I know we’re all always looking forward to Friday, but I’m especially excited for tomorrow. I’m ahead, along with the kids and my husband, to my parent’s house for a special birthday dinner. Her name is Janeal and while it’s a little difficult to describe her exact relationship to me (one of those slightly twisted, extended family connections), let’s just say she’s pretty much a great aunt. She’s been a part of my life since I was little. She lived here in the city where I grew up, and none of my grandparents did, so she and her husband were kind-of surrogate grandparents as well. (She knitted me the sweetest gifts when each of my children were born and came to my baby shower, too. ) And tomorrow she turns 100. That’s right. 100 years old. Let me tell you, too, that she is still completely with it and living a full life. She’s just as smart and sharp as she ever was. So I’m really looking forward to celebrating her and spending the evening with her. But I know you want to hear more about these yummy donuts so on we go…
Today’s recipe is a breakfast favorite in our house. One that would also be divine for a Valentine’s Day treat! These whole wheat chocolate baked donuts are super chocolatey and full of richness, but also tender and fluffy. All the donut love here. ❤️❤️❤️ Plus, chocolate for breakfast. #winningatlife (See my chocolate breakfast oatmeal, chocolate overnight oats (3 ways), chocolate pumpkin granola and chocolate chip oatmeal waffles for other healthy chocolate breakfast ideas!) I first made these healthier baked chocolate donuts a couple of years ago as a special morning treat for the kiddos. The catch was they had to wait a few extra minutes for breakfast to be ready. Like, about 15 whole minutes.
They’d gotten used to breakfast being ready as soon as they were awake. (We eat lots of overnight oatmeal jars and healthy muffins that I prep ahead.) They were maybe just barely 5 and 3 years old at the time, so patience wasn’t an easy ask. (Who am I kidding? I’m in my 30s and patience isn’t an easy ask for me either!) But knowing that some warm chocolate baked donuts would soon be on their plates was acceptable to them. (Also, I poured their milk and gave them some fruit once the donuts were in the oven. And I turned the oven light on so they could come check on them. Every 2 minutes. ) And wow, totally worth the wait! They each gobbled up three donuts. Even I had two!
Notes on whole wheat chocolate baked donuts:
I use white whole wheat flour but you can substitute whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if you prefer. I’ve used skim and soy milk for these donuts and both work great. Unsweetened almond milk should work as well. And no butter is needed so these can easily be dairy free. We love these with an easy vanilla glaze - dunk the baked donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over top. Keep any extra in a bowl on the side for dipping. (I included the recipe for it in the recipe card below.) You could also serve these with a smear of Nutella or a chocolate or peanut butter frosting if desired. You can store extras (that aren’t frosted or glazed) in the freezer for up to 3 months.
By the way, I use and adore these donut pans. They’re not very expensive and worth every penny because you’ll be so happy making donuts at home!
Make your morning special, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not, and start it off with some healthy baked chocolate donuts. You’ll definitely be ready to tackle the day. Enjoy! XO, Kathryn Looking for some other donut recipes? Check these out:
Whole wheat cinnamon sugar baked donuts (Family Food on the Table) Baked apple cinnamon donut holes (Family Food on the Table) Whole wheat baked banana donuts with peanut butter glaze (The Baker Mama) Chocolate chip pumpkin donuts (Inside BruCrew Life) Baked Nutella donuts (Wonky Wonderful)
I use white whole wheat flour but you can sub regular whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if you prefer. You can top these donuts with the vanilla glaze described above, a smear of Nutella, or with a peanut butter or chocolate frosting. Extra donuts can be frozen (without any glaze or frosting) then briefly reheated in the oven or microwave.
Wilton Non-stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, Multipack of 2 New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups Combo, Set of 8
