with a simple donut pan and a bit of creativity. Stay tuned for more baked donut inspiration!
For those looking for tips to ensure their baked donuts come out perfectly every time, consider these pointers: always grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, even if it’s non-stick. Fill the cavities about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising without overflowing. And most importantly, avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten too much, leading to a tougher texture. Once baked, let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures the glaze adheres beautifully.
These Baked Coconut Donuts aren’t just for breakfast; they make a fantastic dessert, a charming addition to a brunch spread, or a delightful snack with your afternoon coffee or tea. Their tropical flavor profile makes them particularly appealing during warmer months or whenever you’re dreaming of an escape to an island paradise. They also travel well, making them a great option for potlucks, picnics, or gifting to friends and family. The joy of homemade treats is truly unmatched, and these coconut donuts are a prime example of that simple pleasure.
More Delicious Baked Donut Recipes
If these baked coconut donuts have sparked your interest in the wonderful world of homemade pastries, here are a few more recipes to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Banana Donuts with Peanut Butter Icing – A unique and delicious combination of sweet and savory.
- Biscuit Donuts – Quick and simple, perfect for a last-minute craving.
- Baked Chocolate Donuts with Cherry Glaze – A rich and fruity pairing that’s utterly decadent.
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new, exciting recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! For daily inspiration and more family-friendly content, find me sharing on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Join our community of home cooks and share your culinary creations!
Baked Coconut Donuts
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
18 donuts
Breakfast
American
Pin
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 3/4 teaspoon coconut extract
- toasted coconut for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: coconut milk, lightly beaten eggs, coconut extract, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the donut batter into a large zip-top bag. Snip off one corner of the bag to create an opening. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the donuts are cool, prepare the icing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract until smooth and well combined. The icing should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Carefully dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the coconut icing. For an even coat, you can use a small spoon to spread the icing if necessary. Immediately after dipping, gently press the iced side of each donut into a shallow dish of toasted coconut, ensuring it adheres nicely. Place the finished donuts back on the wire rack to allow the icing to set. Serve and enjoy!
coconut donuts, baked coconut donuts, homemade donuts, donut recipe, easy baked donuts, coconut icing, toasted coconut