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Easy French Toast Mini Donuts are cake like donuts filled with cinnamon and maple flavors. They are incredibly fast to make using a mini donut maker and make a perfect snack or school lunch item.
I've been using my donut maker more and more recently. The kids love having these for snacks and with breakfast, and I don't feel bad letting them eat these donuts. My French Toast Mini Donuts are a healthy option to a sweet treat. These donuts are a cinch to make and are ready in minutes. Plus, they freeze great so you can make a double or triple batch and keep some in the freezer for later.
This post was originally posted on 10/5/2020 and updated on 10/21/2021.
French Toast Mini Donuts Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Baking Powder
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Salt
- Egg
- Milk
- Pure Maple Syrup
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Salted Butter
Substitution Suggestions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute with all purpose flour or white whole wheat flour. I like to use whole wheat flour because it is a bit more healthier and it gives a slight nutty flavor to baked items. I was going for a slightly healthier donut version for this recipe and that is why I chose to use whole wheat flour, but you can use the flour you have on hand.
- Milk: Any type of milk can be used in these donuts. I like to use 2% or whole cows milk.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This recipe calls for PURE Maple Syrup not pancake syrup. The syrup is what gives these donuts the classic French toast flavor. You can substitute with honey if preferred.
- Salted Butter: Unsalted butter can be used, but I recommend adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
How to Make Easy French Toast Mini Donuts
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar and pinch of salt. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients.
- Then add the beaten egg, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and melted butter. Whisk it all together just until everything is combined.
- The easiest way to make the donuts, is to add the batter to a zip top bag and use it as a piping bag. Snip about a ½ inch off the corner of the bag and squeeze the batter into the greased donut maker or donut pan. You can also use a tablespoon and add the batter in the well of the donut maker.
- Close the lid on the donut maker and let the donuts bake. My donut maker takes about 3 minutes, but follow the instructions on your donut maker.
- When the donuts are done, remove them to a sheet pan or wire rack and let them cool completely before storing.
How to Make Mini Donuts without a Donut Maker
If you don't have a little mini donut maker these mini donuts can still be made. First, you can use mini donut pans and bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 350°F.
Second, you can make your own donut pan using a muffin pan. Simply put a ball of aluminum foil in the middle of greased muffin cups and pipe or spoon the batter around the ball. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Lastly, you can use mini muffin pans and make them into donut holes. Scoop the batter into greased mini muffin pans and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. All these ways create the same pumpkin deliciousness.
Glazed or Plain Donuts?
I personally leave the donuts plain because they are just so good that way, and they make perfect lower sugary snacks for the kids. However, you can add a simple glaze if you like.
Glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk or pure maple syrup and a ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it up good and drizzle over the donuts, or dunk the tops and place on wire racks until set. You could also had a smidge of cinnamon in the glaze to keep the theme of flavors going.
Storing French Toast Mini Donuts
Storing: Store cooled donuts in an air tight container or zip top bag on the counter at room temperature for 4-5 days. However, I doubt there will be any left that long.
Freezing: These donuts freeze great! Make a double batch and freeze them to have them on hand for quick snacks, breakfast, treats or to pack in the kids lunches. Place cooled donuts in a freezer safe air tight container or zip top bag between layers of wax paper then, label, date and freeze for up to 4 months.
Thawing: Let the donuts sit on the counter for a few hours until ready to enjoy. I like to place the frozen donuts in the kids lunches. By the time lunch comes around they are thawed and ready to eat.
More Family Friendly Snacks:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- Mini Pumpkin Donuts
- Banana Scones
- Monster Cookie Protein Bites
- Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- Chocolate Mini Donuts
- Chickpea Peanut Butter Bites
- Peanut Butter Apple Sandwiches
- Easy Blueberry Muffins
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites
- Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Muffins
French Toast Mini Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- pinch salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar and salt. Make a well in the middle.
- Then add the beaten egg, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and melted butter. Whisk it until it is just combined.
- Add the batter to a zip top bag or piping bag and snip the corner.
- Pipe batter into a greased donut maker and close the lid.
- Bake for 3 minutes or follow your maker's instructions.
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