Stack of baked coconut doughnuts on a plate with coconut milk.

Baked Coconut Doughnuts

If you love coconut cake, these Baked Coconut Doughnuts are for you! This is a simple recipe for baked coconut doughnuts with a coconut glaze and topping.

Stack of baked coconut doughnuts on a plate with coconut milk.
Baked Coconut Doughnuts

If you love coconut cake, these Baked Coconut Doughnuts are for you! These simple baked donuts are topped with a coconut glaze and sprinkled with coconut.

Baked Coconut Doughnuts on a wire cooling rack.

Note: This post first appeared on February 7, 2013. The recipe has been updated from the archives with updated content and photographs, as well as improved kitchen notes and recipe annotation. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen.

I pulled my car to the curb and my little brood of carpoolers started in a flurry. Seatbelts unbuckled, backpacks gathered, my children leaned over my shoulder to deposit their kisses. “Bye Mommy! I love you!” The door opened and I felt the blast of cold morning air. “Mahalo kita!!” my daughter turned to call out one last time.

I chuckled. Then gently corrected her, “Mahal kita!” “Mahalo is Hawaiian,” her friend A chimed in. My daughter’s face scrunched for a minute, clearly puzzled. Then she brightened. The lightbulb went off. “Ohh!!!” She laughed. “Mahal kita!” “I love you too, honey.”

And then she turned and ran into the school.

I don’t have too many regrets, but there is one. When my daughter came into the world, I had every intent to pass along as much of my parents’ native tongue to her. I would raise her bilingually, something that I did not enjoy until I was about 9 years old myself. My parents spoke Tagalog to one another and English to me, for somewhere along the way, they had been convinced by one of their friends that children would get “confused” if you speak to them in two languages.

Rubbish.

I understood them perfectly. But when it came to speaking, it took some effort. My aunts took me under their wing when I was nearly a decade old. One summer, my household became a full-immersion Tagalog class. The rule was: if I was speaking to my parents or aunts, it had to be in Tagalog. It forced me to verbalize all the things I could say in the Filipino language in my head, but it would come out extremely accented in my American tongue, to the amusement of my family. But I pressed on.

Eventually, I was pretty good. I held my own when I visited the Philippines. And I promised myself I would give my children the gift of this language. Early on it was fine. I would try to say everything twice, Tagalog and English. And then, somewhere along the way, I forgot.

My children have been asking me repeatedly for their favorite Filipino dishes (mostly desserts) – champorado and sapin sapin are the most requested. But my daughter has been keenly motivated to learn the language. She is enraptured with our dual language children’s books, and she has started a large roll of paper, writing all the words she has learned with their meaning. I opened the door to the car yesterday morning to hear her chanting, “Isa! Dalawa! Tatlo! Apat! Lima! …this is hard Mommy, it’s like learning to count again!”

She is determined to learn, and I am determined to help her.

There is no doubt, my daughter is like my husband – daddy’s girl through and through. Confident. Boisterous. Determined. But when it comes to her tastebuds, she is mine. Mangoes. Coconut. Lychees. These Baked Coconut Doughnuts are for her.

Baked Coconut Doughnuts on a wire rack with a donut pan in the background.

 

HOW TO MAKE BAKED COCONUT DOUGHNUTS

Have you ever made baked doughnuts? When I finally got my hands on a doughnut pan, these were the first doughnuts I made. Baked Coconut Doughnuts are like the best parts of a coconut cake in a doughnut, without the fussy frosting. There are bites of coconut throughout: from the little morsels of coconut inside, to the glaze and shredded coconut topping on top. I hope you find them as delightful as my family did!

These doughnuts can be made with either sweetened and unsweetened doughnuts, depending on your tastebuds. I love using unsweetened coconut for a less sweet breakfast doughnut, but if I want the doughnut to be sweeter and more dessert-like, then I use sweetened coconut.

If you can get your hands on fine macaroon coconut, this will give the doughnuts a delicate, elegant texture, but it’s equally as wonderful with regular shredded coconut for a chewy, coconutty texture.

Step by Step How to Make Baked Coconut Doughnuts

If you can get your hands on coconut extract, this will add yet another layer of delicious coconut flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, fear not. When I don’t have coconut extract on hand, I use a combination of vanilla and almond extract instead.

Piping the batter into a doughnut pan makes things easy, but you can also use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter into the pans!

MORE DONUT RECIPES

Blueberry Lemon Glazed Baked Donuts

Coffee-Glazed Baked Chocolate Doughnuts

Nutella Filled Mini Doughnuts

Stack of baked coconut doughnuts on a white marble board.

