If you’re a fan of the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate and coffee, then these Chocolate and Coffee Custard Doughnuts will quickly become your go-to treat. Perfectly baked, these doughnuts are infused with the robust taste of coffee and the indulgent richness of cocoa, offering a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option compared to traditional doughnuts. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast or a delicious dessert, these doughnuts are a fantastic choice that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a beautifully balanced taste, and the soft, custard-like texture inside makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they come together in just under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick indulgence when you’re craving something sweet and caffeinated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate and coffee are two ingredients that pair incredibly well together, and in these doughnuts, they shine. The brewed coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, while the cocoa powder ensures a rich, velvety texture. The doughnuts themselves are tender and light, with a slightly crispy edge, and because they’re baked, they are a lighter option than their fried counterparts. What’s more, the recipe is straightforward and quick, so you can enjoy freshly baked doughnuts in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these doughnuts will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

1. Add Chocolate Chips

If you want to elevate the chocolate flavor, consider stirring in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. They’ll melt slightly during baking, adding little pockets of chocolate goodness.

2. Mocha Glaze

For a delicious finishing touch, drizzle the baked doughnuts with a mocha glaze. Combine powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and a little cocoa powder to make a simple glaze to top off these doughnuts.

3. Decaf Coffee Option

If you prefer a milder flavor, or if you’re making these for children, you can replace the brewed coffee with decaffeinated coffee. This will still give you that lovely coffee flavor without the caffeine kick.

4. Vegan Version

For a vegan-friendly version, swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons water), and use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also substitute the butter with a plant-based version.

5. Topped with Nuts

For extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts on top of the doughnuts after baking. The nuts will provide a pleasant texture contrast to the soft doughnut.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the doughnuts come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the doughnuts.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, brewed coffee, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The coffee adds a wonderful depth to the doughnuts, and the melted butter ensures they are moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense doughnuts.

Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan

Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds of the way full. This will allow the doughnuts to rise as they bake without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Doughnuts

Place the doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the doughnuts hold their shape.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, your doughnuts are ready to be served! You can enjoy them as-is or drizzle them with your favorite glaze or dust them with powdered sugar.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Use Strong Coffee: The coffee flavor is central to this recipe, so make sure you brew a strong cup. You want the coffee flavor to shine through in the final doughnuts.
Grease the Pan Well: Grease your doughnut pan thoroughly to ensure that the doughnuts come out easily after baking.
Check for Doneness: Make sure to check your doughnuts for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done.
Cool the Doughnuts: Allow the doughnuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape.

How to Serve

These Chocolate and Coffee Custard Doughnuts are delicious on their own, but you can add a few extra touches for a special treat. Consider drizzling them with a mocha glaze for a bit of extra sweetness, or dusting them with powdered sugar for a lighter touch. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a true coffee-lover’s breakfast or dessert.

If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep well for a couple of days.

Freezing

You can also freeze these doughnuts if you want to make them ahead of time. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the doughnuts in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these doughnuts without coffee?

Yes! You can substitute the coffee with milk or water if you prefer a milder flavor. The coffee does add a lovely depth to the doughnuts, but they will still be delicious without it.

2. How can I make these doughnuts sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter doughnuts, you can add a bit more sugar to the batter. You can also drizzle a sweet glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top after baking.

3. Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes! These doughnuts can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

5. How can I make these doughnuts more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolate kick, add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. You could also drizzle the doughnuts with melted chocolate after they cool.

6. Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut pan?

If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for a similar result. The doughnuts will have a muffin-like shape but will still taste amazing.

7. What type of coffee should I use?

A strong brewed coffee works best to give these doughnuts the bold coffee flavor they need. If you prefer, you can use espresso or cold brew coffee for an even more intense flavor.

8. Can I add nuts to the doughnuts?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts to the batter would give the doughnuts a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor.

9. Are these doughnuts suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, you can easily make these doughnuts vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg and using non-dairy milk and vegan butter.

10. Can I freeze the doughnuts?

Yes, these doughnuts freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Chocolate and Coffee Custard Doughnuts are a delicious and easy treat that perfectly combines two favorite flavors — chocolate and coffee. With a soft, custard-like interior and a light, slightly crispy exterior, they’re the perfect baked indulgence for any occasion