Baked Long Johns

Baked Long Johns, also known as baked doughnuts, are a delightful twist on the classic Long John doughnut, offering all the deliciousness of the traditional deep-fried treat without the need for frying. These sweet, elongated pastries are soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and generously filled with creamy custard or frosting. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create this irresistible treat while exploring the history of doughnuts and Long Johns.

The history of doughnuts is a journey through time and across cultures. It’s believed that the concept of frying dough in oil dates back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans. However, the modern doughnut, as we know it today, has a more recent origin.

Doughnuts were brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. These early doughnuts were often simple rounds of dough, which were sometimes filled with sweeteners like honey or nuts. Over time, the doughnut evolved, taking on various forms and fillings.

The Long John doughnut, a classic American variety, is a rectangular-shaped doughnut filled with custard or frosting and often topped with chocolate or maple glaze. It’s believed to have originated in the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a beloved pastry.

As doughnut shops and bakeries proliferated across America, variations of Long Johns emerged. Some featured cream-filled centers, while others had chocolate, vanilla, or maple glazes. The Long John became a staple in the world of doughnuts, cherished for its elongated shape and sweet, creamy fillings.

In recent years, baked versions of Long Johns and doughnuts have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried doughnuts. Baking the doughnuts allows for a lighter texture while still capturing the beloved flavors and shapes of these iconic pastries.

INGREDIENTS

For the Baked Long Johns:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
• Custard filling or frosting of your choice

For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Baked Long Johns:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the milk mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or melted butter.
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
9. Cut the dough into elongated rectangles, about 4-5 inches long.
10. Place the rectangles on the greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the Long Johns are lightly golden brown and cooked through.
12. Remove the baked Long Johns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

For Filling and Glazing:

1. Once the Long Johns are cool, use a piping bag to fill them with custard or frosting of your choice. Insert the piping tip into one end of each Long John and squeeze gently to fill.
2. For a chocolate glaze, combine powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, milk, and pure vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Dip the tops of the Long Johns into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Baked Long Johns offer all the joy of the classic doughnut with a twist, making them a delectable treat for any occasion. Whether you choose to fill them with custard, frosting, or simply enjoy them plain, these baked pastries are sure to satisfy your doughnut cravings.