PRODUCTS USED IN THIS RECIPE

Non-Stick Donut Pan (affiliate link)

Note: This post first appeared on February 7, 2013. The recipe has been updated from the archives with updated content and photographs, as well as improved kitchen notes and recipe annotation. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen.

Baked Coconut Doughnuts

If you love coconut cake, these Baked Coconut Doughnuts are for you! This is a simple recipe for baked coconut doughnuts with a coconut glaze and topping.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 doughnuts
Calories 344kcal

Ingredients

For the Coconut Donuts

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut see notes
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract or substitute 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract plus 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the Glaze/Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons light coconut milk
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack placed in the center of the oven.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter until it is creamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Add the egg and beat until it is fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded coconut. In a measuring cup, stir in the coconut extract (or vanilla and almond extracts) into the coconut milk. Add the flour mixture in increments to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Beat until just combined.
  • Fill the doughnut pan about 2/3 full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Gently remove the doughnuts from the pan.
  • Make the glaze by stirring together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and coconut milk until smooth.
  • Dip the doughnuts in the glaze and let the excess drip off, then dip it into the coconut to coat. Let it cool on a wire rack…or enjoy immediately.

Notes

Adapted from Best Baked Doughnuts Ever, Food.com.
Baked Coconut Donuts Tips:
  • Coconut in this recipe: If you can't find fine macaroon coconut, you can give your shredded coconut a few blitzes in a food processor for a finer texture. But you can definitely skip this step for a chewy, coconutty texture.
  • Should I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut? I've used both! I love using unsweetened coconut for a less sweet breakfast doughnut, but if I want the doughnut to be sweeter and more dessert-like, then I use sweetened coconut.
  • Don't have coconut extract? Not to worry. Use a combination of almond and vanilla extracts. 

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see! Tag @kitchconfidante on Instagram and hashtag it #kitchenconfidante

Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Shahaf

    Can someone help me think about how can i make it without wheat flour?

    Reply
  2. Patty DeCaro

    Hi i followed receipe exactly but did use a spray on pans. After barely 15 minutes totally burned. What did i do wrong? Thanks

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Patty, oh no! It’s difficult for me to know what happened since I was not in the kitchen with you – is it possible that perhaps your oven was set to the wrong temperature or that it is running too hot? Perhaps there was a mistake in measurement? What size donut pan did you use? A touch of baking spray should have been fine. I wish I could be of more help and feel badly that your donuts burned. This recipe has been consistent for me in my oven.

      Reply
  3. Bec

    I have an unused donut pan – now I have the perfect recipe for it – thanks!

    Reply
  4. Lynda

    I did make the donuts and enjoyed them very much. Thank you for sharing! As much as I enjoyed your recipe, the main thing that inspired me to contact you, is the second language issue. I am Deaf, and have taught my children and Grand children to Sign, as well. I am able to lip read and speak so it was not a necessity. I just liked being able to communicate with them in Sign Language.. I recently came up on some research that indicates that if you teach a child, at a very young age, a second language, it increases their IQ, And coincidence or not they are all very smart and excellent readers, I have encouraged parents of babies or very young children to consider that, even to the extent of buying the books on the subject of Sign Language for Babies. I hope this helps

    Reply
  5. aga

    can I substitute sweetened shredded coconut with unsweetened shredded coconut? where I live there is only unsweetened version to buy. do I have to change anything else then? thank you!

    Reply
  6. Leanne

    I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I just made these and they’re absolutely delightful! I toasted the coconut for a little extra colour and they look great :) The texture is nice and cakey too, moreso than the other baked doughnut recipes I’ve tried. 

    Reply
  7. Irene

    I’ve also just recently bought my doughnut pan and searching high and low for some creative ideas. These sound perfect and the coconut milk in the batter must make it super fragrant and moist! I’ll try these out soon :)

    Reply
    • Liren

      You’re going to have so much fun with the doughnut pan, irene! I really need to buy more, heh heh! I hope you enjoy the doughnuts!

