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    Home » Dessert

    Baked Chocolate Donuts

    Published: Jun 13, 2022 · Modified: Jun 20, 2022 by Lee · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments .

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Decadent and delicious, these Baked Chocolate Donuts are heaven in every bite. They’re loaded with chocolate chips, topped with a silky chocolate icing and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips. Did I mention they’re gluten free, nut free, egg free and easily dairy free? 

    Donuts with shiny frosting and chocolate chips.

    These baked chocolate donuts are so so addicting while still being super simple to make! The luscious ganache combined with the devil's food like donut that's loaded with chocolate chips, create a tripe chocolate treat that's sure to please any chocolate lover!

    Love triple chocolate? Check out my Triple Chocolate Muffins, my Triple Chocolate Layer Cake and Triple Chocolate Scones.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love these Donuts
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • How to Make Baked Chocolate Donuts
    • Expert Baking Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storing and Freezing 
    • Other Donut Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Baked Chocolate Donuts
    Gluten free, nut free and egg free Baked Chocolate Donuts.

    Reasons to Love these Donuts

    • Allergy Friendly- These donuts are gluten free, nut free, egg free and can easily be dairy free (vegan). 
    • Soft & Fluffy- The donuts are super soft, decadent and delicious.
    • Triple Chocolate- The donuts have a chocolate base loaded with chocolate chips and a chocolate ganache.
    • Chocolate Icing- Gives the donuts a lovely silkiness.
    • Easy to Make- The batter mixes up with a whisk!

    Ingredient Notes

    For the Donuts

    • Gluten Free Flour- If you also have nut allergies, make sure to use a brand that’s made in a nut free facility. I really love to use this one because it’s nut safe but it does contain dairy. 
    • White Vinegar- Used with the baking soda to help the donuts rise.
    • Vegetable Oil- These donuts use oil, so they stay moist longer.
    • Cocoa Powders- I like to use two types but if you only want to use one, use Dutch or Natural Unsweetened.
    • Cornstarch and Water- These are eggless donuts so this mixture helps bind everything together.

    For the Icing

    • Chocolate Chips- Make sure to use allergy friendly/vegan.
    • Milk- If you're dairy free or vegan, use a non dairy milk. If you can have dairy, whole milk works well.

    See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    How to Make these Donuts Vegan

    • Use a gluten free flour that’s free from dairy.
    • Get a non dairy milk of your choosing. 
    • Make sure the chocolate chips you use are allergy safe and vegan.

    This recipe has not been tested with these substitutions and/or variations due to celiac disease and food allergies. If you change any of the ingredients, please let us know how the recipe turned out in the comments below!

    How to Make Baked Chocolate Donuts

    Here are the step by step instructions to make these donuts! 

    Step 1: Whisk Together all the Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, sift together the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and the light brown sugar. Then use a whisk to combine. 

    If you don’t sift, you’ll get large clumps of brown sugar which is fine if that doesn’t bother you. Set aside.

    Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Water

    In a medium bowl, using a spoon, mix together your cornstarch and water until there are no lumps and it is smooth. It will be thick and tacky at first.

    Whisking the chocolatey dry ingredients.
    Step 1
    Cornstarch water in a bowl.
    Step 2

    Step 3: Add in the Milk, Vanilla & Vinegar

    Once the cornstarch water is combined, whisk in the milk of choice, vanilla and vinegar. 

    Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients into the Dry

    Add the wet ingredients and the vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. It might be easiest to mix this with a spatula, until combined. It will be super dense. 

    Adding the wet ingredients to the cornstarch water.
    Step 3
    Adding the wet and the dry together.
    Step 4

    Step 5: Add in the Chocolate Chips

    Using the spatula, fold in the chocolate chips.

    Rich chocolate batter in a bowl.
    Step 4
    Adding chocolate chips to the batter.
    Step 5

    Step 6: Put the Batter in a Zip Top Bag

    Next scoop the batter into a pastry bag or a (zip top bag and cut a corner off) and pipe into the greased donut pans, filling them about ¾ of the way full.

    Step 7: Bake the Donuts

    Smooth the tops of the donuts and bake for about 15 min until the donuts kind of spring back at you when gently touched.

    Step 8: Cool

    Remove the donuts from the oven, wait about 5 minutes before trying to remove them from the pan. They should come out easily by using a small spatula. 

    Let them cool completely before icing.

    Batter in a donut pan.
    Step 6
    Donuts after being baked on a rack.
    Step 7
    A bowl with chocolate ganache.
    Step 9

    Step 9: Make the Icing

    Combine the chocolate chips and milk of choice in a microwave safe bowl.

    Heat in 15 second ingredients, stirring after each time, until the chips have fully melted and the milk is incorporated. The icing should be very smooth. 

    Step 10: Dip The Donuts and Add Mini Chips

    Dip the tops of the donuts into the icing and then immediately sprinkle on the mini chocolate chips to make sure they stick. 

    This will be messy. You should put wax paper underneath a cooling rack. After you dip the donuts, place them on the cooling rack to dry.

    If you don't put them on a cooling rack, the bottoms will get all soggy.

    Baked Chocolate Donuts on a baking rack.

    Expert Baking Tips

    • Use 2 Types of Cocoa Powder- The 2 types of cocoa powders give the cookies their dark hue. If you only have one type on hand, use natural unsweetened or dutch...just know their color will not be as dark as mine. DO NOT use dark alone; it will make your donuts too dry and bitter.
    • Smoothing the Batter- Many gluten free flour batters have a way of staying exactly as they are placed, when baked. If you leave it misshapen, that’s how it will remain when baked. When the batter is in the donut pans, gently smooth the tops with a butter knife.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can these donuts be made ahead of time?


