There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you pull a batch of warm, fluffy donuts out of the oven. As the enticing aroma of matcha fills the air, I can’t help but imagine weekend brunches that turn into sweet celebrations. These Baked Green Donuts are not just any ordinary treat; they blend the vibrant earthiness of matcha with a delicate sugar glaze that transforms them into a delightful indulgence.
Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast option or a special dessert to share with loved ones, this recipe is a gem. With its vegan and dairy-free credentials, it caters to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the simplicity of making these donuts means you can whip them up in no time, leaving you free to enjoy the moments that matter most.
Join me as we create a batch of these beautifully green delights and discover how a little matcha can brighten up your day!
Why are Baked Green Donuts a must-try?
Deliciously Unique: These baked green donuts bring a delightful twist to your typical sweet treats, infusing vibrant matcha flavor into every bite.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create these fluffy delights, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Healthier Option: Enjoy guilt-free indulgence as they’re vegan, dairy-free, and baked, not fried!
Versatile Toppings: Experiment with different glazes and toppings, from coconut to chocolate, to customize your flavors.
A Crowd Favorite: Perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack, these donuts easily impress family and friends, making any gathering a little sweeter.
Baked Green Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure and body; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to ensure fluffy donuts.
• Baking Soda – Reacts with vinegar to enhance rise, giving the donuts their airy texture.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor.
• Matcha Powder – Provides a rich flavor and beautiful green color; choose high-quality matcha for the best results.
• Sugar – Sweetens the batter; coconut sugar is a great substitute for a lower glycemic index.
• Almond Milk – Adds moisture to the batter; feel free to swap with oat or coconut milk.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Activates baking soda for a good rise.
• Coconut Oil – Ensures moist and flavorful donuts; can be replaced with vegetable oil.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
For the Glaze
• Icing Sugar – Gives the glaze its sweet coating; powdered erythritol can be used for a lower-calorie option.
• Additional Almond Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to perfection.
• Matcha Powder – Enhances both the flavor and the stunning green hue of the glaze.
• Coconut Oil – Provides a glossy sheen to the finished glaze.
Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of these Baked Green Donuts!
How to Make Baked Green Donuts
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a donut pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal after baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fluffiness!
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Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes. This creates a vegan “buttermilk” that enhances the donuts’ texture.
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Sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder in a separate bowl. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and provides a light and fluffy base.
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Whisk the wet ingredients, including the almond milk mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. A good blend here helps to infuse flavor into the batter.
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Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pouring the wet mixture into the dry. Gently mix until just combined; be cautious not to overmix for that soft, airy texture.
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Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows space for them to rise beautifully without overflowing.
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Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You want them to be soft yet fully set!
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Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them retain moisture and keeps them fluffy.
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Prepare the glaze by whisking icing sugar, almond milk, matcha powder, and melted coconut oil until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
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Dip the warm donuts into the glaze immediately, ensuring they’re fully coated. If desired, add toppings while the glaze is still wet for an extra special touch!
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Green Donuts
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Greasing the Pan: Always grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, even if it’s non-stick; this ensures easy removal and fluffy donuts.
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High-Quality Matcha: Invest in high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant color; avoid lower grades as they can taste bitter.
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Glaze Timing: For better adhesion, dip the donuts in the glaze while they are still warm; this allows for a smoother finish.
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Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to dense and chewy baked green donuts.
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Creating Airy Texture: Gently tap the filled pan on the counter before baking to eliminate air bubbles, which helps create a light and airy texture.
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Adjusting Glaze Consistency: If the glaze thickens too much, stir in a splash of almond milk to reach the perfect thickness for dipping.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Green Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your baked green donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature to maintain their fluffy texture and freshness.
Fridge: If you wish to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the donuts for up to 5 days. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the thawed or refrigerated donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This reawakens their fluffy goodness, making your baked green donuts feel freshly made!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Green Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and storing them in an airtight container. Additionally, you can combine the wet ingredients (almond milk mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla) and refrigerate them overnight to enhance flavor. When you’re ready to bake, simply whisk the wet and dry ingredients together and bake as instructed. To maintain quality, avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy, and glaze them right after baking for the best texture. Enjoy delicious freshly baked treats with minimal effort on hectic mornings!
What to Serve with Baked Green Donuts?
Imagine the delightful aroma of matcha wafting through the kitchen as you gather around the table for a comforting meal. Pairing these fluffy delights with complementary flavors elevates your enjoyment to blissful heights.
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Matcha Tea: The earthy notes of matcha tea beautifully echo the flavors of the donuts, creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
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Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy berries add a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding vibrant color to your plate.
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Coconut Yogurt: Creamy and dairy-free, it provides a rich accompaniment that balances the sweetness of the donuts while keeping everything vegan-friendly.
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Sweet Almond Milk: Pour a glass alongside your baked green donuts for a light, nutty flavor that perfectly complements their texture.
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Coffee: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee offers a rich, robust pairing, making for a delightful brunch or afternoon treat.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a little indulgence, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over your donuts as an extra sweet touch, enhancing their flavor wonderfully.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for an added layer of rich, decadent delight that complements the matcha beautifully.
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Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad adds brightness and a zesty twist, balancing the sweetness of the donuts while providing a burst of freshness.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this topping is the perfect finishing touch, bringing a creamy texture that pairs well with the fluffy donuts.
Baked Green Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your donuts and tailor them to your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these goodies without gluten.
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Sweetener Swaps: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of regular sugar for a deeper flavor profile and lower glycemic impact.
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Nut-Free: Swap almond milk for oat milk and use sunflower oil instead of coconut oil for a completely nut-free version.
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Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract for a zesty twist that perfectly complements the matcha.
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Chewy Texture: Fold in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added chewiness and texture in every bite.
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Fruit Flavors: Mix in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of fresh fruitiness that pairs beautifully with matcha.
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Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the glaze or incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for divine chocolatey donuts.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a delightful hint of spice that warms the flavor profile up beautifully.
Each variation brings its unique character to the table, making your baked green donuts an exciting treat time and again!
Baked Green Donuts Recipe FAQs
What kind of matcha powder should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and vibrant green color, it’s crucial to use high-quality matcha powder. Look for ceremonial grade matcha if possible, as it offers a smoother, less bitter taste compared to culinary grades.
How should I store leftover baked green donuts?
You can store your baked green donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture!
Can I freeze the donuts?
Very! Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Wrap each cooled donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
What if my donuts come out dense or chewy?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If your baked green donuts turn out dense, the likely culprit is overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix just until combined and beat the wet and dry ingredients gently. Another tip is to ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the rise.
Are these donuts suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! These baked green donuts are vegan and dairy-free, which helps cater to various dietary needs. If allergies are a concern, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and for additional sweetness, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a suitable alternative.
How can I customize the flavors of my baked green donuts?
The more the merrier! You can mix and match toppings and glazes to suit your taste. Try adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, sprinkle crushed pistachios, or even use different glazes like maple or lemon for a unique twist. The options are endless!
Baked Green Donuts: Fluffy Matcha Treats to Savor Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a donut pan thoroughly.
- Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: almond milk mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity 3/4 full.
- Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking icing sugar, almond milk, matcha powder, and melted coconut oil until smooth.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze and add toppings if desired.