Step-by-step instructions
Preheat the Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure those donuts pop out easily.
Make the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix!). Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a donut. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan briefly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Butter Pecan Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cooking while stirring until it begins to bubble and fully dissolves. Add in the heavy cream and cook for another 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Glaze the Donuts: Once your donuts are cooled, dip each one into the butter pecan glaze, letting any excess glaze drip off. Place them back on the wire rack and, if desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top while the glaze is still wet.
Serve: For the ultimate indulgence, enjoy these Butter Pecan Donuts fresh and warm. They’re the perfect treat for any time of day!
Best ways to enjoy it
These Butter Pecan Donuts are divine on their own, but you can elevate your experience even further. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort pairing. They also work beautifully alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a lighter option. Don’t shy away from serving them at parties or family gatherings; they are sure to be the star of the show!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If by some miracle you have leftovers, storing them properly is key. Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them: wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to rehear!
Tricks for success
To ensure your Butter Pecan Donuts come out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips. First, make sure your butter is cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing. Second, toasting the pecans enhances their flavor; don’t skip this step! Lastly, remember to let your donuts cool before glazing to avoid the glaze melting away.
Creative twists
Feel like you want to shake things up? Here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Chocolate Lovers: Toss in some mini chocolate chips alongside the pecans for a chocolatey delight.
- Seasonal Flavors: During fall, substitute the vanilla extract with pumpkin pie spice for a delicious twist.
- Gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare these donuts?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 35-45 minutes preparing and baking your Butter Pecan Donuts.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles.
How can I store these donuts?
Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer shelf life. Just remember to thaw before enjoying!
Now that you have this delightful Butter Pecan Donuts recipe in your baking repertoire, you can create deliciously sweet memories for friends and family that they’ll cherish!
