Description
If you’re a fan of nutty, buttery desserts with a warm, cozy flavor—this Butter Pecan Donuts recipe is calling your name! These baked donuts are soft, tender, and glazed with a luscious butter pecan icing that melts in your mouth. With toasted pecans mixed in and sprinkled on top, each bite delivers a delightful crunch and rich, caramel-like sweetness.
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Ingredients
For the Donuts:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup buttermilk (or mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
1 large egg
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Butter Pecan Glaze:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Extra chopped toasted pecans
Drizzle of caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
Let them cool, then divide: half will go in the batter, half for the glaze/topping.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in ¼ to ½ cup of the toasted pecans.
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan.
Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
Smooth the tops with a spatula if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Butter Pecan Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add remaining chopped pecans and cook for 2–3 minutes until the butter starts to brown slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until smooth. Adjust with more milk if needed for a pourable consistency.
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the warm glaze or spoon it over them.
Sprinkle with extra pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce while glaze is still soft.
Let set for 10–15 minutes (if you can wait that long!).
Notes
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients come together for light, fluffy donuts.
Use Fresh Pecans – Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds great texture.
Brown the Butter Slightly – This adds depth and a slightly nutty, caramel flavor to the glaze.
Cool Donuts Before Glazing – Warm donuts will cause the glaze to slide right off.
Use a Piping Bag – It makes filling the donut pan quick and mess-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American