About the Recipe
Who doesn't love a good donut? This recipe will certainly satisfy any good donut craving. A treat that combines the irresistible flavors of pistachios with the soft, moist texture of a perfectly baked donut. Get ready to indulge in a delightful fusion of nuttiness and sweetness that will leave you wanting more.
Did you know that donuts have a fascinating history? Legend has it that the creation of the donut, as we know it today, can be traced back to a resourceful sailor who impaled a deep-fried doughnut on the ship's steering wheel during a storm, creating the iconic ring shape we love. Since then, donuts have evolved into a beloved indulgence enjoyed by people worldwide.
Pistachios, known for their rich, buttery flavor and vibrant green hue, add a delightful twist to this classic treat. These exquisite nuts have a fascinating heritage themselves, believed to have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. Pistachios are packed with nutrients and are known for their distinctive taste and delightful crunch.
This Pistachio Baked Donut recipe brings together the best of both worlds. By pulverizing these flavorful nuts into a fine powder, they infuse the donuts with their distinctive essence. The result is a moist, tender donut with a subtle nutty undertone that perfectly complements the light and sweet icing drizzled on top.
So, whether you're craving a delightful breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, these Pistachio Baked Donuts will hit the spot. Get ready to savor each bite and embark on a culinary journey that blends tradition, innovation, and the delightful allure of pistachios. Let's dive into this irresistible recipe and indulge in the harmonious flavors of pistachio perfection.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pistachios, pulverized into a fine powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (*see end of blog for substitutions)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the icing:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
I love a freshly baked sweet treat. Donuts are no exception. My disappointment always lay in homemade baked donuts as I often found them too dry, too crumbly or not donut-y enough. After a few trials with different nuts and varying ingredients I have finally found a baked donut recipe that has checked off the donut requirements. That is why I am so excited to share this recipe with you!
Let's get started!
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, pulverized pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Tip: for an easy time getting the dough into the form I like to use a piping bag and simply cut the tip off so that I have a large opening to easily squeeze the batter through.
Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract and optional food coloring in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each donut into the icing or drizzle the icing over them. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and any leftover pistachio powder over the icing for a delightful garnish.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful baked pistachio donuts! They're perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
*Tip: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with one of the following options:
Milk and Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly. This will create a similar acidic reaction to buttermilk and work well in the recipe.
Milk and Yogurt: Combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt to replace 1 cup of buttermilk. This mixture will add a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the donuts.
Milk and Sour Cream: Mix 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of sour cream for a creamy and tangy buttermilk alternative.
Choose the substitution that you have available or suits your preferences best, and your baked pistachio donuts should turn out just as moist and delicious!