Delightful Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts: Soft, Glazed & Made with Real California Milk
Prepare to indulge in pure chocolate perfection with these homemade baked chocolate cake donuts! They are exceptionally soft, intensely chocolatey, and wonderfully light, all crowned with the most exquisite chocolate glaze. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a testament to the quality of ingredients, proudly brought to you in a sponsored collaboration with California Dairy. As an ambassador, I assure you that all opinions and the following content are genuinely my own, stemming from a deep appreciation for Real California Milk.
There’s an undeniable magic to a freshly made donut. That comforting aroma, the tender bite, the sweet glaze – it’s a simple pleasure that can effortlessly brighten anyone’s day. While fried donuts have their undeniable charm, these baked chocolate cake donuts offer a similarly satisfying experience with a slightly lighter touch. Imagine a moist, rich chocolate cake in donut form, perfectly portioned, and baked to golden perfection rather than deep-fried. These aren’t just donuts; they’re a little slice of heaven, elevated by the exceptional quality of Real California Milk.
My Journey to the Source: Experiencing Real California Dairy
My enthusiasm for Real California Milk isn’t just about brand loyalty; it’s deeply rooted in an incredible experience I had exploring the world of California dairy. I was fortunate enough to join a group of fellow bloggers on a captivating trip to a working dairy farm, an adventure I previously shared in detail on my blog. If you’re curious about the full story, you can read all about it HERE.
That trip was truly eye-opening and an absolute highlight. It provided a rare glimpse into the daily operations of a dairy, allowing me to witness firsthand the dedication, care, and advanced practices employed by California dairy farmers. I saw how diligently they work to ensure the well-being of their cows and the purity of the milk produced. It was inspiring to learn about the entire process, from the farm to our tables, reinforcing my belief in the superior quality of California dairy products.
The journey also included a fascinating visit to the renowned Thrifty Ice Cream plant. Stepping into their factory and observing the intricate process of ice cream production was a delightful experience. What truly resonated with me was their unwavering commitment to using only Real California Milk in every single batch of their delicious ice cream. This dedication to using fresh, high-quality dairy is precisely why their ice cream is so beloved, and it’s the same principle I bring to my home baking. Using the best ingredients genuinely makes all the difference in the final taste and texture of a recipe, especially one as comforting as these chocolate cake donuts.
The Assurance of Quality: Look for the Real California Milk Seal
Through my experiences, I’ve become a firm believer in the exceptional quality of products bearing the Real California Milk seal. For me, as a baker and a mom, it means I’m using the freshest and finest dairy available for my family. This distinctive logo isn’t just a marketing emblem; it’s a promise of dairy products sourced from local California farms, adhering to rigorous quality standards. When I’m at the grocery store, whether I’m buying milk, butter, or cheese, making sure I see that seal has become a non-negotiable part of my shopping routine. It provides peace of mind, knowing that I’m selecting ingredients that will contribute to the best possible flavor and texture in my culinary creations, especially in delicate baked goods where dairy plays such a pivotal role.
(And can we talk about how utterly charming this milk glass is?! That sweet little cow brings a smile to my face every time!)
The Magic of Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts
In crafting these chocolate cake donuts, I utilized three essential dairy ingredients, all of which proudly displayed the Real California Milk seal: rich buttermilk, luscious unsalted butter, and wholesome regular milk. Each contributed uniquely to the donuts’ incredible texture and deep flavor. The buttermilk provides a tender crumb and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while the butter adds richness, and the milk ensures a perfectly moist consistency. It’s this careful selection of high-quality dairy that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.
The outcome was nothing short of spectacular. These donuts are unbelievably soft, intensely chocolatey, and delightfully light – a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. The crowning glory is the velvety smooth chocolate glaze, which adds another layer of decadent chocolate flavor and a beautiful sheen. They were an instant hit with my boys, who, like most kids, have a discerning palate for sweets! I spent some time perfecting the recipe, which meant baking a few batches (a delicious task, I must admit!), and I can almost sheepishly confess that we devoured nearly all of them within a day. Their amazing taste, combining richness with a light texture, makes them truly addictive.