      Reply
  8. dixya @ food, pleasure, and health

    well, i think its all about practice in your household- its definitely challenging for little ones in the beginning but the earlier you expose them to dual language, the better they are at soaking it because their brain is like a sponge. On a different note, I am in love with these donuts- i have big thing for coconut, i dig anything with coconut :)

    Reply
    • Liren

      You said it, Dixya, practice is the key! A day can go by and I realize I’ve forgotten to keep it up, but we’re hanging in there :) So glad you like the doughnuts, we are crazy about coconuts here, too :)

      Reply
  9. Anjo Angela Lim

    Hi Liren! These donuts look absolutely scrumptious. Well done! And I completely understand about the bilingual thing…coming from a family that spoke Malay, English, Mandarin and Cantonese, plus learning French as a SL in Canada…lots of chaos in the house! But #madprops for continuing to push upon them the importance of learning Tagalog. Not many households are so inclined these days, “not enough time” or “too busy with other important errands” or “the kids rather play sports and hang out with friends.” Something like that. So don’t beat yourself up I think you are amazing :) Great donuts, too!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi Anjo! How fabulous to have grown up in such a language rich home! Absolutely fantastic — I wish I had time to learn more, actually, but I know I need to focus on the ones I do know now. This experience has been great in helping me brush up on my Tagalog, too!

      Reply
  10. Belinda @zomppa

    I think it’s absolutely fantastic that you are raising a bilingual household – they will come to appreciate it TONS when they are older – and how lucky to have gotten your taste buds!

    Reply
    • Liren

      Thanks, Belinda! I’m trying! I realize in the process that I have gotten quite rusty, so it’s good for me, too :)

      Reply
  11. Valerie

    I grew up in a bilingual household too- unfortunately, my parents stopped speaking French a few years after we moved to the U.S…something she still regrets. I think what you’re doing is wonderful! Please keep the languages alive. :)

    As far as these doughnuts are concerned, I’m smitten! Coconut is one of my favourite baking ingredients (and I have an ongoing affair with doughnuts).

    Reply
    • Liren

      When I saw your doughnuts, I smiled because I have been internally obsessed! It’s been a while since I fried doughnuts, and your post has convinced me it is time to pull out the fryer again.

      Even if your parents stopped speaking French, I still think it is wonderful to be blessed with the bilingual experience! I’m sure you could still hold your own! Thank you for the encouragement to keep it up (I so easily forget!).

      Reply
    • Liren

      Carol, that is so sweet, thank you! I’m so glad to have found your lovely site, too – I just love how food can teach us so much about one another!

      Reply
  12. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com

    Needless to say, your daughter is a gem! And don’t be too hard on yourself — interfaith marriages does come with a few more challenges. But I’m sure your kids would be able to learn more as they grow up :)

    ps: Mine is an interfaith marriage too. So I can definitely foresee some hardwork in the future, if and when we have our bundle of joy!

    Reply
    • Liren

      There are definite challenges when it comes to multi-faith and bi-racial families, but I feel blessed also, for how my kids have a wealth of family history and heritage. The key will be preserving it! I am sure you will be fine when you have your bundle of joy, Kiran!

      Reply
  13. Gina

    That’s great you are teaching them. I wished my grand parents had taught us, it’s so hard to learn as an adult. I bet the kids ate these up. I want one of those dognut pans, but I’m afraid of what I might do with it. Lol. Hope you are having a good week. It feels like I’ve been working on my taxes for a million years, rrr. I think I really need a dougnut.
    -Gina-

    Reply
    • Liren

      Kids are like sponges so I hope they learn as much as possible now, it really is harder to learn languages when you’re older! Hope your taxes are done, I think I made these doughnuts sometime right after we finished ours ;) Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  14. Malou | Skip to Malou

    I don’t know why Filipino-American families don’t pass the language to their children as much as other immigrants do. I heard many families say the same thing “kids gets confused”. I guess there’s something more than that. My nieces and nephews who live in Manila don’t speak Tagalog as well. They speak English at home and in school and so with their friends. Why is that? I remember too, when I was raining my kids in the Philippines, I talked to them in English. But now that we live here, I didn’t realize that my son and daughter don’t speak the language anymore too. And I regret it. Sorry I think I got carried away. I wish I had your doughnuts to munch while we discuss this interesting language topic haha. Yep I do love coconuts and so with my kids… and I think that’s going to stay that way for the years to come :)
    malou

    Reply
    • Liren

      It really is so interesting, isn’t it Malou? Growing up, friends who grew up in Spanish-speaking households had families that fully embraced both languages, with fluency in each. But among my Filipino friends, many could not utter a single word. My mother’s side of the family was very keen on teaching the newer generation Tagalog, so it is with them that I can still practice – it was very important to everyone when we had family gathering to speak in Tagalog. My father’s side was quite different! Funny enough, I speak English to my dad, but Tagalog to my aunts when I call them now. I hope my daughter’s interest continues!

      Reply
    • Liren

      Thank you, Laura :) I think I’m hooked onto this baked doughnut thing – so glad I finally have a doughnut pan!

      Reply
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