I loved donuts. Every Saturday morning, I’d take my kids, Sarah and Tina, to the local bakery for a sugary treat. But as much as I enjoyed these little moments, I couldn’t ignore a HUGE fact: all the sugar we were consuming. Not only that, but we were also eating a lot of gluten, and I started to feel a bit concerned.
One weekend, I decided to make a change. “Why don’t we try making our healthy donuts?” I suggested. Sarah and Tina’s eyes lit up with excitement, so that day, instead of going to the bakery, we decided to start baking on our own.
We spent the afternoon in the kitchen, mixing whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and honey. The kids took turns stirring and pouring the batter into the donut pans. At first, it was a bit messy, but then we relaxed and just enjoyed the fact that we were cooking together.
The sweet, tasty, comfy smell of baking donuts filled the house, and anticipation grew.
When the donuts were ready, we all took a bite. “These are amazing, Mom!” Tina exclaimed, her mouth full.
I smiled, relieved and happy. Not only had we created a delicious treat, but we had also spent quality time together, learning and laughing. And now I want to share my experience and my recipes with you. If you wanna try baking donuts with your kids, or even just for your sweet tooth, you can take a peek at my favorite healthy donuts recipes.
Can Donuts Be Healthy?
Long answer short, they can! Donuts usually get a bad rap for being sugary, but you can turn them into a healthier treat with some smart swaps.
If you make healthy donuts at home, you have full control over the ingredients: no preservatives, artificial flavors, or excess sugar. Instead, you can use whole grains and whole wheat flour to substitute the usual refined stuff. I like to sweeten them up with honey or maple syrup. I also throw in some fruits and Greek yogurt for extra nutrition. Lastly, I bake them instead of frying them because baking reduces the fat content.
For instance, using whole wheat flour adds fiber, and Greek yogurt gives a protein boost and creamy texture. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup keep the donuts sweet but wholesome. Maple syrup is a big hit in our house – it’s delicious, and Sarah and Tina love it.
Making healthy donuts is such a great way to get your kids curious about new ingredients. I let my girls help me in the kitchen; as a result, now they are more likely to try new foods and learn some cooking skills. I feel truly happy with that because they are learning A LOT about two big points: eating healthy and being independent. Plus, it’s a fun activity that brings us together as a family. We experiment with different dough recipes and find out what textures and flavors we like best.
Healthy Donuts Recipes to Make with Kids
1. Classic Baked Donuts
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Utensils:
Instructions:
- First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ½ cups of honey, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased donut pans, filling each about ¾ full. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this step—kids love helping with this part.
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you want an extra touch, you can combine powdered sugar and cinnamon in a cup and ask your little one to sprinkle them over the donuts with a mesh strainer. Just remember not to cover them too much to keep them healthy.
2. Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Ingredients:
- Applesauce
- Cinnamon
- Whole wheat flour
- Almond milk
- Baking powder
- Eggs
Utensils
- Silicon donut pans
- Can opener
- Bowls
Instructions:
- As in the first recipe, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pans.
- Mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder in a large bowl. Reserve it.
- Mix 1 cup of applesauce, ½ cup of almond milk, and 2 eggs in another bowl.
- Slowly add the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until well mixed. Let your kids take turns stirring.
- Let your kiddo pour the batter into the greased donut pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For toppings, try a light cinnamon glaze or some chopped nuts. You can even dip a bit of peanut butter if your kiddo is not allergic.
3. Banana Nut Donuts
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Almond flour
- Chopped nuts
- Honey
- Baking soda
- Eggs
Utensils
- Donut pans
- Nut chopper
- Silicone baking mats
Instructions:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pans.
- Ask your kiddo for help and let him or her mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth in a large bowl. The mixture must be thick and soft.
- In another bowl, mix 2 cups of almond flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ cup of chopped nuts.
- Add ½ cup of honey and 2 eggs to the mashed bananas and stir well.
- Combine and mix both mixtures, wet and dry, stirring until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased donut pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool before decorating. Kids can spread nut butter or place sliced bananas on top.
4. Blueberry Oatmeal Donuts
Ingredients:
- Oats
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
- Eggs
- Baking powder
Utensils
- Silicon donut pans
- Mixing bowls
- Spatulas
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pans.
- Pulse 2 cups of oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency.
- Combine the oat flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ½ cup of honey, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Let the kids help mash the blueberries into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased donut pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool before enjoying them. These are delicious as-is or with a light honey drizzle.
In Conclusion…
Making healthy donuts at home can be a fun experience for you and your kiddos. These delicious recipes are also a great way to teach your little ones about cooking and the importance of wholesome ingredients.
Best of all, you can vary the ingredients as much as you want. For example, you can experiment with different types of dry ingredients, such as corn starch or potato starch, or even add more flavors, such as chocolate, strawberries, or trail mix. It is also good to make fruit glazes or even homemade jam.
But above all, it’s a good opportunity to spend time with your kids and do something fun and delicious together. Plus, you can have a snack afterward and taste their creations.
What do you think of this idea? Do you dare to try it? I’ll read you in the comments!
FAQ
Can a Toddler Eat Donuts?
Yep, but offering healthier options like the baked donuts I’ve shared is best. Ensure they’re cut into small pieces.
Are Baked Donuts Healthier Than Fried Donuts?
Definitely. Baked donuts typically contain less fat and fewer calories than fried ones, making them a healthier treat.
What’s A Good Replacement For Donuts?
Try making donut-shaped pancakes or muffins using the same healthy ingredients. They’re fun to make and tasty!
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