This is such a fun and quick recipe to do with the kids. We make these gluten free baked donuts regularly. My daughter always asks for the Simpson doughnut as they resemble the lard lad donuts from The Simpsons.
This has been a regular recipe in my house for many years and I thought that it would be perfect to share, if you are a baked donut fan you will love them. These pink doughnuts with sprinkles are made within 20 minutes and the hardest part is waiting for the pink glaze to set before eating.
With my daughter, we are always experimenting in the kitchen and making easy and fun gluten-free bakes that the kids will love like our gluten free dirt pudding. You can change the design of the Simpson donuts as they are easily adapted to suit your preferred colors or themes.
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Baked doughnuts
Baked doughnuts are made differently from fried doughnuts. The baked donuts have more of a cake-like texture and are more compact. Baked donuts are a little healthier as they are not fried. Although I would not say that they are healthy by any stretch of the imagination As they still contain a high sugar content but are a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- Gluten free Flour -I used store bought gluten free all purpose flour.
- Sugar- This makes the cake light, gives moisture, and adds sweetness to the cake. I used fine white sugar (caster sugar) but granulated sugar will also work well.
- Baking powder and Baking soda - Acts as a leavening and rising agent by reacting to heat. Making the baked donuts light and rise well.
- Xanthan gum- A regular ingredient used in gluten free baking. Prevents ingredients from separating as it is a stabilizer. Essentially acting as gluten would gelling everything together. You can exclude if your flour mix already contains xanthan gum.
- Milk - I used whole milk but semi-skimmed will also work well.
- Butter -I find it easier to melt the butter in the microwave.
- Egg - Gives the baked doughnuts structure. Be sure that your eggs are at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract - Adds flavor.
Glaze
- Powdered sugar (sieved)
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Colorful sprinkles (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Recipe step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas mark 3.Lightly grease the donut baking pan with a little butter or with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, sugar and set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl mix together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. ( The easiest way to melt the butter is in the microwave).
Recipe step 2:
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until a smooth batter is free of any lumps.
- Using a spoon evenly divide the batter between the donut holes. Until they are around ¾ full. I find it easier to use a piping bag.
- Place in the oven to bake for approx 10-12 minutes until the donuts have risen. Check with a small skewer or toothpick and if it comes out clean they are ready to be removed from the oven.
Recipe step 3:
- Pink Glaze instructions are in the recipe card.
- Holding the donut carefully dip it into the glaze and then rest on parchment paper. Then Cover with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Repeat with each donut and leave them to set until serving.
Notes: This recipe makes 12 smaller 3-inch donuts or 6 standard-sized donuts. The recipe is easily doubled if you wish to make more than the recipe amount states.
Substitutions
When making these gluten-free baked doughnuts you can make some simple swaps if required.
- Dairy Free - To make gluten and dairy free baked donuts you can use dairy free milk and dairy free butter. I recommend using and mild flavored milk such as almond milk.
- Themed donuts - These homer simpsons donuts are pink doughnuts with sprinkles to resemble the lard lad donuts from the simpsons. You can easily change the food coloring and sprinkles to suit your desired theme.
Equipment
When making these Simpson doughnuts you will need two bowls, a whisk, Kitchen scales, and most importantly a donut baking pan.
I used a silicone donut baking sheet that made 3-inch doughnuts (Can be found cheaply online if you don't find any at your local stores). This recipe can make 12 3-inch donuts or 6 standard-sized donuts. This recipe is easily doubled if you wish to make more which is great for the kid's birthday parties.
Recipe Tips
- Gluten Free Flour – I used a shop bought Gluten free flour blend from Doves Farm Freee from range. Which is a flour blend of Rice, Potato, Tapioca, Maize and Buckwheat flour. I have had reports that others have used Bob’s Red Mill and other Gluten free All purpose blends with my recipes that have worked well. I would love to know what flour blends worked for you for so feel free to get in touch by leaving a comment below or you can contact me directly.
- Kitchen Scales - Using digital scales is recommended when baking. I always measure using scales and in grams as baking is a science. When baking gluten free it is essential to weigh out ingredients to get the best results! There is no need to purchase expensive digital scales and you can find them available cheaply online.
- Oven Temperatures - Your oven temperature may be slightly different. As all ovens vary in temperature and the baking time is used as a guide. Some ovens run hotter than others. You could invest in an oven thermometer to be more accurate.
- Piping bag - I found it easier and less messy to transfer the doughnut batter into a pipping bag and pipe the mixture into the donut holes in the baking tin.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, To make gluten and dairy free donuts you can substitute the milk and butter for your preferred dairy free milk and butter.
Yes, You can make the donuts in advance and store them in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Yes, Once cooled store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing without the glaze as the frosting may crack when frozen. Once thawed add the glaze.
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Simpson Doughnut
Equipment
- Donut baking pan
- 2 Bowls
- Whisk
- Kitchen scales
Ingredients
Ingredients for Simpson doughnuts
- 150 g Gluten free Flour (I used gluten free plain all purpose flour)
- 80 g Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon Baking soda
- ¼ Teaspoon Xanthan gum (you can exclude if your flour mix already contains xanthan gum)
- 130 ML Milk
- 40 g Butter (Melted)
- 1 large Egg (Room temperature)
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
Icing
- 100 g Powdered sugar (sieved)
- 1 Tablespoon Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Water
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla extract
- few drops Pink food coloring (optional)
- 2 Tablespoon Colorful sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
How to make Simpson doughnuts
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas mark 3.Lightly grease the donut baking pan with a little butter or with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, sugar and set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl mix together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. ( The easiest way to melt the butter is in the microwave).
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until a smooth batter is free of any lumps.
- Evenly divide the batter between the donut holes. Until they are around ¾ full. This can be done with a spoon. I find it easier to use a piping bag.
- Place in the oven to bake for approx 10-12 minutes until the donuts have risen. You can check with a small skewer or toothpick and if it comes out clean they are ready to be removed from the oven.
- Place on a rack to cool.
How to make Pink glaze
- Sieve powdered sugar into a medium-sized bowl. Add in the milk and vanilla extract until it resembles a smooth paste, add in a small amount of water if the icing seems too thick until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add a few drops of food coloring at a time until it reaches your preferred color.
Decorating the donuts
- Holding the donut carefully dip it into the glaze and then rest on parchment paper. Cover with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Repeat with each donut and leave them to set until serving.
Notes
I hope you enjoyed this Simpson Doughnut recipe.
I would love your feedback. Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram.
Kat
I was surprised at how easy baked doughnuts are to make. The kids loved them.