If you are ready to delight your taste buds with something truly fun and irresistibly sweet, this Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine fluffy, tender donuts topped with a shiny, colorful glaze made from melted gummy candies that delivers bursts of fruity flavor in every bite. This playful glaze not only adds a gorgeous gloss and vibrant charm but also a chewy contrast that turns ordinary donuts into a nostalgic, joyful dessert experience. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, special occasion, or just because, these donuts bring a whimsical twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect batch of gummy glazed donuts. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the flour’s structure to the gummy candy’s unique glaze texture, ensuring balance in flavor, moisture, and eye-catching appearance.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light and fluffy donut base that’s not too dense.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the donuts a lovely rise and airy softness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Introduces a subtle warmth and spice for extra depth.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and richness to the batter.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds buttery flavor and tenderizes the crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and helps with structure and softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional): Offers a subtle nutty note for a unique flavor touch.
- 1/2 cup gummy candy (such as gummy bears, gummy worms, or fruit snacks): The star ingredient that transforms the glaze into a chewy, colorful delight.
- 1 tbsp water: Helps melt the gummy candy smoothly into a glaze.
- 1 tbsp corn syrup: Keeps the glaze shiny and sticky for that perfect coating.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor): Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the glaze.
- Food coloring (optional, for vibrant glazes): Use this to customize your glaze color and make the donuts pop visually.
How to Make Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your donut pan with a non-stick spray to ensure your donuts pop out easily without sticking or crumbling. This prep step makes baking smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Donut Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your donuts tender and light.
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
Grab a spoon or a small scoop and fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full with batter. This ensures the donuts have enough room to rise without spilling over, creating that perfect donut shape with a delicate center.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts
Bake your donuts in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps preserve their shape and gives them the perfect texture to hold the glaze.
Step 5: Make the Gummy Glaze
While your donuts cool, it’s time to prepare the magical gummy glaze. Place your choice of gummy candies in a heatproof bowl along with the water. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between each, until the gummies have melted into a smooth, glossy liquid. Stir in the corn syrup and vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. For an eye-catching twist, add a few drops of food coloring to match your mood or event.
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the cooled donuts carefully into the warm gummy glaze, allowing the excess to drip off naturally. Place the glazed donuts on parchment or a wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes as the glaze sets into a shiny, slightly gummy coating that makes these treats truly special.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze has firmed up just a bit, your gummy glazed donuts are ready. Serve them fresh for the best texture, bright colors, and flavors. Watch as your friends and family smile with delight while biting into this one-of-a-kind treat.
How to Serve Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your donut display with a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils, chopped nuts, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle. These small touches complement the gummy glaze with texture variety and a playful look that’s great for parties or casual weekend indulgences.
Side Dishes
Pair your gummy glazed donuts with a cool glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a fresh fruit smoothie for a balanced treat. These simple sides help mellow the sugary glaze and keep your palate refreshed between bites, perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the donuts in a colorful tower on a cake stand or placing them individually in cute paper donut boxes for gifting. You can also thread toothpicks through mini donuts to create edible donut kabobs—an adorable option for kids’ parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any gummy glazed donuts left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed as soon as possible to preserve the perfect chewiness of the glaze.
Freezing
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze plain baked donuts (without glaze) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and prepare the gummy glaze fresh for dipping.
Reheating
To refresh your donuts, warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until soft. Avoid heating glazed donuts too long or at high temperatures to prevent the gummy glaze from melting excessively.
FAQs
Can I use different gummy candies for the glaze?
Absolutely! This Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe works wonderfully with all kinds of gummy candy—whether gummy bears, worms, or fruit snacks. Each adds a slightly different flavor and color, so feel free to experiment.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, you can make a gluten-free version. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly but the gummy glaze remains just as fun.
Can I make the glaze without corn syrup?
You can try substituting corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, but these alternatives might change the flavor and consistency. Corn syrup helps achieve that signature glossy, sticky glaze unique to this recipe.
How long does the gummy glaze take to set?
Typically, the gummy glaze sets within 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. It will remain slightly chewy and sticky, which is exactly what makes this glaze so delightfully different.
Can I use a deep-fryer instead of baking the donuts?
While you can deep-fry donut batter, this particular Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe is designed for baking. Baking yields soft, fluffy donuts with less oil, and the gummy glaze adheres beautifully without becoming overly greasy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and sharing this Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe. It’s playful, colorful, and delicious in a way that brings instant smiles to any table. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the magic of donuts and gummy candy coming together in perfect harmony. Your friends, family, and sweet tooth will thank you!
Print
Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Gummy Glazed Donuts featuring a soft, fluffy texture baked to perfection and topped with a vibrant, fruity gummy glaze. This recipe combines classic donut flavors with a fun, colorful twist by melting gummy candies into a sticky, sweet glaze that adds both flavor and eye-catching appeal. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive treat that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Gummy Glaze
- 1/2 cup gummy candy (such as gummy bears, gummy worms, or fruit snacks)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Food coloring (optional, for vibrant glazes)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray to ensure easy donut removal after baking.
- Make the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted unsalted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, whisking until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or small ladle, fill each well of the prepared donut pan about three-quarters full with the batter to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Gummy Glaze: While the donuts cool, place your choice of gummy candies and water in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well between intervals, until the gummies have melted into a smooth, thick glaze. Stir in the corn syrup and optional vanilla extract for shine and flavor. If desired, add food coloring drops to create a vibrant, colorful glaze.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the gummy glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a rack or parchment paper and let them set for a few minutes until the glaze firms up.
- Serve: Enjoy your gummy glazed donuts immediately for best texture and taste or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure donuts are fully cool before glazing to prevent the gummy glaze from melting or sliding off.
- Use assorted gummy candies to create colorful, unique glazes for different batches.
- The glaze can be slightly reheated and stirred if it thickens before use.
- Donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles on the glaze before it sets.
