Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that brings the rich flavor of chocolate cake to a fun, doughnut shape. These soft and fluffy baked doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack any time of day. The addition of a sweet vanilla glaze makes them irresistible, ensuring they shine at any gathering or special occasion. Enjoy these treats fresh out of the oven or share them with friends and family for an indulgent yet wholesome experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes, you can have these doughnuts ready in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa powder and vanilla glaze creates a mouthwatering treat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks; these doughnuts fit any occasion.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, they are lighter while still being satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping in the kitchen and enjoying their creations afterward!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking experience is seamless.
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 characteristic shape, making them look professional.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them for better texture.
- Whisk: An essential tool for thoroughly blending ingredients without lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.
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 180°C (350°F). This ensures your doughnuts bake evenly and rise well.
Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan
Grease your doughnut pan lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Mix melted butter with light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg; whisk until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan:
1. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
Step 7: Bake the Doughnuts
Bake in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack:
1. Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
2. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts!
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your doughnut experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your doughnuts alongside a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing and colorful side.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the doughnuts. This pairs beautifully with their rich chocolate flavor.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream can transform your baked chocolate cake doughnuts into a more decadent dessert. It’s light and creamy!
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these doughnuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The beverage can complement the chocolate flavors perfectly, making for a cozy snack.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top of the glazed doughnuts for added texture and crunch.
Served Warm
- For the best experience, serve your baked chocolate cake doughnuts warm. This enhances their soft and fluffy texture, making them even more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Perfecting baked chocolate cake doughnuts takes practice but is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out delicious every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to fluffier doughnuts.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts rather than light and fluffy ones.
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Preheat your oven: Always preheat the oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect rise in your doughnuts.
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Use a piping bag: If you want uniform shapes, consider using a piping bag to fill the doughnut molds. This makes it easier to control the amount of batter in each cavity.
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Let them cool before glazing: Allow your baked chocolate cake doughnuts to cool slightly before dipping them in glaze. This helps the glaze adhere better without melting away.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the doughnuts.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome side that complements the richness of the chocolate.
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Oatmeal: Serve a small bowl of oatmeal topped with honey and nuts for a hearty breakfast option alongside your sweet treats.
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Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl made from blended fruits provides a nutritious contrast to the rich flavors of the doughnut.
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Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft baked goods like these chocolate doughnuts.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as cream cheese or ricotta for an interesting sweet-salty combination.
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Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this breakfast treat into an indulgent dessert option for special occasions.
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Nut Butter Spread: Serve almond or peanut butter on the side for those who enjoy dipping their doughnuts in something nutty!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results when making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the doughnuts tough instead of fluffy.
- Skipping the glaze: The vanilla glaze adds a delightful sweetness and texture. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor!
- Not preheating the oven: Preheat your oven before baking. This helps your doughnuts rise properly and achieve a nice texture.
- Improper measuring of flour: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement. Too much flour can result in dense doughnuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination.
Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on high for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 3-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts that might help you get the most out of this recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may change the texture slightly. Whole wheat flour will yield denser doughnuts.
How do I make these Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
How do I store leftover Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I customize the glaze?
Absolutely! You can add cocoa powder or flavored extracts to the glaze for different variations.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are an irresistible treat suitable for breakfast, dessert, or even snacks. Their fluffy texture and delicious vanilla glaze make them versatile enough to customize with various toppings or flavors. Try adding sprinkles, nuts, or even different glazes to create your own unique version!
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delicious twist on traditional doughnuts, offering a fluffy, moist chocolate cake experience without the guilt of frying. These scrumptious treats, adorned with a sweet vanilla glaze, are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a delightful snack anytime. With just 5 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature; they are versatile enough for any occasion!
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
- Glaze: 125g confectioners' sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a doughnut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg; whisk until combined.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Fill the doughnut pan two-thirds full with batter and bake for about 11 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Dip cooled doughnuts in the glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
