Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Soft and fluffy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. These doughnuts are not only delightful but also easy to make. With a rich chocolate flavor and a creamy vanilla glaze, they will impress family and friends alike. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, or simply enjoy them on a lazy weekend morning!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 16 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy these doughnuts as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack—ideal for any time of day.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts have fewer calories while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Customizable Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the glaze to suit your mood or occasion.
- Perfectly Fluffy Texture: The combination of ingredients ensures that each doughnut is soft and airy.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential tools for the job.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Doughnut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Doughnut pan: This specialized pan gives your doughnuts their classic shape and ensures even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes makes it easier to combine ingredients without any mess.
- Whisk: A good whisk helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your doughnuts that fluffy texture.
Ingredients
For these delightful Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you will need:
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
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your doughnuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan
Lightly grease your doughnut pan with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking once they’re baked.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Add the all-purpose flour.
2. Stir in cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
3. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients:
1. Whisk together melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg; blend thoroughly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Gently fold until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared doughnut pan:
1. Fill each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow cooling in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the doughnuts cool:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Step 9: Dip Doughnuts in Glaze
Once cooled:
1. Dip each doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
2. Place on a wire rack to let set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade 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 you want them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these doughnuts can be served plain or dressed up to suit your mood.
Classic Vanilla Glaze
- A smooth vanilla glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish to your doughnuts.
Sprinkles Galore
- Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look that appeals to all ages.
Fresh Berries
- Serve with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top transforms these doughnuts into an indulgent dessert.
Ice Cream Delight
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy with your favorite coffee or latte for the perfect morning pairing.
How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
To make the best baked chocolate cake doughnuts, pay attention to these tips. They will help ensure your doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture in your doughnuts.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
- Fill the Doughnut Pan Properly: Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the doughnuts cool completely before dipping in glaze; this prevents melting.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add spices or extracts like almond or orange zest for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts pair wonderfully with different side dishes. Here are some suggestions that enhance their delightful flavor:
-
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy complement to the doughnuts. -
Scrambled Eggs
Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs make for a well-rounded breakfast when paired with sweet doughnuts. -
Nut Butter Toast
Spread almond or peanut butter on whole-grain toast for an added protein boost alongside your treat. -
Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal adds heartiness to your meal while balancing out the sweetness. -
Smoothie Bowl
Blend up a smoothie topped with nuts and seeds for a vibrant side that’s both healthy and filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Ingredient Measurement: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour or cocoa can lead to dry doughnuts.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create dense doughnuts instead of soft and fluffy ones.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Let your doughnuts cool before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures a perfect finish.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An incorrect temperature can affect the baking time and texture of your doughnuts.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can result in flat doughnuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them on a shelf rather than in the fridge for better texture.
Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Place cooled doughnuts in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per doughnut. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are fluffy, chocolate-flavored treats baked in the oven instead of fried, making them a lighter option.
How do I ensure my doughnuts are fluffy?
To achieve fluffiness, mix ingredients until just combined and avoid overmixing. This keeps the texture light and airy.
Can I customize my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even change up the glaze flavor for different variations.
How long do these doughnuts last?
When stored properly, Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can last up to 3 days at room temperature or 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste. Try this recipe today for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a soft, fluffy texture. These oven-baked doughnuts are not only quick and easy to make but also provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions. Topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, they are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Impress your family and friends with this irresistible recipe that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 125g all-purpose flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 56g unsalted butter (melted)
- 106g light brown sugar
- 113ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 125g confectioners' sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: melted butter, brown sugar, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity two-thirds full.
- Bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the glaze, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Dip cooled doughnuts in glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut (50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
