Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts
Indulging in a decadent chocolate donut is an experience that brings joy to many, but when you add coffee to the mix, it transforms into something truly special. These Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts are not just any ordinary donuts; they are a delightful marriage of rich chocolate and bold coffee flavors that will awaken your senses and have you reaching for seconds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these donuts are easy to make and even easier to love. Let’s dive into this chocolatey adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts are everything a donut should be: fluffy, moist, and bursting with flavor. The addition of coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a deep flavor profile that is irresistible. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these delightful treats ready in no time. Plus, they are baked, making them a slightly lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of chocolate and coffee, making them the perfect companion for your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
What You’ll Gather
- 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder: This gives the donuts a rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our donut structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: For leavening and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder: Amplifies the coffee flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature for better mixing.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides moisture and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup refined coconut oil: Melted, or substitute with canola or vegetable oil.
- 3/4 cup hot coffee: Brewed strong to infuse coffee flavor.
- 7 ounces semi-sweet chocolate: Roughly chopped for melting into a luscious glaze.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: To create a smooth chocolate glaze.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder: For the glaze, to deepen the flavor.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients and transferring batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Microwave or stovetop: For melting chocolate and mixing with cream.
Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your donuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent the donuts from sticking once baked.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil, mixing until smooth. Gradually stir in the hot coffee, ensuring everything is well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with batter. This will allow space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, heavy cream, and espresso powder. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring until well combined.
Step 10: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Once the glaze has set, your Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts are ready to be devoured! Serve them with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage for the ultimate treat.
How to Make It Lighter
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat while adding protein.
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute or applesauce.
- Consider using almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream in the glaze.
Chef’s Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- These donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize the glaze with different types of chocolate or add sprinkles for a fun touch.
- If you prefer a less intense coffee flavor, use brewed decaf coffee.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. The glaze may lose some shine, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes! You can use natural cocoa powder, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Dutch-process cocoa powder is recommended for a richer chocolate taste.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can use flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.
How do I know when the donuts are baked correctly?
The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and they spring back when lightly pressed.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or bake them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.
Bring It Home
These Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts are not just a treat; they’re an experience that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee in a delightful way. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast option or a special dessert, these donuts are versatile and satisfying. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking—your coffee-loving taste buds will thank you!
Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan - Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
- Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Gradually stir in the hot coffee.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together until just combined.
- Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan - Fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with batter.
- Step 7: Bake - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool the Donuts - Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze - Melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and espresso powder together until smooth.
- Step 10: Glaze the Donuts - Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and let excess drip off.
- Step 11: Enjoy! - Serve with your favorite beverage and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- These donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Customize the glaze with different types of chocolate or add sprinkles.
