There’s nothing quite like the delightful smell of fresh donuts wafting through the house, is there? When I first tried my hand at creating these Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts, it felt like an exhilarating chase for sunshine in my kitchen. Infused with tangy orange zest and the rich creaminess of olive oil, this recipe is a burst of vibrant flavor that makes every bite extraordinary.
Whether you’re searching for a sweet treat to elevate your weekend brunch or need a quick dessert to satisfy your cravings, these donuts bring joy and satisfaction without the fuss. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for those of us who cherish homemade goodness over fast food. Imagine biting into a warm donut topped with a luscious orange glaze, the sweet tang playing off the lush texture. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Join me in the kitchen as we embrace a deliciously simple way to indulge in sweet, baked perfection.
Why Love These Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts?
Delightful Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a tangy burst from the orange zest that’s perfectly balanced with the rich creaminess of olive oil.
Quick and Easy: No need for frying! These donuts come together in a simple baking process, making them approachable for home bakers of all levels.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, you’ll find countless occasions to enjoy these treats.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Their charming presentation and irresistible taste make them a hit at gatherings—everyone loves a fresh, homemade donut!
Time-Saving Option: With a quick baking time of just 20 minutes, you can have these delicious donuts ready in no time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying them.
For those looking for more homemade delights, check out my post on homemade breakfast ideas.
Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• All-purpose flour – 135g | 1 cup, sifted for a lighter texture.
• Baking powder – 1 ¼ teaspoons, essential for that perfect rise.
• Baking soda – ⅛ teaspoon, balances the acidity of the orange juice.
• Salt – ⅛ teaspoon, enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Sugar – 45g | ¼ cup, sweetens the batter perfectly.
• Olive oil – 4 tablespoons | ¼ cup, adds richness and moistness.
• Plant-based milk – 120ml | ½ cup, keeps the recipe dairy-free and delicious.
• Orange juice – 60ml | ¼ cup, infuses the donuts with vibrant flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar – 1 ½ teaspoons, helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons, adds a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Orange zest – zest of 1 orange, amplifies that citrusy flavor.
• Olive oil (for greasing) – A few drops to prepare the donut pan effectively.
For the Glaze
• Natural powdered sugar – 100g | 1 cup, the perfect base for a sweet ribbon of glaze.
• Orange juice – 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons, adjust for desired thickness in the glaze.
Optional Toppings
• Sliced oranges – 2 slices, each cut into small wedge pieces for an attractive garnish.
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon, for sweetening the baked orange slices.
Craft these Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts and let them brighten up your day with every bite!
How to Make Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts
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Preheat your oven to 350°F, filling your kitchen with an inviting warmth as you prepare for baking. The perfect temperature will ensure your donuts rise beautifully.
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Grease a 6-hole doughnut pan with a few drops of olive oil. This will prevent those delicious donuts from sticking and make for easy removal later on.
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Combine the dry ingredients by mixing the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This will form the foundation of your donuts and ensure a light texture.
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Whisk together the wet ingredients in a jug or small bowl. Combine the olive oil, plant-based milk, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest. This vibrant mix brings life to your batter!
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Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. You’ll want to avoid overmixing; stop when you can no longer see any dry flour. This keeps the donuts tender and fluffy.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each mold to the top while gently clearing the middle area of batter to create that signature doughnut shape.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve turned a lovely golden color.
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Cool the donuts for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely so the glaze can adhere beautifully.
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Prepare the orange decoration by lining a small baking tray with parchment paper. Lay the orange slices on the tray, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and bubbling. Allow to cool completely.
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Create the frosting by gradually adding orange juice to the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring well after each addition. Stop when the frosting reaches a very thick and creamy consistency.
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Drizzle the thick frosting over each donut and top with a small wedge of the baked orange. This adds a charming touch and extra flavor to your delightful donuts!
Optional: Consider adding a sprinkle of zest on top for an extra citrusy punch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts are great for meal prep! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can whisk the wet ingredients (olive oil, plant-based milk, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and orange zest) and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. To maintain freshness, make sure to prepare the donuts just before baking. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures and bake as directed. You’ll have delicious, homemade donuts ready in no time!
Expert Tips for Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so be gentle!
Greasing Matters: Make sure to grease the donut pan well with olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures a smooth release!
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test doneness—if it comes out clean, your Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts are ready.
Adjust Glaze Thickness: Start with less orange juice for a thicker glaze; you can always add more until you reach your desired consistency.
Cool Completely: Let the donuts cool entirely before glazing. This helps the frosting adhere better, making each bite delightful!
How to Store and Freeze Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and perfect for a quick snack!
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the donuts for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, place the chilled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag after they are frozen solid. Enjoy them within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating: For the best experience, reheat frozen donuts in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and then glaze while still warm for that fresh-baked feel.
What to Serve with Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts?
Elevate your donut experience by creating a delightful meal that complements these sweet, zesty treats.
- Coffee: A classic pairing, the rich bitterness of coffee beautifully balances the sweetness of the donuts, enhancing their flavors.
- Herbed Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with fresh fruits and granola for a refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky donuts. The creamy texture harmonizes with the fluffy donuts perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh, seasonal fruits adds a vibrant burst of color and flavor, brightening every bite and offering a refreshing balance.
- Orange Juice Mimosa: Sparkling wine with freshly squeezed orange juice is a festive drink that enriches the citrus notes in the donuts, making it a fun addition to brunch.
- Warm Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent twist, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the donuts creates a luxurious treat that’s easy to prepare but oh-so-satisfying.
- Nutty Granola: The crunch of nutty granola sprinkled over yogurt or served on the side adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft donuts, making every mouthful exciting!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm donuts topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that combines warm and cold sensations beautifully.
- Chai Tea: The spiced warmth of chai tea complements the orange flavors of the donuts, wrapping you in cozy comfort with every sip and bite.
Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore your creativity with these delightful twists on the recipe!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these donuts without the gluten.
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Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of regular sugar for a unique sweetness with added depth.
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Citrus Boost: Add lemon or grapefruit zest in addition to the orange for an unexpected citrus medley that brings freshness to every bite.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios into the batter for added texture and a lovely crunch.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients to warm up the flavor profile for a cozy touch with every bite.
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Fruit-Filled: Fill the donut centers with your favorite jam or compote before baking for a luscious surprise when you bite in.
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Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frostings, like a chocolate glaze or a vanilla bean icing, to create a completely new dessert experience.
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Heat Element: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños in the batter for an exciting heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of orange is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using fresh navel oranges. Their sweet and juicy characteristics add a delightful brightness to your donuts. Look for oranges that are firm, with smooth, shiny skin and no dark spots, indicating freshness.
How should I store leftover donuts?
You can easily store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them for a longer period, refrigerating them will extend their freshness to about a week. Just be sure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze your Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts, first allow them to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then glaze while warm for that fresh-baked experience.
What should I do if my donuts turn out dense?
If your donuts end up dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, as overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Additionally, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; old leavening agents may not provide the proper rise.
Are these donuts suitable for different dietary needs?
Very! These Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts are already dairy-free due to the use of plant-based milk. To accommodate gluten-free diets, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure. Always double-check the labels to prevent any cross-contamination with allergens!
Sticky Orange Olive Oil Baked Donuts You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, filling your kitchen with an inviting warmth as you prepare for baking.
- Grease a 6-hole doughnut pan with a few drops of olive oil.
- Combine the dry ingredients by mixing the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients in a jug or small bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each mold to the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the orange decoration by lining a small baking tray with parchment paper.
- Create the frosting by gradually adding orange juice to the powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the thick frosting over each donut and top with a small wedge of the baked orange.