    Most gluten free baked goods are best made the same day; you can make these donuts the night before without the icing, but they truly are best the same day.

    If making the night before, keep the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to add the ganache.

    How many donuts does this recipe make?


    It makes 15 regular size donuts.

    How do I pipe the batter into the donut pans?


    The best way is with a zip top bag. 

    Place the batter in, get the air out, seal it and snip off one corner.

    Can I make the icing ahead of time?


    I would make it the same day since it is a ganache like icing.

    Three gluten free donuts stacked as a tower.

    Storing and Freezing 

    Storing

    Since gluten free baked goods are best the first day, we want to try to keep these baked chocolate donuts as fresh as possible. 

    Once the frosting on the donuts has hardened, store in an airtight container or individually wrap the each donut in aluminum foil. Try to create a teepee with the top of the foil so it isn't touching the frosting as much.

    Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Take out 1 hour before eating or warm in the microwave 5-10 seconds prior to eating. Be careful not to burn you mouth on the hot icing.

    Freezing

    Once the icing on the donuts has hardened, wrap them each in aluminum foil. 

    Pop them in a zip top bag and freeze the donuts for up to 30 days. 

    To defrost, take out if the freezer the night before and let thaw in the fridge. When ready to eat, let it come to room temperate on the counter and warm for a few seconds in the microwave if desired.

    Other Donut Recipes You'll Love

    • Rainbow Donuts
    • Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
    • Happy Birthday Donuts
    • Glazed Chocolate Donuts

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!

    Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @laneandgreyfare and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube! Enjoy!!! 

    📖 Recipe

    A donut with shiny frosting and chocolate chips.

    Baked Chocolate Donuts

    Author: Lee
    Decadent and delicious, these Baked Chocolate Donuts are heaven in every bite. They’re loaded with chocolate chips, topped with a silky chocolate icing and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips. Did I mention they’re gluten free, nut free, egg free and easily dairy free? 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Assembly Time 20 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Donuts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 donuts
    Calories 419 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Donuts

    • 1 ¾ cups gluten free flour
    • ⅔ cup cocoa powder (I did ⅓ cup of Dutch and ⅓ cup of Dark)
    • 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar , packed
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 4 heaping tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 6 tablespoons of water
    • 1 cup milk of choice at room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    For the Icing

    • 2 cups chocolate chips
    • 8 tablespoons milk of choice
    • 1 cup mini chocolate chips , for sprinkling

    Instructions
     

    For The Donuts

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the wells of two donut pans with vegetable oil. If you don’t have two pans you’ll have to cook the donuts in multiple batches. 
    • In a large bowl, sift together the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking salt and the light brown sugar. Then use a whisk to combine. If you don’t sift, you’ll get large clumps of brown sugar which is fine if that doesn’t bother you. Set aside.
    • In a medium bowl, using a spoon, mix together your cornstarch and water until there are no lumps and it is smooth. It will be thick and tacky at first. Once that’s combined, whisk in the milk of choice, vanilla and vinegar. 
    • Add the wet ingredients and the vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. It might be easiest to mix this with a spatula, until combined. It will be super dense. 
    • Next scoop the batter into a pastry bag or a (zip top bag and cut a corner off) and pipe into the donut pans, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
    • Bake for about 15 mins or until the donuts kind of spring back at you when gently touched.
    • Remove the donuts from the oven, wait about 2-3 minutes and they should come out easily by using a small spatula. Let them cool completely before icing.

    For The Icing

    • Combine the 2 cups of chocolate chips and the milk in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 15 second increments, stirring each time until the milk is bubbling and the chips are fully melted. Keep whisking to combine until the icing is smooth. 

    For Assembly

    • Dip the donuts top side down into the bowl of the icing. Immediately sprinkle the tops with the mini chocolate chips.
    • Let dry on a cooling rack with wax paper underneath the rack so your counter stays clean. If you don't let them dry in a cooling rack, the bottoms will be soggy.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing: Once the ganache on the donuts has hardened, store in an airtight container or individually wrap them each in aluminum foil. Try to create a teepee with the top of the foil so it isn't touching the icing as much. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Take out of the fridge 1 hour before eating or warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, being careful not to burn yourself. 
    Freezing: Once the frosting has hardened, individually wrap each donut in aluminum foil and the pop in a zip top bag. Freeze for up to 30 days. To defrost, place wrapped donuts in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, take out of the fridge for 1 hour prior to eating or warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, being careful not to burn yourself on the hot ganache. 
    For Vegan: Use a gluten free flour free from dairy, a non dairy milk and vegan chocolate chips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 419kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 267mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 3gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. john

      May 02, 2022 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      These donuts are perfect for my chocolate addiction!

      Reply
    2. Breidi

      June 15, 2022 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      Never can get enough chocolate lol! Going to try these with cassava flour too.

      Reply
      • Lee

        June 16, 2022 at 9:07 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Ginny

      June 25, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      So chocolatey and SO good! Such a special treat!

      Reply
      • Lee

        June 27, 2022 at 10:31 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply

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    Lee, the beautiful founder of Lane and Grey Fare.

    Hi guys, I'm Lee! As a mother of two children with celiac disease and multiple food allergies, I wanted to share all that I’ve learned with others in a way that’s entertaining and helpful. All my food is 100 percent gluten free, nut free, seed free, egg free and most of my baked goods can easily be made dairy free (vegan).

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