Choco Butternut Donuts Recipe

Choco Butternut Donuts Recipe brings a crunchy, chocolatey twist to homemade donuts—an irresistible treat for snacks, parties, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to create such stunning Choco Butternut Donuts with a handful of simple, familiar ingredients. Each component brings its own special magic — from the deep cocoa notes to the sunny orange hue of the butternut coating — ensuring irresistible flavor, beautiful color, and that signature donut texture everyone loves.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the donuts their structure and fluffy softness.
• Cocoa powder: Delivers rich, chocolatey depth that makes the donuts shine.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness, both in the donut and the coating.
• Baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise evenly and keeps them delightfully light.
• Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create extra tender, airy results.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amps up all the flavors.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
• Buttermilk: Lends a subtle tang and ultra-tender crumb thanks to its acidity.
• Unsalted butter (for donuts and coating): Adds moisture, a delightful buttery flavor, and helps the coconut coating stick.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and gives depth to the donut’s overall flavor profile.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Creates the signature butternut coating with a chewy texture and tropical vibe.
• Orange food coloring (or carrot powder/turmeric): Gives that iconic, bright orange butternut look the donuts are known for—feel free to go natural or classic!

How to Make Choco Butternut Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed. Grab a donut pan (the key to getting that classic shape) and give it a generous greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps your Choco Butternut Donuts from sticking and ensures they pop out perfectly round and glossy once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to break up any lumps and to ensure that every donut bakes up evenly. This step is super important for a uniform crumb and flavor.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a silky-smooth mixture. This blend is what keeps the Choco Butternut Donuts soft and extra flavorful from the inside out.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined—resist the urge to overmix! Overworking the batter can lead to dense donuts, and you want yours soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Piping gives the most even, tidy results but don’t worry if you use a spoon—they’ll taste amazing either way.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the donuts for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (a little moist crumb is ok, but no wet batter). Remove them from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little rest helps them finish setting up for the coating.

Step 7: Make the Butternut Coating

While your donuts cool, pulse together the sweetened shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and orange food coloring (or carrot powder/turmeric) in a food processor. You’re looking for a fine, even orange mixture, packed with color and sweetness—the finishing touch that makes Choco Butternut Donuts so iconic.

Step 8: Coat the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool, dip each one lightly in melted butter and then roll it generously in your orange coconut mixture. Make sure each donut is fully covered for maximum flavor and visual wow factor. The butter helps the coconut stick and adds a glorious richness.

How to Serve Choco Butternut Donuts

Garnishes

A little something extra never hurts! Try a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a few chocolate sprinkles for a playful finish. This not only makes your Choco Butternut Donuts look even more festive, but adds a fun flavor twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your colorful donuts with a tall glass of cold milk, a strong cup of coffee, or creamy iced chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. For a breakfast spread, serve them with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt on the side. The balance of rich and fresh flavors will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Choco Butternut Donuts on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or nestle them in colorful cupcake liners for grab-and-go fun at a brunch table. For parties, try skewering donut holes onto sticks or arranging them in a wreath for a playful, photogenic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Choco Butternut Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coconut coating helps retain moisture, but if your kitchen runs warm, you can also refrigerate them—just make sure they’re tightly covered to prevent the donuts from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, these donuts freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, making Choco Butternut Donuts a perfect make-ahead treat for the busy weeks ahead.

Reheating

When you’re ready to indulge, just let the donuts thaw at room temperature or give them a quick (10–15 second) zap in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. If you love a crispy edge on your Choco Butternut Donuts, a brief stint in the toaster oven works wonders, too.

FAQs

Can I make Choco Butternut Donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, try using a muffin tin and create a “hole” in the center with a foil ball or a small piece of rolled-up parchment. The shape might be a bit rustic, but the flavor will be just as fabulous.

Is there a way to make these donuts dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with your favorite non-dairy milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to add that tang. Use plant-based butter, and you’ll have Choco Butternut Donuts everyone can enjoy.

What can I use instead of orange food coloring?

For a natural alternative, carrot powder or turmeric does a fantastic job of creating that bright orange hue, adding color without artificial ingredients. Start with a quarter teaspoon and increase to reach your preferred shade.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Don’t worry if you see a few lumps—this keeps the donuts ultra-tender and keeps that melt-in-your-mouth texture intact.

Can I make mini Choco Butternut Donuts?

Absolutely! Use a mini donut pan and cut the baking time in half. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as adorable lunchbox surprises for kids and grownups alike.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a homemade batch of Choco Butternut Donuts—each bite brimming with chocolate, butter, coconut, and cheerful color. Whether you’re a donut enthusiast or simply looking for a fun baking adventure, these are sure to win you over. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for “just one more”—they’re every bit as tempting as they look!

Don’t Miss These Irresistible Treats

Craving more sweet indulgence after trying our Choco Butternut Donuts? You’ll love sinking your teeth into the gooey goodness of Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, or the soft, fluffy delight of Pancake Donuts. For a fruity twist, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and Cherry Turnovers are simply irresistible. And if you’re into nostalgic snacks, don’t skip the addictive Classic Puppy Chow — it’s the perfect crunchy companion to your donut experience.

Choco Butternut Donuts Recipe

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4.6 from 104 reviews

• Author: Chef
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Choco Butternut Donuts are a delightful treat inspired by a classic bakery favorite—soft chocolate donuts coated in a vibrant, sweet, and nutty orange coconut mixture. Baked instead of fried and finished with a buttery, colorful coating, they make a playful and crowd-pleasing snack or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Butternut Coating:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon orange food coloring (or carrot powder/turmeric for natural option)

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to ensure a nice rise without overflowing.
6. Bake: Bake the donuts for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool completely in the pan before removing.
7. Prepare Butternut Coating: In a food processor, pulse the sweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and orange food coloring (or carrot powder/turmeric) until the coconut is finely ground and evenly colored.
8. Coat Donuts: Dip each cooled donut lightly in melted butter, then roll in the orange coconut mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
9. Serve: Arrange donuts on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy their fresh flavor and texture.

Notes

• Allow donuts to cool fully before coating to prevent butter absorption and sogginess.
• Use natural coloring like carrot powder or turmeric for an all-natural butternut hue.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, bake in a muffin tin (adjust baking time) and shape into ‘donut holes.’

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino-inspired, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 52mg