Butter Pecan Donuts
There’s a magical experience that unfolds in your kitchen when you decide to make Butter Pecan Donuts. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through the air as these little rings of happiness come to life. Golden-brown and speckled with crunchy, toasted pecans, each bite delivers a perfectly sweet balance between light cake and rich glaze. This recipe is about more than just donuts; it’s a journey back to childhood, reminiscent of family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings. Plus, they’re super quick to make—perfect for a last-minute treat that will have everyone smiling.
What Makes You Crave Donuts?
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about that first bite of a warm donut, the glaze oozing down your fingertips as you take a decadent plunge? Perhaps you recall those moments where everything feels right, the aroma of baked goodies wrapping you in nostalgia while sharing smiles with loved ones. Butter Pecan Donuts are here to serve that sweet tooth craving in a manner that will leave you wondering why you waited so long to indulge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you think about why you’ll adore this Butter Pecan Donut recipe, consider its unparalleled comfort factor.
Ease of Preparation: These delightful donuts require minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Time-Saving: With a baking time of just 10-12 minutes, you can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these donuts bring smiles to everyone and can easily become the highlight of any gathering.
Indulgence Just Right: The unique combination of sweet and nutty flavors makes them a refreshing alternative to traditional donuts.
Ingredients
Let’s gather the magic of Butter Pecan Donuts. You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Feel the textures, smell the sweetness, and taste the nostalgia as these simple yet indulgent ingredients blend into something unforgettable.
Timing
The beauty of Butter Pecan Donuts lies in their delightful balance between fast and indulgent.
Fast & Indulgent: With a prep time of around 10 minutes and baking taking approximately 10-12 minutes, you can have warm, gooey donuts in no time.
Superb for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a rainy day at home or a celebration with friends, the donuts are just the treat needed to elevate the moment.
Step-by-Step
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool and then chop finely.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Grease a donut pan, fill each cavity with the batter, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops spring back when pressed.
Let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring the donuts to a rack.
For the glaze, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk. Whisk until dissolved and creamy, then stir in vanilla and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans. Let set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Each step brings you closer to a mouthwatering experience defined by the gooey glaze and sweet pecan crunch that tantalizes your senses.
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers: one serving of these Butter Pecan Donuts has approximately 250 calories. These numbers can fluctuate based on your choice of toppings and portion sizes. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to indulge occasionally; just keep it balanced and enjoy every delicious bite!
Healthier Alternatives
Want to lighten up your Butter Pecan Donuts? Here are a few simple swaps:
Low-Sugar Substitutes: Use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
Dairy-Free Options: Swap the buttermilk for almond milk blended with lemon juice. Use coconut or dairy-free butter for the glaze.
These alternatives retain the delightful taste while catering to various dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Butter Pecan Donuts aren’t just a standalone treat; they’re versatile too!
With Ice Cream: Imagine pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream, perfect for a delectable dessert.
Holiday Gatherings: Serve them warm during festive occasions for a comforting twist on traditional desserts.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Butter Pecan Donuts turn out perfectly:
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the donuts; they should be lightly golden. Overbaked donuts can be dry and crumbly.
Texture Issues: Remember to fold the wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
Messy Glazing: Dip too quickly or too slowly can lead to a glaze disaster. Take your time to allow the right amount to coat each donut evenly.
Storing Tips
Want to enjoy these delightful donuts later? Try these storage tips:
Freezing Portions: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container, layer with parchment paper, and freeze them for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions: De-frost room temperature donuts in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste any time!
Tempted Yet?
Can you already taste the rich butter and sweet glaze of these Butter Pecan Donuts? Get your baking supplies ready and treat yourself to something that brings back comfort and warmth. It’s time to make this delightful recipe and share the joy it brings!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or almonds if desired.How do I make these donuts vegan?
Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and a dairy-free & plant-based milk.What type of oil can I use instead of butter?
Coconut or vegetable oil works well for a lighter option.Can I add chocolate to these donuts?
Yes! Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips would make a delightful addition.What can I pair with these donuts for breakfast?
A fresh fruit salad or a strong cup of coffee complements them beautifully!
Indulge in the joy of Butter Pecan Donuts and elevate your dessert game to new heights. Happy baking!
Print
Butter Pecan Donuts
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully quick and easy Butter Pecan Donuts that bring a warm, nostalgic taste reminiscent of family gatherings with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool and then chop finely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Grease a donut pan, fill each cavity with the batter, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops spring back when pressed.
- Let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring the donuts to a rack.
- For the glaze, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk. Whisk until dissolved and creamy, then stir in vanilla and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans. Let set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
These donuts can be served warm or cold, and are a great treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
