Baked Zucchini Donuts with Vanilla Glaze

A Soft, Moist Treat Made with Fresh Garden Zucchini and Finished with a Sweet Vanilla Glaze

When your garden is overflowing with zucchini, baked goods are one of the best ways to put your harvest to good use, and these Baked Zucchini Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are no exception. Freshly shredded zucchini adds incredible moisture and tenderness without overpowering the flavor, resulting in soft, cake-like donuts that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Because they're baked instead of fried, they're an easy recipe to whip up whenever you're looking for a fun way to use extra zucchini.

As a registered dietitian, I love finding creative ways to incorporate vegetables into recipes people already enjoy. Zucchini is naturally low in calories while providing fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants. It also helps keep baked goods moist, which means you can often use less fat than traditional recipes without sacrificing texture. While these donuts are certainly a sweet treat, they're a great example of how garden vegetables can add both nutrition and delicious flavor to homemade recipes.

The finishing touch is a simple vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness to every bite. These donuts are delicious served fresh with a cup of coffee, packed into lunchboxes, or shared with family and friends who may never guess there's zucchini inside. Whether you're baking with an oversized garden zucchini or making the most of a neighbor's generous gift, this recipe is a fun and flavorful way to celebrate summer's most abundant vegetable!

Yield: 12 donuts

Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, grated and excess water squeezed out (about 1.5 cups)

• 1/3 c olive oil

• 1/2 c honey

• 2 eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 1/2 c flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp salt

  
  

Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 1/2 c powdered sugar (you can add 1/4 c more if you like your glaze thicker)

• 2 Tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease donut pan(s) with olive oil spray.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Fold in the zucchini, then add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt and mix until combined. Be careful not to over-mix!

   

4. Divide the batter between the donuts in the pan, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 11-12 minutes.

   

5. While baking, make the glaze. Combine all glaze ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.

6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from pan. Top donuts with glaze. Enjoy!