There’s something magical about the combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries. Baked Chocolate Donuts with Raspberries are the perfect treat to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or as a delightful snack. These donuts are soft, moist, and perfectly chocolatey without being overly heavy. The raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey richness of the donut batter. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste. With their gorgeous color contrast and sweet-tart raspberry topping, they’re not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, making them for a weekend treat, or just craving something sweet, these donuts will satisfy any chocolate lover’s desires. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the recipe can be whipped up in no time, making them a perfect go-to dessert or snack for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light and Fluffy Texture

Baked donuts are lighter and fluffier compared to fried ones, giving you the perfect donut texture without the heaviness.

2. Rich Chocolate Flavor

The rich, indulgent chocolate flavor comes through beautifully in each bite, making these donuts a chocolate lover’s dream.

3. Fresh and Tart Raspberries

The fresh raspberries add a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate, elevating the overall flavor profile.

4. Healthier Alternative

Since these donuts are baked instead of fried, they’re a slightly healthier option while still being decadently delicious.

5. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for when you need a fast yet impressive treat.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar
Milk
Eggs
Butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Fresh raspberries (for topping)

Variations

Add nuts: Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture.
Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a richer taste, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
Make them dairy-free: Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Add raspberry glaze: For extra raspberry flavor, make a raspberry glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh raspberry juice and drizzling it on top.
Stuff with raspberry jam: For an added surprise, stuff the donuts with a bit of raspberry jam before baking for a gooey center.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly butter it.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way full. Use a spoon or piping bag to make this process cleaner.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Top with Fresh Raspberries

Once the donuts are completely cool, top them with fresh raspberries. You can either place the raspberries on top as decoration or gently press them into the donuts for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense donuts, so mix just until everything is incorporated.
Use a piping bag for easy filling: If you want a cleaner and more precise way to fill your donut pan, use a piping bag to pipe the batter into the cavities.
Check the doneness: Keep an eye on the donuts towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. They should be soft and slightly springy when touched.
Use fresh raspberries: While frozen raspberries can be used, fresh raspberries give a better texture and flavor, making them ideal for topping.

How to Serve

Serve these baked chocolate donuts warm or at room temperature. They make an excellent breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. For a special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a particularly hot climate, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Freezing

To freeze these donuts, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the donuts for 10-15 seconds or place them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. Just note that the texture may be a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious.

2. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used, but fresh raspberries will provide a better texture and color for topping.

3. How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

The donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched, or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Can I make the donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for a few days or can be frozen for longer storage.

5. Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these donuts gluten-free.

6. How can I add more raspberry flavor?

You can make a raspberry glaze by mixing powdered sugar with raspberry juice and drizzling it over the donuts after baking.

7. Can I use other berries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries can be used in place of raspberries for a different fruity twist.

8. What type of chocolate should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for a balanced flavor, but you can substitute with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.

9. Can I add a raspberry filling inside the donuts?

Yes! You can pipe a bit of raspberry jam or compote into the center of the donuts before baking for an extra burst of raspberry flavor.

10. Are these donuts suitable for vegans?

To make them vegan, use a dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute like flax eggs. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Baked Chocolate Donuts with Raspberries are the perfect combination of indulgence and freshness, offering a moist, fluffy texture with a rich chocolate base and the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to special celebrations. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or served with a cup of coffee, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these decadent, raspberry-filled treats today!