Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Soft and fluffy, Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These doughnuts are easy to make and offer a rich chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or looking for a fun baking project with the kids, this recipe stands out with its simple ingredients and quick preparation time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 16 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy these doughnuts in no time.
- Deliciously Chocolatey: The rich cocoa powder provides an indulgent chocolate flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these doughnuts fit any occasion.
- Easily Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or flavors to make them uniquely yours.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up these delightful Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Doughnut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Doughnut pan: This specialized pan shapes your doughnuts perfectly, ensuring they rise beautifully.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for efficient mixing of wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, providing an even texture for your batter.
Ingredients
Soft and fluffy chocolate cake doughnuts dipped in a vanilla glaze.
For the Doughnuts
- 125 grams all purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
For the Glaze
- 125 grams confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
How to Make Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing the doughnut pan lightly helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. All purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Kosher salt
Whisk together until fully blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Melted unsalted butter
2. Light brown sugar
Stir until smooth. Then add:
3. Buttermilk
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract
6. Nutmeg
Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; small lumps are okay.
Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the doughnut pan, filling them about halfway full.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. To make the glaze:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze and let excess drip off before placing them back on the rack.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts!
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts are a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether for breakfast or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your doughnut experience.
With Coffee
- Enjoy these doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost. The rich chocolate flavor complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Add sliced strawberries or bananas on top for a refreshing twist. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the chocolate nicely.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm doughnuts alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The combination of warm and cold creates an irresistible treat.
Dipped in Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, dunking your doughnuts in melted chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence. It’s a simple way to enhance the flavor!
Sprinkled with Nuts
- Top with crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor. This texture contrast makes each bite more enjoyable.
Served with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a light and airy touch to the dense doughnut. It’s an easy way to elevate your serving presentation.
How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
To ensure your baked chocolate cake doughnuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that rises evenly.
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Don’t overmix – Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts.
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Preheat your oven – Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect rise.
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Grease the pan well – For easy removal, thoroughly grease your doughnut pan. You can also use silicone molds for easier release.
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Check doneness with a toothpick – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your doughnuts are ready!
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Cool before glazing – Allow your doughnuts to cool completely before dipping them in glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Pairing side dishes with your baked chocolate cake doughnuts can enhance their flavor and make for a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious option.
- Breakfast Smoothie – Blend fruits, yogurt, and spinach for a refreshing drink.
- Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide a savory contrast to sweet doughnuts.
- Bacon Strips – The salty crunch of bacon pairs surprisingly well with sweet flavors.
- Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal offers comfort and balance alongside sugary treats.
- Tea Selection – Various herbal teas can cleanse the palate between bites of rich chocolate.
- Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes can complement the texture of doughnuts wonderfully, especially drizzled with syrup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ingredients: Not measuring accurately can ruin your doughnuts. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can make the doughnuts dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Incorrect Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature leads to uneven cooking. Ensure your oven is preheated correctly before baking.
- Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, explore different flavors to enhance your doughnuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked doughnuts in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Freeze the doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per doughnut until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts that might help you out!
How do I ensure my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are fluffy?
Using fresh baking powder and not overmixing the batter will keep them light and fluffy.
Can I customize my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make buttermilk by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
How should I store leftover Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various glazes or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the soft, tender goodness of these treats!
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the day. With their soft and fluffy texture, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made using simple ingredients, they come together quickly in just 16 minutes from start to finish. Indulge in the rich chocolate flavor paired with a luscious vanilla glaze, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these baked delights are easy to customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring that every bite is uniquely yours. Try this easy recipe and discover how enjoyable homemade chocolate doughnuts can be!
Ingredients
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- For the glaze: 125 grams confectioners' sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth; then add buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just mixed; small lumps are okay.
- Fill each doughnut cavity halfway with batter.
- Bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack; dip in glaze made from whisking confectioners' sugar with milk and vanilla.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
