Baked Donuts with Chocolate and Sprinkles

There's something utterly irresistible about a freshly made donut, especially when it's coated in glossy chocolate and decorated with colourful sprinkles. These baked beauties bring all the joy of a classic donut without the faff of deep-frying, making them perfect for a weekend baking project with the family or a delightful teatime treat. Light, fluffy, and utterly moreish, these homemade donuts will rival anything you'd find in a high street bakery.

What Makes These Special

Unlike traditional donuts which require deep-frying, these are baked in the oven, making them not only easier to prepare but also slightly lighter. The batter comes together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard, and the joy of watching them rise in the oven is almost as satisfying as taking that first bite. The combination of a tender, cake-like interior with a decadent chocolate coating creates the perfect balance of textures and flavours that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

• self-raising flour - Provides the lift needed for fluffy donuts. If you only have plain flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
• caster sugar - Gives just the right sweetness; golden caster sugar works brilliantly for a subtle caramel note.
• eggs - Best at room temperature for optimal incorporation into the batter.
• milk - Whole milk creates the richest texture, but semi-skimmed works fine too.
• melted butter - Allow to cool slightly before adding to the mixture to prevent curdling.
• vanilla extract - Use pure extract rather than essence for the best flavour.
• sprinkles (optional) - Go for rainbow hundreds and thousands, chocolate strands or white chocolate flakes for a classic look, or match colours to a theme.

Equipment Needed

• Donut baking tray
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring jug
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Wooden skewer or toothpick (for testing doneness)
• Wire cooling rack
• Spoon or piping bag for filling the moulds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Thoroughly grease a donut tray with butter or oil spray to ensure easy removal later.
2. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and caster sugar. In a separate jug, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough.
3. Fill the moulds: Spoon the batter into the donut tray, filling each mould about halfway. For a neater finish, transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe it into the moulds.
4. Bake to perfection: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts have risen and turned golden brown. Test by inserting a skewer into one - it should come out clean when they're done.
5. Cool completely: Allow the donuts to cool in the tray for 5 minutes before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here - trying to dip warm donuts in chocolate will result in a messy affair!
6. Prepare the chocolate coating: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted. Alternatively, melt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
7. Decorate: Dip the top of each cooled donut into the melted chocolate, giving it a little twist as you lift it out for even coverage. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
8. Set the chocolate: Place the decorated donuts back on the wire rack and allow the chocolate to set completely before serving. You can expedite this process by placing them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• Achieve the perfect texture: For extra-fluffy donuts, rest the batter for 5 minutes before filling the moulds.
• Even distribution: Tap the filled donut tray gently on the countertop to remove air bubbles and ensure even baking.
• Piping precision: For perfectly shaped donuts, use a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle to fill the moulds.
• Flavour boosters: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest to the batter for an aromatic twist.

Cooking Methods

While this recipe is designed for baking, there are alternative cooking methods you might consider:

• Mini muffin tin: No donut tray? Use a mini muffin tin to create donut holes instead.
• Air fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can make these donuts at 180°C for about 8 minutes.
• Donut maker: Electric donut makers work brilliantly with this batter and cook even faster.

Flavour Variations

• Lemon poppy seed: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.
• Cinnamon sugar: Skip the chocolate and instead brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Coffee glaze: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha twist.
• Orange chocolate: Stir the zest of one orange into the melted chocolate for a delicious combination.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat.
• Stack on a pretty cake stand for an impressive addition to a breakfast buffet.
• Wrap individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a more elaborate pudding.

Storage Advice

• Freshness: These donuts are best enjoyed on the day they're made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Room temperature: Store at room temperature rather than refrigerating to maintain their soft texture.
• Freezing: Undecorated donuts freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then decorate before serving.
• Refreshing: To revive day-old donuts, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Dietary Variations

• Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Gluten-free: Replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn't include it.
• Vegan: Use plant milk, and vegan butter, and replace the eggs with 6 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea water) or a commercial egg replacer.
• Reduced sugar: Decrease the sugar to 75g and use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for the coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten and results in tough, chewy donuts. Only mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Overfilling the moulds: This causes the donuts to rise too much and lose their characteristic shape.
• Underbaking: Leads to dense, soggy centres. Always check with a skewer before removing from the oven.
• Dipping while warm: Chocolate won't adhere properly to warm donuts and will become streaky.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and milk don't incorporate as well, resulting in an uneven texture.

Troubleshooting

• Donuts stuck to the tray: Ensure you've greased the tray thoroughly, including all crevices.
• Donuts too dense: Your oven temperature might be too low, or the batter was overmixed.
• Uneven browning: Rotate the tray halfway through baking for more even colour.
• Chocolate setting too quickly: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to keep it fluid longer.
• Sprinkles not sticking: Ensure you add them immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It's best to bake the batter immediately, as the raising agents start working once mixed with liquid.

Q: Why did my donuts collapse after baking?
A: This is often caused by opening the oven door too early during baking or removing them from the oven before they're fully set.

Q: Can I use this recipe for regular fried donuts?
A: This batter is specifically designed for baking. For fried donuts, you'd need a yeast-based dough recipe.

Q: How can I tell when they're perfectly done?
A: The donuts should be lightly golden, spring back when touched, and a skewer inserted into the thickest part should come out clean.

Q: Why does my chocolate coating look dull rather than glossy?
A: This can happen if the chocolate overheats. Try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate for a glossier finish.

Key Takeaways

• Baked donuts offer all the joy of traditional donuts with less mess and less guilt.
• The key to tender, fluffy donuts is gentle mixing and proper baking temperature.
• Allow donuts to cool completely before dipping them in chocolate for the best results.
• These versatile treats can be adapted to suit various dietary requirements and flavour preferences.
• With proper storage, you can enjoy homemade donuts for several days or freeze them for future enjoyment.

📖 Recipe