Did you know that the hole in the center of a donut was originally created to help the pastry cook more evenly in hot oil? In our baked chocolate donuts, we use a special pan that ensures even baking. It’s the best of both worlds – full donut coverage with perfect texture!
As a kid, donuts were a rare treat in our house. Sometimes we would grab them for breakfast if we were traveling, and once in a while my dad would bring some home on a Sunday morning. Double chocolate donuts were always my favorite, and that’s what inspired this recipe.
Why Bake When You Can Fry?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why baked donuts are such a game-changer. First off, they’re incredibly easy to make with no hot oil to contend with. Plus, baked donuts tend to be lighter and less greasy than fried ones, allowing the rich chocolate flavors to truly shine.
Using a Donut Pan
To make these donuts, you’ll need a donut pan (I like this one). If you don’t have one yet, it’s a worthy investment for any baker’s kitchen. These pans have specially shaped wells that give your donuts that classic ring shape. Non-stick versions are particularly handy for easy release and cleanup.
Decorating Chocolate Donuts
While a smooth layer of chocolate frosting is divine on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Here are some ideas to take your donuts to the next level:
- Sprinkle with colorful jimmies or chocolate sprinkles
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a striking contrast
- Top with crushed nuts or toasted coconut for added texture
- Dust with a light coating of powdered sugar for an elegant touch
Place some parchment paper under the rack that you’ll put the donuts on after dipping to catch any runoff of the frosting. It makes cleanup much easier.
Customizing Your Recipe
As with any recipe, this is just a basic canvas. You can customize it however you wish to make it your own:
- Mix in some orange zest for a chocolate-orange combination
- Swap out regular cocoa for dark cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate taste
- Try different extracts like almond or peppermint in the frosting
Keeping Your Donuts Fresh
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 3 months – just thaw and frost when you’re ready to indulge!
I’d love to hear about your donut-baking adventures. Did you try any creative toppings? How did your family react to homemade donuts? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Baked Double Chocolate Donuts
Ingredients
Batter:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Glaze:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon brewed coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
Making the donuts:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, buttermilk, eggs, butter and vanilla.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Spray your doughnut pan lightly with non-stick spray.
- Fill each doughnut well 2/3 full with batter. (I use a pastry bag with a 2A tip to do this)
- Bake for 13 minutes, or until the doughnut springs back when touched lightly with a finger.
- Remove to a cooling rack right away.
Mixing the Glaze:
- While the donuts are cooling, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a small bowl.
- Add the milk, vanilla and coffee.
- Whisk thoroughly to create a thick, smooth glaze.
- Dip each donut when they are cool enough to handle.
- Flip the glazed donut upright gently, then place them on the cooling rack.
These were super yummy! I love that deep chocolate flavor, and baking them cuts down on so much mess. It was a winner all the way around!
I tried this chocolate donuts, my kids loved it asked me to make it again.
Awesome chocolate doughnuts! My family devoured them!
You can never go wrong with chocolate donuts! They are a classic with black coffee. 🙂