Prepare to be amazed! The notion of adding sauerkraut to chocolate baked goods might sound unconventional, but once you experience it, you’ll understand the truly magnificent effect it has. My Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake stands as my all-time favorite chocolate cake recipe, and these **Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts** are every bit as delicious and captivating. Starting with a simple chocolate fudge cake mix, they are incredibly easy to prepare. The hidden ingredient, sauerkraut, works wonders by adding an unparalleled moisture that transforms these baked donuts into a light, airy, and utterly delectable treat. Each donut is then generously crowned with my luscious Chocolate Ganache, ready to be enjoyed plain or adorned with an array of delightful toppings.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe offers a unique twist that will surprise and delight everyone who takes a bite. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that challenges expectations and delivers pure chocolate bliss.
Unlock the Secret: Delicious Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts
“Sauerkraut donuts?” you might exclaim, your first thought probably being, “But why?!” It’s a natural reaction to such an unexpected pairing, and one I completely understand. However, I’ll share the same wisdom I offered when first introducing my Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake recipe: **Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!**
These aren’t just any donuts; they are a culinary revelation. Each bite reveals a donut that is remarkably light, incredibly moist, and deeply fudgy. The true magic lies in the fact that **no one will ever guess there’s sauerkraut inside**, because you simply cannot taste it. The sauerkraut discreetly performs its role, enhancing the texture and flavor without revealing its identity. It’s only after they’ve savored one, and that unmistakable grin stretches from ear to ear, accompanied by an involuntary “mmmm,” that you reveal your secret ingredient. Their astonished expressions will be priceless!
This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about culinary adventure and breaking free from traditional ingredient boundaries. It’s about creating a dessert that stands out, not just for its unique story, but for its outstanding taste and texture.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. While my collaboration is sponsored, my heartfelt opinions and lifelong love affair with their exceptional sauerkraut are entirely my own and genuinely earned.
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Celebrating the Unconventional: Frank’s Kraut Baking Week
Today, I have the distinct honor of inaugurating the much-anticipated Holiday Baking Week for Frank’s Kraut. My journey with Frank’s Kraut spans nearly six years, a testament to my deep appreciation for both the company and their outstanding products. It’s truly the only sauerkraut I ever purchase, a brand I’ve trusted since my childhood. This long-standing relationship is built on a shared passion for quality and innovative cooking.
This year, in the spirit of holiday baking, Frank’s Kraut decided to embark on a mission to showcase just how incredibly versatile and amazing sauerkraut is when incorporated into baking. We’ve even joined forces to host a fantastic giveaway, the details of which you can find further down in this very post. This initiative aims to open your eyes to the surprising potential of sauerkraut beyond its traditional savory applications.
Be sure to follow Frank’s website and all their social media channels to discover all the innovative baking recipes being shared this week. You’ll also find a continuous stream of delicious sauerkraut-inspired creations that they share year-round. Don’t miss out on exploring a world of kraut-tastic flavors!
Discover the Secret to Superior Taste: The BEST Sauerkraut
If you’re reading this recipe, chances are you’re already a fan of kraut, just like my family and I. However, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying Frank’s Kraut, I implore you to change that. I can confidently say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it is the finest sauerkraut I have ever tasted. Its crisp texture and perfectly balanced flavor profile make it superior for both cooking and baking.
I always keep cans of Frank’s Kraut readily available in my pantry for convenience. However, I must confess that their 32-ounce glass jars and 2-pound poly bags are my preferred way to purchase it, especially for baking. When I buy the poly bags, I often stock up and store the extra bags in the freezer until I’m ready to open them. Any unused portion from an opened bag is then transferred into a canning jar and kept fresh in the refrigerator, ensuring I always have the best sauerkraut on hand for any recipe that calls for it.
Embrace the Batter: The Joy of Baked Chocolate Donuts
For those who have followed my culinary adventures for a while, you’re well aware of my profound affection for my trusty donut pan! Getting creative with a myriad of baked donut recipes is truly one of my favorite kitchen activities. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a simple batter into these delightful rings of goodness.
Beyond the sheer fun, baking donuts offers a significantly healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. Who wouldn’t welcome a fantastic excuse to indulge in a donut, especially one that feels a little less guilt-inducing? Certainly not this girl! If you’re a devoted fan of cake donuts – those wonderfully soft, dense, and flavorful rings – then you are absolutely going to adore this particular recipe. It captures all the essence of a classic cake donut with an unexpected twist that elevates it to new heights.
