Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Easy Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts (Gluten-Free & Vegan Options!)
These Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts are a delicious gluten-free chocolate donut sandwich with a toasted melty marshmallow and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
It feels like ages since I last shared a truly spectacular dessert recipe on the blog. Far too long, in fact! So, I decided it was time to go big or go home – and what could be “bigger” or more comforting than a batch of homemade donuts? But not just any donuts. We’re talking about these incredible Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts. While they’re baked, not fried, every single bite delivers an absolutely amazing experience. These aren’t just incredibly decadent and divine; they’re also surprisingly easy to make, opening up the world of homemade donuts to everyone, especially those seeking gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. Get ready, because I’m about to walk you through how to create these delightful treats right in your own kitchen.
A Sweet Celebration: Honoring Chez CateyLou with a Donut Baby Shower!
Speaking of babies, these delightful donuts were created for a very special occasion: a surprise baby shower for the wonderful Chez CateyLou! Cate recently celebrated three amazing years of blogging, making this the perfect double celebration. She’s renowned for her exquisite baked goods and is soon expecting her baby girl. If you haven’t already, you absolutely must check out her blog for endless inspiration! I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible hosts, Zainab and Allie, for orchestrating such a fantastic surprise baby shower. Cate, I wish you and your hubby, TheBetterHalf, all the very best as your family grows!
The chosen theme for the baby shower was, fittingly, donuts – a treat Cate absolutely adores. I instantly fell in love with the idea! While I’ve certainly made homemade donuts before, usually I just follow a trusted recipe. This unique opportunity presented the perfect chance to delve into some serious research, embrace trial and error, and truly craft a recipe of my own. The results? I am so thrilled with how these Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts turned out. (On a side note, do you say “donuts” or “doughnuts”? Either way, they taste incredible!)
The Magic of Baked S’mores Donuts: Flavor, Texture, and Ease
These baked donuts truly capture the essence of their fried counterparts, but with a fraction of the fuss. They offer a rich, intensely chocolatey flavor that melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a warm, gooey, toasted marshmallow at their heart. Add to that the subtle crunch of graham cracker crumbs and a luscious, addictive chocolate glaze, and you have an unforgettable bite. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this. One of the best aspects is how effortlessly adaptable they are to be gluten-free. In fact, I believe the gluten-free flour blend actually contributes to their wonderfully soft and smooth texture, making them a standout treat for everyone.
Ever since I embraced a vegetarian lifestyle, I’ve had a nostalgic craving for marshmallows. Thankfully, I discovered amazing vegan marshmallows online, and it was love at first bite. My inspiration for these particular donuts deepened when I stumbled upon a photo on Instagram from a vegan donut shop called Donutfriend. They featured a chocolate cake s’mores donut, and I knew instantly that I *had* to recreate that magic. While I still dream of one day tasting one of their creations, for now, my homemade version is certainly holding its own!
If you’re a fan of incredibly soft donuts, delightfully gooey marshmallows, and a rich, creamy chocolate glaze, then these Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts are absolutely destined for your kitchen. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a classic campfire treat in a sophisticated, easy-to-make dessert format, perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts
Achieving perfect baked donuts is simpler than you might think, especially with these S’mores Donuts. First, don’t overmix your batter; a light hand ensures a tender crumb. Using a piping bag (or a ziptop bag with the corner snipped off) makes filling the donut pan a breeze, resulting in uniformly shaped donuts. The short baking time is crucial for keeping them moist and cake-like, so keep a close eye on your oven. For the s’mores assembly, broiling the marshmallows quickly creates that essential toasted, melty exterior without drying out the donut itself. These little details will guarantee a delightful outcome every time you bake a batch.
Exploring Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts are fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! You can certainly enjoy the chocolate donuts on their own, perhaps with just the glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re not a fan of s’mores, or simply want a different flavor profile, consider adding different toppings to the glaze, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of caramel. For those who love a bit of spice, a pinch of cinnamon in the donut batter can add a lovely warmth. Remember, these donuts are best served warm, so if you’re preparing them ahead of time, a quick reheat in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven will bring back their irresistible softness and melty marshmallow goodness.
