Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Soft and fluffy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that fits perfectly for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a weekend brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these doughnuts offer rich chocolate flavor and a light texture. Dipped in creamy vanilla glaze, they stand out as a deliciously satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 16 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these doughnuts in no time.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are lower in fat but still full of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, they fit right into any meal plan.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with glazes or sprinkles to match your preferences.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Making these doughnuts can be a fun activity for the whole family; perfect for involving kids in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Doughnut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Doughnut pan: This specialized pan gives your doughnuts their iconic shape while allowing even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Having various sizes helps keep your ingredients organized and simplifies mixing.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures an even blend of dry and wet ingredients, leading to a better texture.
Ingredients
Soft and fluffy chocolate cake doughnuts dipped in a vanilla glaze.
Dry Ingredients
- 125 grams all purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Glaze Ingredients
- 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). This ensures your doughnuts bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan
Grease your doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Kosher salt
This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Light brown sugar
3. Buttermilk
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract
6. Nutmeg
Whisk until fully blended.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your doughnuts light and fluffy.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into each cavity of the prepared doughnut pan, filling them about two-thirds full for optimal rise during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, mix together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth for glazing. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze before letting it set on the rack.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts!
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, serving suggestions can elevate your doughnut experience.
Simple Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee: Pair your doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost.
- On a Plate: Serve them on a decorative plate for an elegant dessert presentation at gatherings.
Creative Toppings
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of your glaze for a fun and festive touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Accompaniments
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and complements the chocolate flavor beautifully.
How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
To ensure your baked chocolate cake doughnuts are soft and fluffy, consider the following tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and buttermilk should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough doughnuts; this keeps them light and airy.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it out to prevent overpacking.
- Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your doughnuts are ready.
- Let Cool Before Glazing: Allow the doughnuts to cool completely before dipping in glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or swap vanilla extract with almond extract for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the doughnuts.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome, nutritious side.
- Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars provide an extra texture contrast alongside your soft doughnut.
- Smoothies: A fruity smoothie can refresh your palate while enjoying these indulgent treats.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with cheese offers a savory counterpoint to the sweet chocolate flavor.
- Ice Cream Scoop: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert combo that everyone will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for achieving the best results.
- Ingredients: Using incorrect measurements or substituting ingredients without research can lead to poor texture. Always double-check your ingredients and use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can make your doughnuts dense instead of fluffy. Mix just until combined to keep them light and airy.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in undercooked or overly dry doughnuts. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the Glaze: Missing the glaze altogether can lessen the flavor of your doughnuts. Don’t skip this step; it adds a delightful sweetness and shine.
- Not Preheating: Placing doughnuts in a cold oven can affect their rise. Always preheat your oven before baking for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep doughnuts at room temperature for better texture.
Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Make sure they are cooled completely before freezing.
Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat one doughnut at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts.
Can I use whole wheat flour for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I know when my doughnuts are done baking?
The doughnuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
What can I add to the glaze for extra flavor?
You can mix in flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, or even citrus zest for added depth in your glaze.
Are Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts healthier than fried ones?
Yes, baked doughnuts generally contain less fat and calories compared to fried versions, making them a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various glazes or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats anytime!
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, a soft and fluffy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These irresistible doughnuts are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Dipped in a creamy vanilla glaze, each bite delivers a rich chocolate taste paired with a light texture. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying brunch, or simply craving something sweet, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy. Plus, they’re quick to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, making them an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
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 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 125 grams confectioners' sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- pinch salt (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill the doughnut pan two-thirds full with batter and bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing by dipping each doughnut into a mixture of confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
