As the sun rises and casts a golden glow in my kitchen, there’s a special aroma wafting through the air that instantly lifts my spirits—it’s the scent of freshly baked matcha donuts! You’d be amazed to know that these delightful treats come together in just about 30 minutes. They’re not just any donuts; these fluffy green wonders are baked, not fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about.
I love how versatile they are too. Whether I’m whipping them up for a surprise breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a charming addition to a gathering, they always impress. The vibrant green hue hints at the rich matcha flavor that melts in your mouth, creating a heavenly experience with every bite. Plus, with a sprinkle of your favorite glaze, these donuts turn into a sweet masterpiece that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds! Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will surely become a beloved staple in your home!
Why Are These Baked Green Donuts So Loved?
Fluffy texture: These baked green donuts are incredibly light and airy, offering a delightful contrast to traditional fried options.
Rich matcha flavor: Each bite is infused with high-quality matcha, delivering a unique, earthy taste that appeals to both matcha lovers and newcomers alike.
Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings.
Guilt-free indulgence: Baked, not fried, they provide a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat while sticking to healthier choices.
Versatile toppings: From glazes to sprinkles, you can customize these donuts for any occasion, ensuring they fit your taste and mood perfectly.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether served at brunch or a casual get-together, these donuts turn heads and empty plates, making them a fantastic addition to any spread.
Baked Green Donuts Ingredients
These delightful treats are just a few ingredients away from brightening your day!
For the Donuts
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; feel free to substitute with gluten-free blends for a gluten-free version.
- Baking powder – Essential for helping the donuts rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – Works alongside acidic components for optimal leavening.
- Salt – Enhances the rich flavors of these baked green donuts.
- Matcha powder – The star ingredient that lends its distinct earthy flavor and vibrant green color; choose high-quality for the best results.
- Sugar – Sweetens the donuts; coconut sugar can be an excellent alternative for a lower glycemic option.
- Almond milk – Adds moisture; feel free to swap with other plant-based milks like oat or coconut milk for varying flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar – Reacts with baking soda for the perfect rise and introduces a gentle tang.
- Coconut oil – Provides moisture and a hint of coconut flavor; vegetable oil or melted butter can work for non-vegan versions.
- Vanilla extract – Brings depth and sweetness to the donuts.
For the Glaze
- Icing sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a glossy finish for the glaze.
- Almond milk (for glaze) – Adjusts the consistency for a smooth texture.
- Matcha powder (for glaze) – Infuses the glaze with more matcha flavor to complement your donuts beautifully.
- Coconut oil (for glaze) – Provides shine and a touch of richness to your glaze mixture.
How to Make Baked Green Donuts
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Preheat the oven: Begin by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your donut pan thoroughly to ensure easy release after baking.
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Mix wet ingredients: Combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a buttermilk-like consistency that helps achieve fluffiness.
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Sift dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients and prevents clumping.
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Combine wet and dry: In the bowl with the almond milk mixture, whisk in the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Then, pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
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Fill the donut molds: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling them about ¾ full.
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Bake the donuts: Place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts should be springy to the touch and lightly golden.
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Cool down: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
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Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together icing sugar, almond milk, matcha powder, and melted coconut oil until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.
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Glaze the donuts: While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze, ensuring they’re well-coated. Add any additional toppings while the glaze is still wet for the best adhesion.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed nuts on top after glazing for delightful texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Baked Green Donuts
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality matcha powder; it deeply influences the flavor and vibrant color of your baked green donuts.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the batter light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Donut Pan Prep: Even if your pan is non-stick, grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking. Nobody wants a donut disaster!
- Temperature Check: Ensure your oven is properly preheated; an inconsistent temperature can affect the rise and texture of your donuts.
- Warm Glaze: Glaze your donuts while they are still warm for better adhesion and a glossy finish.
- Customize with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add toppings like crushed nuts, coconut, or sprinkles for an extra special touch.
