Delightful Baked Candy Cane Donuts: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Holiday Treats
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. For many, the sight and taste of candy canes instantly evoke cherished memories of Christmases past. That refreshing minty flavor, coupled with a hint of sweetness, is simply irresistible. If you’re anything like us, you probably find yourself eagerly awaiting the post-holiday sales to stock up on these festive striped delights – because who can resist them when they’re 75% off? But why relegate candy canes to mere decorations or simple unwrapped snacks when they can be transformed into something even more extraordinary?
Today, we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that will not only satisfy your candy cane cravings but also elevate your holiday baking game: homemade Baked Candy Cane Donuts! Imagine a soft, fluffy donut, infused with the vibrant taste of peppermint, adorned with a delicate crunch of crushed candy canes. These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a perfect little baked treat that’s surprisingly light, making them an ideal indulgence for anyone looking to enjoy festive flavors without overdoing it. Each donut comes in at just 3 smart points (on blue, green, and purple plans) or 2 personal points, making them a fantastic option for a mindful treat. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, transforming your kitchen into a festive wonderland with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these charming and flavorful holiday delights.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Candy Cane Donuts
There’s a special charm to homemade donuts that store-bought varieties simply can’t replicate. The aroma filling your home as they bake, the warmth of a fresh donut in your hand, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch – it’s an experience in itself. Our baked candy cane donuts take this experience to the next level. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, which results in a lighter texture and significantly reduces the fat content, making them a guilt-free pleasure. They offer that delightful donut chewiness without the greasiness often associated with deep-frying.
The star of the show, of course, is the candy cane. The peppermint extract in the batter infuses every bite with a cool, minty freshness, perfectly balanced by the sweet donut base. Then comes the delightful crunch of crushed candy canes sprinkled on top, adding both texture and a burst of concentrated peppermint flavor. This combination is what makes these donuts truly irresistible and a must-have for your holiday dessert spread. They’re visually appealing, with their white glaze and red speckles, making them a festive addition to any gathering, from a cozy family breakfast to a grand holiday party. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply seeking a sweet escape on a chilly winter evening, these donuts are sure to hit the spot.
The Magic of Baking Your Donuts
Many people are intimidated by the idea of making donuts at home, often associating it with messy deep-frying. However, baking donuts completely changes the game. It’s a much simpler, cleaner, and healthier process. All you need is a donut pan, and you’re good to go! Baking not only reduces calories and fat but also eliminates the need for large amounts of oil and the hassle of oil disposal. The result is a donut that’s soft on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior, providing a delightful mouthfeel without feeling heavy. This method makes homemade donuts accessible to everyone, regardless of their frying experience, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm donuts anytime with minimal fuss.
Gathering Your Ingredients: Simple & Accessible
One of the many beauties of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making these donuts a spontaneous treat whenever the craving strikes.
- Flour: The foundation of our donut, providing structure and body. All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving our donuts that classic cake-like texture.
- White Cake Mix: This is our little secret for an extra tender crumb and a boost of vanilla-like flavor without adding a ton of extra ingredients. It contributes to the lovely lightness of the donut and ensures a consistently delicious result.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance sweetness and balance the bold peppermint flavor. You can adjust this amount slightly to your preference.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring these donuts rise beautifully and achieve that perfect fluffy texture, making them incredibly satisfying.
- Egg White: We opt for egg whites for a lighter donut. Using liquid egg whites from a carton makes preparation even quicker and ensures consistency, while also keeping the fat content low.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens! A small amount delivers that signature candy cane flavor. Be sure to use a good quality extract for the best taste and a truly festive aroma.
- Almond Milk: We prefer original unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free option that doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Feel free to use any milk you have on hand, though nutritional values may vary.
- Crushed Candy Cane: The final flourish! Not only does it add a beautiful visual appeal with its red and white stripes, but it also provides a delightful crunch and an intense burst of minty sweetness that makes these donuts truly special.
Candy Cane Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 Tbsp white cake mix
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp egg white, I buy the carton of liquid egg whites
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/3 cup almond milk, I use original unsweetened
- 2 Tbsp crushed candy cane
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your donut pan. For best results, thoroughly spray a 6-hole donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. This also helps achieve that lovely golden-brown exterior on your baked donuts.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, white cake mix, baking powder, and sugar. This step is crucial for ensuring all leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent and delicious texture in your finished donuts. Once combined, create a small well in the center of the dry mixture.
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Add your wet ingredients into the well of the dry mixture: egg whites, almond milk, and peppermint extract. Using a whisk or spatula, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tough, dense donuts. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and often indicate a properly mixed batter.
