Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavor of chocolate and the soft texture of cake in a fun doughnut shape. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these doughnuts are dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze, making them irresistible for any occasion. Their quick preparation time means you can enjoy fresh baked chocolate cake doughnuts without much hassle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 16 minutes from prep to plate. You can whip up delicious treats even on busy mornings!
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa powder and sweet vanilla glaze creates a flavor explosion that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these doughnuts warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a charming dessert for guests.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts offer a lighter alternative to traditional versions without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add sprinkles, nuts, or flavored glazes to make these doughnuts uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you create the best baked chocolate cake doughnuts!

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Doughnut pan: This specialized pan gives your doughnuts their perfect shape while ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows for efficient ingredient preparation and mixing without confusion.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, resulting in light and fluffy doughnuts.

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 175°C (350°F). This ensures that your baked chocolate cake doughnuts cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan

Lightly grease your doughnut pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to release the doughnuts after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Kosher salt

Whisk them together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix!

Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan

Spoon the batter into each cavity of the prepared doughnut pan, filling them about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Bake the Doughnuts

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

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. For glazing, mix confectioners’ sugar with milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze before serving!

Enjoy your warm 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 can be paired with numerous accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Vanilla Glaze

• A simple vanilla glaze adds sweetness and elegance. Drizzle it over the doughnuts for a classic look.

As a Dessert with Ice Cream

• Pair your doughnuts with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm doughnut and cold ice cream create a perfect contrast.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your doughnuts alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the chocolate.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For a quick serving option, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them visually appealing.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully, making for an ideal snack time pairing.

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How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Making perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts is all about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps in creating a smooth batter that rises well.

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

• Grease the Pan Well: Properly grease your doughnut pan to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal after baking.

• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your doughnuts a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. They should spring back when lightly pressed.

• Allow to Cool Before Glazing: Let your doughnuts cool completely before dipping in glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and losing its shine.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, balancing the richness of the doughnuts.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy and crunchy side that complements the cake texture.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Savory scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the doughnuts, making for a hearty breakfast.

4. Nut Butter Dip: Almond or peanut butter works as a tasty dip that adds healthy fats and protein while enhancing flavor.

5. Chocolate Milkshake: A thick milkshake pairs perfectly for chocolate lovers, making it an indulgent treat.

6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness and richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Tossing warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar creates a delightful twist on traditional flavors, adding warmth and spice.

8. Caramel Sauce: Serve with caramel sauce for dipping; this sweet addition makes each bite even more decadent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for achieving the best results.

• Incorrect measurements – Using inaccurate measurements can lead to doughnuts that are too dense or too dry. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make your doughnuts tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no flour pockets remain.
• Not preheating the oven – Skipping this step may result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent cooking.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Let eggs and buttermilk sit out to reach room temperature before using them.
• Skipping the glaze – The glaze adds a delightful finish to your doughnuts. Don’t skip it; it enhances flavor and makes them visually appealing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal taste.

Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
• Enjoy within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Use a pan over low heat, turning until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts that might help you.

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

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for better results.

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 measures cup-for-cup.

What toppings can I add to Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

You can add sprinkles, nuts, or even chocolate chips on top of the glaze for extra flavor and texture.

How can I customize the flavor of my doughnuts?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist on flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings or flavors. Whether served as breakfast or dessert, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy any craving!