Step 1: Prepare the Bronut Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense donuts.
Step 2: Bake the Bronuts
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to make this step easier.
- Bake: Bake the bronuts for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp butter together. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Cream: Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Cool Slightly: Let the glaze cool for about 5 minutes, just until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
Step 4: Glaze the Bronuts
- Dip the Donuts: Once the bronuts have cooled completely, dip the tops of each donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Add Toppings: While the glaze is still wet, add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shaved chocolate for extra texture and flavor.
- Set the Glaze: Allow the donuts to sit for about 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Morning Treat: Serve these bronuts with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Dessert Delight: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that combines warm and cool textures.
- Gift Box: These bronuts make excellent gifts! Package them in a decorative box with a ribbon for special occasions or as a thoughtful homemade present.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double Chocolate Goodness: With a rich, fudgy donut base and smooth chocolate glaze, these bronuts are a chocoholic’s dream.
- Easy to Make: No need to fry—these donuts are baked, which makes them less messy and a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: You can get creative with toppings, adding anything from crushed cookies to a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Filling the donut cavities no more than 3/4 full ensures that the donuts will rise properly without overflowing.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
- Glaze Variations: For a different flavor, you can substitute the chocolate glaze with vanilla glaze or even peanut butter glaze. Simply melt the peanut butter with a little bit of cream and drizzle over the donuts.
Final Thoughts
These Bronuts (Chocolate Cake Donuts) bring the best of both worlds—a rich brownie flavor in the form of a light and fluffy donut. Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings, these donuts will be a hit at any gathering or even as an indulgent treat just for yourself. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, so be prepared for them to disappear quickly!