Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their soft, fluffy texture and rich chocolate flavor will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a simple vanilla glaze, these doughnuts are not just for breakfast; they make a fantastic dessert or snack too! Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, you can whip them up in no time, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings, brunches, or just an afternoon indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh doughnuts ready in under 20 minutes.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them plain, glazed, or topped with sprinkles for extra fun.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts offer a lighter alternative that still satisfies sweet cravings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these doughnuts fit right in.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll love decorating their own doughnuts!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Doughnut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Doughnut pan: Essential for achieving that classic doughnut shape while baking.
• Mixing bowls: Help keep your ingredients organized while mixing dry and wet components.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, gather the following ingredients:

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 even cooking and helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan

Lightly grease your doughnut pan with cooking spray or melted butter. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the doughnuts after baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Whisk until fully blended and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared doughnut pan, filling each about halfway.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack:
1. For the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze and let excess drip off.

Enjoy your freshly made Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts!

How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Serving Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can elevate your breakfast or snack time experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them.

With a Vanilla Glaze

• A classic choice, this sweet glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the doughnuts visually appealing.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Simply sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top for a light and sweet finish that enhances the chocolate taste.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve these doughnuts alongside strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast and added nutrition.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these doughnuts with your favorite brew. The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with coffee’s bitterness or tea’s warmth.

With Ice Cream

• For a decadent treat, serve warm doughnuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience.

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How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

To achieve the best results when making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, consider the following tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like buttermilk and eggs blend better at room temperature, leading to a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your doughnuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts.

• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the doughnuts rise properly for that perfect texture.

• Grease the Pan Well: Use non-stick spray or butter generously on the pan to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of your delicious treats.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts make a great centerpiece but can be complemented with these tasty side dishes.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the sweetness of the doughnuts.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs nicely with chocolate flavors.

3. Scrambled Eggs: A savory dish like scrambled eggs provides protein and makes for a well-rounded breakfast spread alongside your doughnuts.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option is rich in fiber and can be flavored with vanilla or cocoa to match the chocolate theme.

5. Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter introduces healthy fats and complements the sweetness of doughnuts.

6. Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for a refreshing accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking delicious Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense doughnuts. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Inaccurate measurements: Using too much flour or sugar can ruin your doughnuts. Always measure ingredients precisely using a kitchen scale.
• Skipping the cooling time: Letting doughnuts cool in the pan can result in sogginess. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for optimal texture.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect rising and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can impact how well the batter mixes. Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one doughnut at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Use about 75% of the amount called for.

How do I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.

What is the best way to glaze my doughnuts?

For a smooth glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar with milk and vanilla extract until desired consistency is reached. Dip while still warm!

Can I add toppings to my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

Absolutely! Consider adding sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only soft and fluffy but also versatile enough to customize with various glazes and toppings. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Try experimenting with flavors like peppermint or orange zest to make them uniquely yours!