Baked chocolate cake donuts have long been a favorite indulgence of mine, and this recipe captures everything I love about them and more. There’s something inherently comforting about a donut that tastes like a miniature cake, especially when served alongside a tall, cold glass of Real California Milk. It’s the perfect combination – the rich chocolate and the refreshing dairy create a balanced and utterly satisfying snack or dessert. These are ideal for a leisurely breakfast, a delightful afternoon treat, or simply whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Baking vs. Frying: A Lighter, Easier Path to Donut Happiness
Opting for baked donuts over their fried counterparts offers a multitude of benefits, particularly if you’re seeking a delicious treat without the added fat and mess associated with deep-frying. Baked donuts typically contain less oil and are generally lighter, making them a fantastic alternative for those mindful of their intake while still wanting to enjoy a sweet indulgence. The texture of a baked donut is more akin to a moist, tender cake, providing a delightful chewiness that’s distinct from the airy, sometimes greasy, texture of a fried donut. This cake-like consistency is wonderfully satisfying and pairs beautifully with various glazes and toppings.
Beyond the dietary considerations, baking donuts is also significantly simpler and cleaner. You eliminate the need for large quantities of hot oil, reducing splashes, cleanup time, and the lingering smell of fried food in your kitchen. All you need is a reliable donut pan, and you’re set! This makes the process much more accessible for novice bakers and a preferred method for anyone looking for a quick and fuss-free baking project. The ease of preparation, combined with their irresistible flavor, ensures that these baked chocolate cake donuts will become a regular staple in your kitchen.
Expert Tips for Flawless Baked Donuts:
- Grease Your Pans: Even if your donut pans are non-stick, a light spray with cooking oil or a quick brush with melted butter will guarantee easy release and perfectly shaped donuts.
- Perfect Batter Consistency: The batter for these donuts should resemble a thick cake batter – not too runny, nor overly dense. The buttermilk is key here for achieving the ideal texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This allows the donuts to rise beautifully without overflowing or losing their classic donut shape.
- Watch the Clock: Baked donuts cook quickly. Start checking for doneness around the 7-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Glaze them when they are warm but not hot, allowing the glaze to set perfectly without sliding off.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While sprinkles are classic, feel free to experiment with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of extra cocoa powder for varied textures and flavors.
Whether you serve them for a special weekend breakfast, as a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon coffee, or simply as an anytime sweet indulgence, these baked chocolate cake donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. Their simple elegance and profound chocolate flavor make them a versatile treat for any occasion. And remember, for the ultimate pairing, don’t forget that tall glass of cold Real California Milk!
Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. Truvia Baking Blend or 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 3 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 3-5 Tbsp. milk
- sprinkles or other toppings
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F. Lightly spray your donut pans with cooking spray and set aside.
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Mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Truvia or sugar and cocoa powder.
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Add in egg, butter, buttermilk and vanilla and mix together. If too thick, add in a little milk until thinned out a bit. (You don’t want it too thin, though! More like cake batter thick.)
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Spoon into donut pans, about 3/4 of the way full. Bake in preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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When donuts have cooled a bit, dump from the donut pan.
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Icing: Mix together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add in milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired glaze consistency. You don’t want it too thick but not too runny.
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Dip each donut into the glaze and place on cooling rack. Sprinkle with sprinkles or whatever topping you like.
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Enjoy with a glass of Real California Milk!
We truly hope you enjoy these delicious baked chocolate cake donuts as much as our family does. They’re a perfect example of how high-quality ingredients, like those from Real California Milk, can elevate a simple recipe into something truly special. Don’t forget to look for that iconic seal when you’re purchasing dairy products – it’s your assurance of freshness, quality, and support for local dairy farmers!
If you’re craving more delightful donut recipes, you’ll love these too:
Baked Biscuit Donuts with Strawberry Glaze
Lighter Baked Maple-Glazed Apple Donuts