To make things even simpler and more accessible, this recipe ingeniously starts with a standard cake mix. I specifically chose a rich chocolate fudge mix because, in my culinary philosophy, the darker and more intense the chocolate, the better the outcome. However, if your preference leans towards a regular chocolate cake mix, or even a nuanced German chocolate cake mix, rest assured, either option would work beautifully and yield equally delicious results. This flexibility ensures you can tailor the flavor profile to your personal liking while still enjoying the unique benefits of our secret ingredient.
The Unexpected Magic: What Does Sauerkraut Bring to a Chocolate Cake (or Donut)?
Let me reveal the secret behind this seemingly improbable yet utterly harmonious pairing: chocolate and sauerkraut are, in fact, a match made in culinary heaven. There are several compelling reasons why this combination works so brilliantly.
Chocolate, particularly darker varieties, naturally possesses a complex bittersweetness. Sauerkraut, with its distinctive salty and subtly sour taste, doesn’t clash with this profile; instead, it ingeniously deepens and enriches the chocolate flavor. The tanginess of the kraut acts as a counterpoint, highlighting the chocolate’s inherent richness and preventing the overall sweetness from becoming cloying. It’s a subtle yet profound flavor enhancement that truly elevates the dessert.
Beyond flavor, sauerkraut contributes a vital structural benefit: its brininess helps to add and, crucially, to retain moisture in baked goods. This unique property ensures that the resulting cake or donut is incredibly tender, soft, and moist. It fosters a more spongy, yielding texture that is simply irresistible. This is not just a marginal improvement; it transforms the entire eating experience.
Consider how sour cream famously makes chocolate frosting so much richer and more delectable. In a similar vein, sauerkraut performs a comparable function for chocolate cake, adding depth and moisture that might otherwise be missing. And if this remarkable ingredient works wonders for a full-sized sauerkraut chocolate cake, you can be absolutely confident it will deliver equally spectacular results in our delightful **Chocolate Kraut Donut** recipe!
Gather Your Elements: Ingredients for Chocolate Kraut Donuts
To embark on the creation of these surprisingly delicious **Chocolate Kraut Donuts**, you’ll need a carefully selected list of ingredients that work together to create their unique texture and flavor. The core components include a chocolate fudge cake mix, fresh milk, versatile vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, farm-fresh eggs, and, of course, the star secret ingredient: Frank’s Kraut. For the rich and glossy chocolate ganache topping, as beautifully depicted in the images, you will also require high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and decadent heavy cream.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and baking results. This small detail can make a big difference in the final consistency of your donut batter and the overall lightness of your baked goods. Having everything prepped and ready before you start mixing will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Once your rich and flavorful cake batter is perfectly prepared, it’s time to carefully fill your prepped donut pans. The trick here is not to overfill them, as the donuts will rise during baking, maintaining that perfect donut shape. Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off makes this step incredibly neat and efficient, ensuring each donut cavity is evenly filled.
After a short but sweet baking session, your donuts will emerge from the oven, fragrant and beautifully puffed. Allow them to rest for just a minute or two in their pans, then gently invert them onto a sturdy cooling rack. It’s crucial that they cool completely before you even think about frosting them. This step prevents the ganache from melting or sliding off, ensuring a perfect, smooth finish.
Once thoroughly cooled, it’s time for the crowning glory: generously “frost” each donut with my decadent homemade chocolate ganache recipe. The smooth, glossy ganache will beautifully complement the rich chocolate flavor of the donuts, creating an irresistible treat. Then, the real fun and creativity can begin! What exciting toppings will you choose for yours? Will you stick to classic sprinkles or venture into more adventurous territory?
For some, the sheer richness of the ganache is enough, so I lovingly left a few of the donuts plain – that ganache truly is dreamy all on its own. If you’re a fan of classic chocolate glazed donuts, you could also opt for a simple vanilla donut glaze for a different but equally delicious experience. However, the true joy of these donuts lies in their versatility for decoration. I adorned mine with a delightful array of toppings: vibrant sprinkles for a festive touch, sweetened flaked coconut for a tropical twist, cookies and cream sprinkles for an extra layer of indulgence, and finely chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch. Each variation was an absolute delight, proving that there’s no wrong way to enjoy these incredible treats!
Obsessed with this Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible **Baked Chocolate Kraut Donut** recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest board before you navigate away from this page. Pinning it ensures you’ll always have easy access when the craving for a uniquely moist and delicious chocolate donut strikes. Share the love and inspire your friends to try this surprisingly delightful dessert!
