There’s something wonderfully comforting about waking up to the thought of light, fluffy rings of baked pancake goodness, each laced with a whisper of warm cinnamon. These Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts blend the best of two beloved breakfasts—pancakes and donuts—into one irresistible treat. Every bite greets you with a delicate crumb, slightly sweetened by granulated sugar and lifted by the magic of baking powder and soda. As buttery steam rises from each golden ring, your senses awaken, ready to savor a breakfast experience that feels both special and oh-so-simple.
Whether you’re a weekend brunch chef or an impromptu midweek baker, these donuts deliver a tender interior that springs back at your touch, while the gentle crackle of a light glaze or powdered sugar coating adds that final flourish. With a hint of cinnamon woven right into the batter, every mouthful invites a cozy hug of spice and sweetness. The balanced tang of buttermilk dances with vanilla’s comforting notes, and melted butter ensures you’ll never miss the richness of its fried-counterparts. This recipe is beginner-friendly, calls for everyday pantry staples, and wraps up in under 20 minutes of hands-on time—making it perfect for kitchen novices and seasoned pros alike.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Before diving into the mixing bowls, let’s talk about the key components that come together in harmony to create these pillowy rings. Each ingredient plays its own starring role—from lending structure and lift to infusing flavor and moisture. Understanding what each brings to the party helps you appreciate how even a small tweak (like swapping in cardamom or extra cinnamon) can unlock a brand-new taste adventure.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the foundational structure for these donut pancakes, giving them enough body to hold shape in the pan while remaining tender and soft.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tang of buttermilk and the warmth of cinnamon without overpowering the delicate flavor profile.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent that helps the donuts rise beautifully, creating that signature fluffy texture you crave.
- Baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to ensure a lighter crumb and subtle lift, reacting with the buttermilk’s acidity for perfect bounce.
- Salt
Enhances every flavor in the batter, sharpening sweetness, and balancing the spice to create a well-rounded taste.
- Ground cinnamon
Imparts a cozy, spicy note that permeates each bite, turning an ordinary donut into an autumn-inspired delight.
- Buttermilk
Brings tangy moisture that tenderizes the crumb, keeping these baked treats soft and preventing them from becoming dense.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Adds a rich, buttery depth and helps create a luscious mouthfeel, mimicking the richness of fried donuts.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients while contributing to structure and color, ensuring each ring holds together and bakes up golden.
- Vanilla extract
Elevates flavors by adding a sweet, aromatic undertone that complements the cinnamon and sugar.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the donut pan well-greased, preventing sticking and making sure each ring releases cleanly for a picture-perfect finish.
HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Let’s walk through the simple steps that transform these everyday ingredients into irresistible cinnamon-infused rings. You’ll move from dry to wet mixtures, gently combine for a light batter, and then pipe straight into a greased pan before a quick bake. It’s streamlined, fun, and rewards you instantly with dozens of soft, cake-like donuts.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with the vegetable oil to ensure flawless release once they’re baked.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully integrated and no lumps remain.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the liquid ingredients form a smooth, uniform mixture.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a gentle folding motion to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the donuts tender.
5. Spoon the thick batter into a piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag with one corner snipped off for easy filling.
6. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rise.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and lightly spring back when touched.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to reach room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
These baked pancake donuts shine bright on any table, whether you’re serving a cozy breakfast spread or a casual afternoon treat. Their tender crumb and cinnamon-kissed profile pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, from zesty fruit sauces to creamy drizzles. Below are four ways to elevate your presentation and turn a simple plate of donuts into a memorable experience that will have friends and family reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
- Garnish with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, drizzling it in playful zigzags over each donut for a glossy finish.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve, creating a delicate snow-like blanket that highlights the cinnamon’s warm undertones.
- Serve alongside a warm fruit compote—think stewed apples, berries, or pears—for a contrast of juicy tang and sweet spice that invites dipping with every bite.
- Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon-swirl ice cream to offer a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the donuts’ warmth.
HOW TO STORE FLUFFY BAKED CINNAMON PANCAKE DONUTS
Proper storage ensures these delightful baked treats preserve their signature fluffiness and full-flavored spice long after the oven has cooled down. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over the coming days or want to set aside extras for a midnight snack, follow these tips to maintain texture and taste. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing staleness or moisture loss.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and moisture buildup.
- For extended freshness (up to five days), keep them in the refrigerator in a sealed container; allow donuts to come back to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
- To make a batch ahead, freeze cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month—just thaw on the counter or toast lightly.
- If you’ve added a glaze or cream topping, store these components separately and apply just before serving to maintain the best texture and presentation.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you gather those simple pantry staples to the satisfying pop of the timer indicating they’re done, these Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts make every step of the process a joy. You’ve learned how to combine flour, sugar, leavening agents, and warm spices with buttermilk and melted butter, then carefully fold them into a luscious batter. Piping them into a greased donut pan is downright fun, and the reward—oven-warm donuts that bounce back when you press lightly—is your own homemade treat. With under 15 minutes of prep and about as much time in the oven, this beginner-friendly recipe delivers bakery-quality results without any deep frying or complicated techniques.
Feel free to print out this article or bookmark it for those mornings when you crave a quick, flavorful twist on breakfast. There’s plenty of room here for creativity, too—swap in nutmeg or cardamom, add a splash more vanilla, or top with your favorite glaze. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to tackle any questions you might have. If you give this recipe a whirl, share your experiences, ask questions, or drop feedback in the comments. I can’t wait to hear how your kitchen adventures turn out and help you with any tips you might need!
Fluffy Baked Cinnamon Pancake Donuts
Description
Experience a delicious twist on traditional pancakes with these fluffy baked cinnamon pancake donuts. Perfectly soft and bursting with flavor, they’re great for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated.
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Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
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Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and spring back when touched.
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Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to discover unique flavor profiles.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
- These donuts can be topped with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar for more sweetness.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert option.
