Healthy Chocolate Donut with Almond Flour (Grain Free, Dairy Free)
When I started experimenting with healthier baking, I did a lot of reading online about the differences between gluten free flours, sugar substitutes, etc. When it comes to baking, I have made more of an effort to move towards using better ingredients that have health benefits. Now, if you eat an entire tray of donuts in one sitting just because they’re made with cacao powder… that does not make you healthy! Moderation is key. But for me, experimenting with coconut and almond flours, and using maple syrup or honey as a sweetener has broadened my baking. It makes me feel a little bit better about indulging. I am a dessert fan with a serious sweet tooth! Chocolate has always been my go to, and I’m so glad that I discovered cacao powder. In comparison to cocoa powder, cacao is considered an Amazonia superfood. Listed benefits include:
-More antioxidants than blueberries (which are high on the list!)
-High source of plant based iron, magnesium and calcium
-Low in calories
-No sugar
-Natural mood elevator and anti-depressant
The Brand I use is Navitas Naturals Organic Cacao Powder. It is listed raw, vegan, gluten free and paleo. A heaping scoop in a smoothie, or even mixed with heated almond milk for hot chocolate makes for a versatile treat. I usually purchase mine from Target, but it can also be found at any health food store. The recipe posted below is one that I created and tweaked over time- there are always substitutions that can be made depending on tastes and what you have on hand (I also bought a donut pan at target…it was on sale so I couldn’t leave it there). That’s when healthy chocolate donut recipe was born. I like to add a bit of cinnamon to chocolate recipes- it balances the flavor nicely. I have noted next to the items in parentheses what else would work. Happy baking!
Healthy Chocolate Almond Flour Donuts (Gluten Free, Soy Free) with Chocolate Glaze
Serves: 8-10 donuts
Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
Oven Setting: 350 degrees
Donut Base
- ¼ cup of coconut oil (butter will work too if you don’t have coconut oil)
- 1/3 cup of maple syrup
- 1/3 cup cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 cup almond flour (I use Trader Joes brand)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze
- ½ cup of Enjoy Life chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (or butter)
- Crushed walnuts, coconut flakes, sprinkles, chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt the coconut oil to liquid consistency and add maple syrup. Transfer to medium sized bowl.
- Stir in cacao powder, and add eggs. Whisk well.
- Once the oil, syrup, cacao and eggs are whisked, add in all other dry ingredients.
- Add the apple cider vinegar.
- Grease donut pan with coconut oil, butter, or olive oil spray.
- Pour batter into donut pan. (if you have a 6 donut tray like me, you’ll have plenty of batter left over).
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Transfer to cooling rack.
- Once the donuts are cooled, melt the Enjoy Life chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Dip or drizzle donuts in the chocolate glaze and add toppings!