Don’t forget to check out everyone’s amazing donut recipes from the baby shower collaboration:
Baked Dark Chocolate Strawberry Donuts – Club Narwhal
Baked Lemon Donuts – What Jessica Baked Next
Biscoff Donuts – Baking a MomentChai Donuts – Fresh April Flours
Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts – Jessica in the Kitchen
Chocolate Pretzel Donuts – The Emotional Baker
Coconut Matcha Donuts with White Chocolate Glaze – Blahnik Baker
Coffee and Donuts Breakfast Bake – The Cookie Rookie
Doughnut Tiramisu – bethcakes
GF Lemon Donuts with Raspberry Glaze – Thoroughly Nourished Life
Maple Glazed Donut Holes – Hall Nesting
Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cake Donuts – American Heritage CookingPaleo Chocolate Frosted Donuts – A Clean Bake
Raspberry Jam Filled Cupcakes – gotta get baked
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Donut Breakfast Sandwich – Shared Appetite
Strawberry Margarita Oreo Donuts – Life Made SweeterBaked Mini Samoa Donuts – Culinary Couture
Donut Holes with Sweet Strawberry Dipping Sauce – Twin Stripe
Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts
These Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. Imagine a moist, rich, gluten-free chocolate donut, sliced in half to create a perfect sandwich for a toasted, gooey marshmallow. Each donut is then generously topped with a silky, rich chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy graham crackers, delivering all the comforting flavors of s’mores in an easy, homemade baked donut. They are so irresistibly good, you’ll find it hard to eat just one!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour mix, 136g or regular all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xantham gum, omit if using regular flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup raw brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 flax egg, or other egg replacement for vegan option
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, or other non-dairy milk
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk, NOT cream (use full-fat canned coconut milk for best results, stir well)
- 1/2 cup non-dairy chocolate chips
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup, optional – adjust to your desired sweetness
S’mores toppings:
- Enough vegan marshmallows for each donut, I highly recommend Dandies marshmallows for their excellent texture
- Crushed graham crackers, ensure they are vegan and gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and vinegar. Let it sit for about two minutes until it begins to curdle. This creates a homemade “buttermilk” effect, which adds tenderness to the donuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour (or regular flour), xantham gum (if using GF flour), unsweetened cocoa powder, raw brown sugar, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Ensure there are no lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the flax egg (or other egg replacement), melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Add the curdled almond milk and vinegar mixture to this wet mixture and whisk everything together until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until the ingredients are just combined and incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. The dough should be thick.
- Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag, or a large plastic zipped bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 1 minute before gently removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and helps them maintain their shape.
Glaze
- While the donuts are baking, prepare your glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the non-dairy chocolate chips for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler method.
- Stir in the coconut milk until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
- Taste the glaze and add maple syrup if desired, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness. Set aside.
Putting it all together
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, carefully slice each donut in half horizontally. Place a vegan marshmallow on top of the bottom half of each donut. Arrange the bottom halves (with marshmallows) on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Briefly place them back into your oven under the broiler for just a minute or two, watching carefully until the marshmallows are beautifully toasted and fluffy. Remove from the oven and immediately top with the other half of the donut. Drizzle generously with the prepared chocolate glaze and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- For the best experience, serve these delicious S’mores Donuts while they are still warm, allowing the marshmallow to remain perfectly gooey.
- Enjoy every delightful bite!
Notes
1. Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container. While they are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven to restore their delightful warmth and gooey texture.
2. These donuts are truly at their peak on the day they are made. While they will keep for at least 2 days, their texture and fresh taste are best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
3. If you prefer a simpler treat, you can certainly enjoy the chocolate donuts without the S’mores topping. They are delicious on their own with just the chocolate glaze.
4. You have flexibility with the glazing step. You can glaze the donuts before adding the s’mores filling, or after the toasted marshmallows are in place. I personally prefer to glaze them as soon as they come out of the oven so the glaze has time to set and dry slightly before the s’mores assembly. This creates a neat finish for the S’mores Donuts.
5. These Baked Chocolate Cake S’mores Donuts are perfect for parties, brunches, or simply a sweet indulgence. Their gluten-free and vegan-friendly nature makes them a crowd-pleaser for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this scrumptious dessert.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.