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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat Donuts: Dip each cooled donut lightly in melted butter, then roll in the orange coconut mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
- 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