What to Serve with Baked Green Donuts?
Imagine the joy of pairing these vibrant treats with other delightful flavors to create a cozy brunch spread or a sweet afternoon treat.
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Fresh Berries: Nestled alongside your donuts, the burst of juicy berries adds a refreshing contrast that beautifully balances the earthy matcha flavor.
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Coconut Yogurt: Silky and rich, coconut yogurt offers a creamy texture that complements the donuts perfectly while enhancing their tropical notes.
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Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte add an aromatic depth that elevates the experience of indulging in these baked green donuts.
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Lemon Drizzle Cake: The zesty cake pairs wonderfully with the donuts, creating a lively citrus harmony that brightens your dessert table.
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Matcha Tea: Serving a cup of brewed matcha alongside your donuts enhances the experience, creating a cohesive theme that matcha lovers will adore.
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Almond Milk Iced Coffee: The nutty flavor and slight sweetness from a refreshing iced coffee perfectly match the donuts’ delicate taste, making for an enjoyable afternoon pick-me-up.
Embrace the delightful adventure of flavors that complement these baked green donuts, turning every occasion into a memorable feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Fluffy Vegan Matcha Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, the donuts themselves can be baked a few hours before serving; just ensure they cool completely and are stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their delightful texture. When it’s time to enjoy, simply glaze the donuts right before serving to maintain that beautiful shine and flavor. With these simple make-ahead options, you can savor the joy of freshly baked donuts without any last-minute stress!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Green Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep your baked green donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: If the weather is particularly hot, store them in the fridge to prevent spoilage. They’ll last about 3-4 days this way.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Make sure you wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes.
Baked Green Donuts Variations
With a sprinkle of creativity, you can customize these delightful donuts to match your cravings or dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously light, gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.
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Spiced Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic note that complements the matcha perfectly.
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Nutty Flavor: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a subtly nutty taste and a hint of added moisture in each bite.
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Different Milks: Swap almond milk for coconut milk for a tropical flavor or oat milk for an extra creamy texture that elevates the donuts.
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Sweet & Salty: Drizzle with a salted caramel sauce instead of glaze for an indulgent, sweet-salty experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Fruit Fusion: Fold in 1/2 cup of mashed bananas or applesauce to add natural sweetness and moisture, making these donuts extra fluffy.
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Chocolatey Indulgence: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for a delightful twist, transforming your matcha donuts into a dreamy chocolate matcha fusion.
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Citrusy Zing: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor that beautifully balances the earthy matcha.
Baked Green Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of matcha should I use for the baked green donuts?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality culinary-grade matcha to ensure vibrant color and rich flavor. Ceremonial grade can also work if you’re looking for an extra-special treat, but culinary grade is more cost-effective for baking.
How can I store leftover baked green donuts?
You can keep your delightful baked green donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the weather is warm, I recommend refrigerating them to keep them fresh for up to 3-4 days. It’s always nice to have a sweet snack on hand!
Can I freeze the baked green donuts?
Very much so! To freeze your baked green donuts, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container after they’ve cooled completely. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my baked green donuts turn out dense?
Oh no! If your donuts come out denser than expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agents. Always mix gently until just combined and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. If necessary, tap the filled molds on the countertop before baking to release any air bubbles.
Are these baked green donuts suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan and dairy-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences. They’re also customizable—feel free to substitute gluten-free flour for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any additional ingredients like toppings or glazes to maintain dietary compliance.
What are some alternative toppings for the glaze?
The more the merrier! You can customize the glaze with various toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut. If you’d prefer a chocolatey twist, drizzle some melted dairy-free chocolate instead of the matcha glaze for a different flavor experience.
Fluffy Baked Green Donuts That Wow with Matcha Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the donut pan thoroughly.
- Combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
- Whisk in melted coconut oil and vanilla extract into the almond milk mixture, then combine with the dry ingredients.
- Fill the donut molds about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the warm donuts in the glaze and add toppings while the glaze is still wet.