Nutella Donuts with Dulce de Leche Buttercream

Baked Donuts vs. Fried Donuts: A Lighter Choice

Baked donuts offer a lighter, alternative to their fried counterparts. They are less greasy and have a cake-like texture, making them perfect for those who prefer a less heavy treat. Additionally, baked donuts are easier to make at home since they don't require hot oil, making them a safer and simpler option.

Ingredients For Nutella Donuts

• Self-Raising Flour: This flour has baking powder already mixed in, giving the donuts a soft and fluffy texture. If unavailable, you can use all-purpose flour with added baking powder.
• Nutella or Hazelnut Spread: Provides the rich, sweet hazelnut flavor that forms the base of the donut batter.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help provide structure and moisture to the donuts.
• Dulce de Leche Buttercream: My Dulce de Leche Buttercream is smooth and creamy without using powdered sugar. It boasts a rich caramel flavor and velvety texture. The buttercream holds its shape beautifully and is stable for decorating.
• Dark Chocolate: Melts into a rich, smooth sauce that adds a deep chocolate flavor to the donuts.
• Heavy Cream: Combined with chocolate to create a silky, pourable sauce that's perfect for drizzling.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: Add a fun, crunchy texture and extra chocolatey goodness to the finished donuts.

How To Make Nutella Donuts

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease a donut tray with 6 large donut holes to prevent sticking.

Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder), Nutella, and eggs. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and no flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

Pipe and Bake: Transfer the batter to a piping bag and evenly fill the prepared donut holes in the tray. Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and spring back when touched. Let the donuts cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Prepare Chocolate Sauce: While the Nutella Donuts cool, make the chocolate sauce. Combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe jug or bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Slice and Fill: Once the donuts are completely cool, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to slice them in half horizontally. Fit a piping bag with a French star tip and fill it with the dulce de leche buttercream. Pipe swirls of buttercream onto the bottom halves of the donuts.

Assemble and Garnish: Place the top halves of the donuts back on, gently pressing down. Drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over the top of the Nutella Donuts. Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate sprinkles for added texture and decoration.

Fay's Fun Tip

DIY Drizzle: Serve the chocolate sauce in a small bowl alongside the donuts, allowing guests to drizzle the sauce over their own donut for a customizable experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream Delight: Serve the donuts alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Fruit Garnish: Add a fresh touch by serving with sliced strawberries or raspberries on the side.
• Hot Chocolate Dip: Offer a warm cup of hot chocolate as a dip for an extra chocolatey experience.
• Party Platter: Arrange the donuts on a platter with other pastries for a dessert spread.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Offer a bowl of whipped cream for guests to add a dollop on top of their donuts for an extra creamy touch.
• Sprinkle Station: Set up a small station with various toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips, so everyone can add their favorite toppings to their donuts.