Expand Your Baking Horizons: Other Baked Donuts to Love
If you’ve been pondering the purchase of a donut pan, perhaps wondering, “but would I really use it often??” I’m here to tell you, emphatically, yes! I have a plethora of mouth-watering baked donut recipes that will give you all the reasons you need to invest in this versatile kitchen tool. Baking donuts opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm donuts anytime, without the fuss and mess of deep frying. From fruity to fudgy, there’s a baked donut for every palate and occasion. It’s an investment that truly keeps on giving, making homemade treats a breeze.
Explore a few of my other irresistible baked donut creations:
- Classic Powdered Sugar Donuts: A timeless favorite, light and delicately sweet.
- Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts: A romantic pairing of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors.
- Zesty Cherry Limeade Donuts: A refreshing burst of sweet and tart, perfect for summer.
- Bright Glazed Lemon Donuts: Sunny and tangy, with a delightful citrus glaze.
- Comforting Banana Donuts: Moist and flavorful, reminiscent of banana bread.
Beyond these delightful donuts, you can discover a multitude of fantastic sauerkraut recipes right here on my blog. Additionally, a treasure trove of innovative ideas awaits you on the Frank’s Kraut Website, where their commitment to quality shines through every dish. For the truly dedicated kraut enthusiast, I even maintain a dedicated Pinterest Board specifically curated for sauerkraut recipes! These platforms are constantly updated, ensuring you’ll always find new and creative ways to enjoy sauerkraut year-round. Moreover, by following Frank’s Kraut on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, you’ll stay updated with their latest recipes, tips, and culinary inspiration, making sure your kraut journey is always exciting.
Frank’s Baking Week Giveaway: Your Chance to Win!
Alright, who’s ready to win a little holiday baking cheer? To celebrate Frank’s Baking Week, Frank’s Kraut and I are hosting a special giveaway just for you! This is your chance to snag some fantastic prizes that will elevate your kitchen adventures. You can enter to win by following the instructions below the prize descriptions. Good luck to all participants – I can’t wait to see who takes home these amazing goodies!
**Prizes from Frank’s Kraut:** You could win two generous 32-ounce jars of Frank’s Kraut, perfect for both cooking and baking, along with one exclusive Frank’s Kraut “Celebrate Flavor” T-Shirt in your size, all shipped directly to your door.
**Prizes from An Affair from the Heart:** Complementing these kraut-tastic items, one lucky winner will also receive a custom-designed wooden spoon featuring my blog’s logo and a classic red Betty Crocker 7-speed hand mixer with a stand, complete with chrome beaters and dough hooks – an essential tool for any aspiring baker, also shipped right to your door.
This is an incredible opportunity to stock your pantry and upgrade your baking tools. Don’t miss out on your chance to win these fantastic prizes! I’m genuinely excited to see who the lucky winners will be. Best of luck to everyone!
ENTER HERE:
[Please note: The original content included a Rafflecopter widget. For this SEO-optimized, JavaScript-free HTML output, the interactive entry form has been removed. To participate in the actual giveaway, please refer to the original article or the host’s social media channels.]
Mmmmmm. Just look at that irresistible chocolate deliciousness, promising a mouthful of moist, rich flavor with every bite!
Now that we’ve delved into the surprising magic and delicious secrets, let’s get right to the detailed recipe for these exceptional **Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts**! 
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Print Recipe
Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts
Equipment
- Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking
- Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2-Count
- Franks Kraut, Shredded, Canned, 14-Ounce (Pack of 24)
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup Frank’s Kraut rinsed, drained, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- For decorating: sprinkles chopped nuts, coconut, flavored baking sprinkles (if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and liberally spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set the prepared pan aside, ready for the batter.
- Carefully measure out your sauerkraut. Give it a thorough rinse under cold water to remove excess brininess, then drain it completely. Squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can, ensuring it’s very dry. Finally, finely chop the sauerkraut and set it aside. This step is crucial for its undetectable integration.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix on low speed for approximately 30 seconds, just until ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for a full 2 minutes, ensuring the batter is smooth and well-aerated.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently fold the prepared, chopped sauerkraut into the batter. Mix just until combined; do not overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
- Carefully fill the cavities of your greased donut pans. For ease and neatness, I highly recommend transferring the batter into a large ziplock bag, snipping off one corner, and piping the batter into each donut mold. This method helps achieve perfectly shaped donuts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Allow the donuts to rest in the donut pan for one or two minutes immediately after baking. Then, carefully flip them out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures the ganache adheres properly.
- While the donuts cool, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream over very low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and perfectly combined.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip or “frost” them with the luscious chocolate ganache. For an extra touch of personalization and visual appeal, immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sweetened coconut. Serve and enjoy!