If you love the rich flavor of butter pecan ice cream, these Butter Pecan Donuts are a must-try! Imagine biting into a fluffy, freshly baked donut with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch from toasted pecans. These donuts are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, with their glossy maple glaze and nutty topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, letting any excess drip off. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and brown sugar on top.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store these Butter Pecan Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
- Customization: You can replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the glaze can enhance the sweet and savory taste.
- Healthier Option: To make these donuts healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a donut maker instead of an oven? Yes, you can use a donut maker to cook the batter. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing and temperature.
Q2: What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Q3: What is the difference between pralines and butter pecans? So, if you’re looking for more of a sugar rush, a praline flavor is the way to go. Butter pecan, however, is perfect for those who prefer to take it a little easier on the sugar and enjoy something more nut-forward.
Q4: Is butter or shortening better for donuts? We have found that peanut oil or vegetable shortening yield the best texture for donuts, with shortening producing the crispest exteriors.
Q5: Is butter or shortening better for donuts? We have found that peanut oil or vegetable shortening yield the best texture for donuts, with shortening producing the crispest exteriors.
Q6: What makes butter pecan flavor? Butter pecan is a flavor, prominent especially in the United States, in ice cream, cakes, and cookies. Roasted pecans, butter, and vanilla flavor are used in butter pecan baked goods. Butter pecan ice cream is smooth vanilla ice cream with a slight buttery flavor, with pecans added.
Q7: What is the difference between pecan and butter pecan? Simply put, butter pecan is a flavor that merges the nutty notes of pecan with rich butter and a hint of sweet vanilla extract. The distinctive flavor of the pecan is hard to pinpoint – even for experts – but is perhaps best described as having sweet, fat, and roasted undertones.
For more delightful baked goods, check out our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls recipe!
Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious Butter Pecan Donuts, and share the joy with your loved ones!