Indulge Guilt-Free: Healthy Baked Mocha Donuts with Decadent Dark Chocolate Glaze
Discover the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey goodness and robust coffee flavor in these wholesome baked donuts, generously topped with a velvety dark chocolate mocha glaze.
There’s something inherently delightful about starting any day, even a Monday, with a special treat. And what could be better than a batch of freshly baked donuts? We all know that Monday mornings can be a drag, making it tough to peel ourselves out of bed. But what if I told you that a plate of delicious, healthier donuts could be the perfect motivation to kickstart your week? Today, we’re diving into the world of homemade baked mocha donuts that are so good, you won’t believe they’re a better-for-you option.
My love affair with donuts is deep-seated and unapologetic. It’s truly a challenge to stop at just one, and honestly, why should you have to? The joy of a perfectly moist, flavorful donut is unparalleled. For me, donuts are like cookies – they practically invite you to stack them high and enjoy them to your heart’s content. This unwavering obsession is precisely why I embarked on a mission to create a version that I could enjoy more frequently without any guilt.
My quest led me to these incredible healthy mocha donuts, complete with a rich dark chocolate mocha glaze. These aren’t just any donuts; they’re “dad tested and baker approved,” which is high praise in my family! My dad is arguably an even bigger donut enthusiast than I am. Fun fact: he regularly buys family-sized bags of mini chocolate-dipped donuts and, to my dismay, keeps them all to himself! Knowing his discerning palate, I knew if these homemade beauties passed his test, they were truly something special.
Despite his reluctance to share his own store-bought stash, I decided to be the bigger person and proudly share my homemade creation with him. I sent him a picture last week, eager for his glowing approval. His immediate response? “Where are the peanuts?” No “thank you,” no “you’re amazing!” Just a demand for peanuts. Typical dad humor, I suppose! Being the generous daughter I am, I overlooked this minor detail and sprinkled a few chopped peanuts on a couple of donuts just for him. Guess who showed up at my door that very afternoon with his to-go bag, ready to claim his share?
These aren’t your average, greasy, deep-fried donuts. Instead, these healthy baked mocha donuts offer a luxurious, decadent taste and a moist, tender crumb that rivals a piece of the finest chocolate cake. The secret to achieving such rich flavor while keeping them on the healthier side lies in a few key ingredients. I’ve swapped traditional elements for wholesome alternatives like coconut oil, plain Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and almond milk. These ingredients not only contribute to the nutritional profile but also enhance the texture and overall deliciousness of the donuts.
Using whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nutty undertone, making them more substantial and satisfying. Greek yogurt provides incredible moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness and keeping the donuts incredibly tender without a lot of added fat. Coconut oil contributes a subtle tropical note and a wonderful richness, while almond milk keeps the batter light and provides a dairy-free option. The combination ensures a donut that is genuinely better for you without compromising on taste or texture.
Each bite of these mocha donuts is undeniably chocolatey, remarkably moist, and perfectly sweet, with just the right hint of coffee to elevate the chocolate flavor. The espresso powder in the donut batter intensifies the chocolate, creating that classic mocha profile we all love. Then, there’s the dark chocolate mocha glaze – a silky, luxurious coating that is truly the crowning glory. Made with quality dark chocolate and a touch of strong brewed coffee, it adds an extra layer of richness and depth, making these healthy mocha donuts utterly irresistible. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, these baked treats are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Healthy Mocha Donuts with Dark Chocolate Mocha Glaze
Rich, cake-like donuts with delightful hints of coffee and a thick, glossy dark chocolate mocha glaze. Perfect for a healthier indulgence!
Yield: 8 donuts
Total Time: 21 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Dark Chocolate Mocha Glaze:
- 3/4 cup good quality dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, hot
Directions:
For the Donuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour a 6-cup donut pan, or spray generously with a non-stick baking spray. This ensures easy release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, corn starch, cocoa powder, baking powder, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined and lump-free. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted and cooled unsalted butter and melted and cooled coconut oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt to the wet mixture. Continue to whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
- Pour in the almond milk and the strong brewed coffee. Whisk again until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated into the batter.
- Carefully add the reserved dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a whisk or a spatula, mix until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Transfer the donut batter into a large zip-top bag. Snip off one corner of the bag with scissors to create a small opening (about 1/2 inch wide). This makes piping the batter into the donut molds much easier and neater.
- Pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold, filling them approximately three-quarters full.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Allow the baked donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes on a wire rack. Then, carefully remove them from the pan and transfer them directly to the wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This prevents sogginess.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, prepare the glaze. Dip each donut into the warm dark chocolate mocha glaze, ensuring an even coating. Serve immediately for the best experience or allow the glaze to set at room temperature until it’s no longer tacky. Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For the Dark Chocolate Mocha Glaze:
Add the dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and hot strong brewed coffee to a heat-proof bowl. Melt the chocolate mixture over a double boiler, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Ensure the glaze is warm when dipping for the best consistency.
Topping these with chopped peanuts, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder can add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Essential Baking Tools for This Recipe:
To make these delicious healthy mocha donuts, here are some recommended baking tools that will simplify the process and ensure perfect results:
• Non-stick Donut Pan: Crucial for perfectly shaped, easy-to-release donuts.
• Set of Mixing Bowls: For separating wet and dry ingredients and mixing.
• High-Quality Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without overmixing.
• Espresso Powder: The key to that rich, authentic mocha flavor in your donuts.
• Virgin Coconut Oil: A healthier fat alternative that adds a subtle flavor and great texture.
• Large Zip-top Bags: Perfect for piping batter neatly into donut molds, making the process mess-free.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling donuts completely and allowing the glaze to set properly.
If You Love These Healthy Baked Mocha Donuts, You’ll Also Enjoy These Recipes:
Looking for more delightful treats that satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping health in mind? Explore these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen:
Skinny Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
These seasonal delights offer a cozy flavor profile with all the comfort of a homemade donut, made lighter.
How to Make Perfect Cold Brewed Coffee at Home
Pair your delicious mocha donuts with a homemade cold brew for the ultimate coffee and donut experience. This tutorial makes it easy to create smooth, less acidic coffee right in your own kitchen.