Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Soft and fluffy, Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that can brighten any morning or dessert table. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or special occasions, these doughnuts offer a rich chocolate flavor complemented by a sweet vanilla glaze. Their light texture makes them irresistible and easy to enjoy anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these delicious doughnuts in no time.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate makes every bite a delightful experience.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast option, dessert, or snack—perfect for any occasion!
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with chocolate or add sprinkles for an extra special touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Doughnut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Doughnut pan: Essential for shaping your doughnuts perfectly while allowing even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring light and fluffy doughnuts.

Ingredients

For these soft and fluffy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 175°C (350°F). This ensures that your doughnuts bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Lightly grease your doughnut pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Kosher salt
6. Nutmeg

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Melted unsalted butter
2. Light brown sugar
3. Buttermilk
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of your prepared doughnut pan, filling them about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake the Doughnuts

Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. To make the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze before serving.

Enjoy your 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 for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these doughnuts are versatile and delicious.

Classic Serving

• Plain: Enjoy the doughnuts as they are for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Glazed: Dip them in a vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Pair with Coffee

• Espresso: The rich flavor of espresso complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Latte: A creamy latte balances the sweetness of the doughnut.

Add Some Freshness

• Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
• Banana Slices: Adding banana slices gives a lovely texture and taste.

Top with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this pairing is simply divine.

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How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Mastering the art of Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your doughnuts turn out perfect every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter that mixes more easily.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense doughnuts; mix just until combined.
• Fill the Pan Properly: Fill each doughnut cavity about two-thirds full for even baking.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Let Them Cool Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting off too quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts pair well with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Savory scrambled eggs balance the sweetness of the doughnuts.
4. Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide a satisfying crunch alongside your doughnut.
5. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal can complement your sweet treat nicely.
6. Smoothie – A fruity smoothie offers a refreshing drink option that pairs well with chocolate flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making baked chocolate cake doughnuts can be simple, but there are common mistakes that might affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your doughnuts turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. This helps the batter blend smoothly for a lighter texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Accurate ingredients make a big difference in baking.
• Skipping the glaze: The vanilla glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; it elevates the overall taste of your doughnuts.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Doughnuts should spring back when lightly touched; too much time in the oven can dry them out.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them away from strong odors to maintain freshness.

Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about baked chocolate cake doughnuts, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries answered.

How do I ensure my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts rise?

Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I customize my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

What is the best way to store Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

How long do Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts last?

They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 2 months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

These baked chocolate cake doughnuts are not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize with various toppings or flavors to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, they are sure to satisfy any sweet craving!