Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Soft and fluffy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these doughnuts deliver rich chocolate flavor with a light texture. Their unique appeal comes from being baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste. You can enjoy them plain or with a delicious vanilla glaze that elevates their charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful doughnuts in no time.
• Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying means you get to enjoy the same indulgent flavor with less guilt.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These doughnuts are great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making them versatile for any gathering.
• Customizable Toppings: While the vanilla glaze is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or chocolate chips.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Making these doughnuts can be a fun activity for kids; they’ll love decorating their creations!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

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 while baking, ensuring they have that classic ring shape.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls ensures you can mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly for a well-combined 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 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

How to Make Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your doughnuts bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan

Grease your doughnut pan lightly with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to remove the doughnuts after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and nutmeg.
2. Whisk until well blended to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon:
1. Fill each cavity of the doughnut pan about halfway with batter.
2. Smooth the tops if needed for even baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
2. Whisk until smooth; adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary.

Step 10: Dip in Glaze

Once cooled:
1. Dip each doughnut into the glaze.
2. Allow excess glaze to drip off before placing back on cooling rack.

Now you have delicious Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your doughnut experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for a fresh and tangy contrast.
• Banana Slices: Add banana slices on top for a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Dipped in Glaze

• Vanilla Glaze: Dip your doughnuts in vanilla glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a rich ganache dip is an indulgent option.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Coffee: Enjoy your doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee for the ideal morning pairing.
• Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the richness of the chocolate perfectly.

Topped with Sprinkles

• Colorful Sprinkles: Add sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive look and added crunch.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes for an exotic twist.

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How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

To make sure your Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the doughnuts light and airy.
• Preheat the Oven Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect rise.
• Grease the Pan Well: Use non-stick spray generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the doughnuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting and ensure smooth coverage.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding spices or extracts like almond or orange zest for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can create a delightful meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the doughnuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: The protein from scrambled eggs makes it a hearty breakfast option alongside sweet doughnuts.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and savory flavors to complement your sweet treat.
5. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal gives you energy while balancing out the sweetness of the doughnut.
6. Smoothie Bowl: Refreshing smoothie bowls topped with nuts and seeds can provide a nutritious balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your perfect batch. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements: Using inaccurate measurements can lead to doughnuts that are too dense or dry. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in tough doughnuts. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can affect how the batter combines. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can cause uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to ensure even baking of your doughnuts.
• Using stale baking powder: Expired leavening agents won’t provide the lift needed. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder and soda.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm doughnuts for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual doughnuts on high for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I substitute cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper flavor, but it may change the cake’s texture slightly.

How do I make my doughnuts more chocolatey?

Add chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking for extra chocolate goodness.

Are Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts healthier than fried ones?

Baked doughnuts generally use less oil and fat compared to fried ones, making them a lighter option.

How should I glaze my doughnuts?

Dip still-warm doughnuts into the glaze for better adherence and enhanced flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or fillings. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or a sweet snack, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy your cravings!