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Gently fold in your crushed candy cane pieces. You want to incorporate them without crushing them further or allowing too much of their color and sugar to dissolve into the batter. This ensures you get those delightful red and white specks and a pleasant crunch in the final product.
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Carefully fill each cavity of your prepared 6-hole donut pan about two-thirds full. For a cleaner and more even distribution, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the donut cavities. Bake for exactly 16 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
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Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set properly before you attempt to remove them, preventing them from breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These donuts are truly at their best when served on the same day they are made, offering optimal flavor and texture. This recipe yields 6 delicious donuts, each counting as 3 Smart Points on all three MyWW programs (blue, green, and purple) or 2 Personal Points (PP).
Additional Info
Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Donuts Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality donuts at home is easier than you think, especially when baking. Here are a few tips to ensure your candy cane donuts turn out perfectly, ready to be enjoyed by all:
- Donut Pan Care: Even if your donut pan is non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil or butter helps prevent sticking and ensures a beautiful golden crust. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for easy release!
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense donuts instead of the light and fluffy ones we’re aiming for. A gentle hand is key here.
- Crushing Candy Canes: For perfectly crushed candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. Avoid pulverizing them into a fine powder; you want some small, chunky pieces for texture and visual appeal.
- Filling the Pan: For neat, evenly shaped donuts, transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the donut cavities. This method is much tidier than spooning the batter and helps ensure uniform donuts. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising without overflowing.
- Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so the 16-minute baking time is a guideline. Start checking your donuts around 14 minutes. They should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cooling: Allowing the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is essential. This step helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart when removed, ensuring they maintain their beautiful shape.
Elevate Your Donuts: Glaze and Decoration Ideas
While the recipe focuses on the delicious base donut, you can easily add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal with a simple glaze, making them even more irresistible and photo-worthy.
- Classic Peppermint Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (any kind) and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency – a thicker glaze will coat more heavily, while a thinner one will be more translucent. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with more crushed candy canes before the glaze sets for maximum adherence.
- Vanilla Bean Glaze: For a subtle twist that still complements the mint beautifully, use vanilla extract instead of peppermint in your glaze. The warm notes of vanilla pair wonderfully with the cool burst of peppermint from the candy cane pieces.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an added layer of decadence, melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the glazed donuts. The chocolate and mint combination is a classic for a reason!
- Festive Sprinkles: In addition to crushed candy canes, a sprinkle of red and green holiday sprinkles can make these donuts even more festive and appealing, especially for the younger members of your family.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These Candy Cane Donuts are truly at their best when enjoyed fresh, ideally on the same day they are baked. The crispness of the crushed candy cane topping and the soft texture of the donut are at their peak shortly after cooling, offering a delightful sensory experience.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful and festive holiday breakfast or brunch. They’re a sweet start to any winter morning.
- Holiday Dessert: They make a lighter alternative to heavier holiday desserts and are perfect for a festive sweet bite after a meal. Their individual portions make them easy to serve.
- Edible Gifts: Pack them in pretty boxes or bags and share them with friends, family, or neighbors. They make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift during the festive season, showing you put in effort and love.
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they will still be tasty, the candy cane topping might soften slightly over time due to moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze unglazed donuts for up to one month. To serve, thaw them at room temperature and then apply your desired glaze and crushed candy cane topping just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Nutritional Insights: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
We understand that enjoying delicious food often comes with an eye towards nutritional value, especially during the holidays when rich treats abound. This recipe for baked candy cane donuts is a fantastic option because it offers a delightful indulgence without being overly heavy. Each donut, as specified, comes in at approximately 70 calories, with minimal fat (0.3g), and a reasonable carbohydrate count (13.7g). The fiber content (0.5g) and protein (1.7g) contribute to a more satisfying snack compared to many other dessert options, making it a smarter choice for those monitoring their intake. The “smart points” or “personal points” mentioned are a direct reference to Weight Watchers (WW) programs, highlighting that this recipe is designed to fit into a balanced eating plan without sacrificing flavor or festive fun. It’s a testament that you don’t have to compromise on flavor to enjoy a lighter version of your favorite holiday treats.
Conclusion: Embrace the Festive Spirit with Homemade Delights
From the moment you start crushing those candy canes to the first bite of a warm, minty donut, this recipe is designed to bring joy and festive cheer to your home. These delightful baked candy cane donuts are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience – a chance to create lasting memories in the kitchen and share delicious moments with loved ones. They are simple enough for even beginner bakers to master, yet impressive enough to wow any crowd with their seasonal charm and irresistible flavor. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the sweet, minty aroma of holiday magic. Happy baking, and happy holidays!