Name: Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jelly; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing); 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 54 reviews

If you have a soft spot for treats that feel like a warm hug from your oven, this Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These donuts are perfectly soft and fluffy, filled with a luscious burst of sweet jelly, and coated in a simple sugar dusting that adds just the right touch of crunch. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked versions offer all the cozy comfort and satisfying sweetness without any heavy oiliness, making them a lighter, yet equally delicious, delight for breakfast or dessert. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of three round donuts is shown against a white marbled background. Each donut is coated in fine white sugar crystals giving a slightly rough texture, with a soft golden-brown color beneath the sugar. The top donut has a bite taken out, revealing a fluffy, light yellow inside and a layer of glossy, deep red jam filling that is slightly bursting out. The middle and bottom donuts also show small spots of the same red jam oozing out gently from the side, highlighting the thick, shiny filling inside the soft dough. The smooth sugar layer on the surface contrasts with the moist, airy inside clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward donut heaven. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each component plays a key role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor that makes these donuts so special.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy donuts with just the right bite.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Your rising agent that gives donuts their light and airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a soft dough.
2 large eggs: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the donut’s structure.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jelly: The luscious filling bursting with fruity sweetness.
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Gives the outside a slight glaze and helps sugar stick perfectly.
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates a delightful sugary coating that adds crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start with a big bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the backbone of your donut batter, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients bring richness and moisture, which is crucial to the soft texture.

Step 3: Bring Batter Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some small lumps are okay as they help keep the donuts tender and light.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan thoroughly, then spoon the batter into each cavity until about three-quarters full. This ensures the donuts have enough room to rise and become perfectly fluffy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts turn a delicate golden hue and spring back lightly to the touch. Let them cool completely before moving on to the fun part.

Step 6: Fill with Jelly

Using a piping bag fitted with a long tip, gently inject the strawberry or raspberry jelly right into the center of each donut. This sweet surprise inside is what truly sets this Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe apart.

Step 7: Sugar-Coat with Butter Brushing

Brush each jelly-filled donut with melted butter to create a sticky surface, then roll them in granulated sugar. This final touch adds an irresistible crunch and that classic donut sweetness we all love.

How to Serve Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe

A close-up view of several round doughnuts covered in white sugar crystals, each showing a small spot of red jam peeking out from the side. The doughnuts have a light golden-brown color with a soft texture, and they are placed closely together on a wire cooling rack. The background has a white marbled texture with some scattered sugar granules around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these donuts stand beautifully on their own, you can elevate them with simple garnishes—think a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries on the side complement the fruity jelly perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even sparkling lemonade to balance the sugary richness. For brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait complements the light texture wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make a charming donut tower for a party or brunch spread? Stack them on a pretty cake stand and sprinkle edible flowers around for a garden-party vibe. You could also slice them in half and layer with an extra dollop of jelly or cream for a fancy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar coating helps keep them from drying out too quickly, but they’re best enjoyed fresh and soft.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled donuts without the sugar coating. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. You can add the sugar coating after thawing for fresh-crunchy results.

Reheating

To bring donuts back to life, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery. After warming, brush with melted butter and roll in sugar again if needed.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jelly or jam?

Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, blueberry, or even marmalade all work beautifully and offer different flavor profiles that keep this recipe exciting every time you make it.

Why bake donuts instead of frying?

Baking donuts reduces the fat content while still delivering tender, fluffy texture and rich flavor. It’s a cleaner, less messy method that’s perfect for a lighter treat without sacrificing taste.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the jelly from leaking out?

Make sure your donuts are completely cooled before filling and use a piping bag with a narrow tip to control the jelly flow. Filling gently helps keep the jelly inside rather than spilling out.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm leftovers slightly in the oven to revive the softness and recoat with melted butter and sugar if needed. This quick step brings the donuts back almost like fresh-baked.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I am about this delightful Baked Jelly-Filled Donuts Recipe. It’s a joyful way to enjoy a classic treat with an easier, lighter twist that still bursts with flavor. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast or a sweet ending to dinner, these donuts have a way of bringing smiles and happy sighs around the table. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve a little homemade sweetness today!