Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts: The Secret to Unbelievably Moist & Fudgy Treats
Prepare to be amazed! Until you experience it for yourself, you’ll never truly grasp the incredible effect sauerkraut has on chocolate baked goods. Our Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake is already a beloved favorite, and these Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts are every bit as delicious, if not more so. Starting with a convenient chocolate fudge cake mix, they’re surprisingly simple to make. The sauerkraut works its magic by adding an unparalleled moisture that transforms these baked donuts into a light, airy, and wonderfully fudgy delight. Each donut is then generously crowned with our silky smooth Chocolate Ganache, ready to be enjoyed plain or adorned with an array of delightful toppings!
Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts: A Culinary Surprise!
“Sauerkraut donuts?” you might exclaim, a look of bewilderment crossing your face. Your first, entirely natural thought is likely, “But *why*?” It’s a question we’ve heard countless times, and our answer remains the same as when we first introduced our now-famous Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake recipe: Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!
These isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a game-changer. These incredible baked doughnuts are exquisitely light, supremely moist, and possess a deep, rich fudgy texture that will captivate your taste buds. The most astonishing part? No one will ever *know* there’s sauerkraut inside. You truly cannot taste it. The sauerkraut is a silent hero, working behind the scenes to enhance the texture and moisture content without imparting any of its distinctive sour flavor. But after your friends and family take that first blissful bite, and a wide grin spreads across their face as a delighted “mmmm” escapes their lips – *that’s* the perfect moment to reveal your secret ingredient!
This innovative recipe is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. While my opinions and lifelong love affair with their exceptional sauerkraut are entirely my own, I am thrilled to collaborate with a brand I genuinely believe in.
SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO. FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Kicking Off Frank’s Kraut Holiday Baking Week
It is an absolute honor to kick off the highly anticipated holiday baking week for Frank’s Kraut this year! My journey with Frank’s has spanned almost six wonderful years, and during this time, my admiration for the company and its unparalleled products has only grown. Frank’s Kraut isn’t just a brand I endorse; it’s genuinely the only sauerkraut I purchase, a staple I’ve grown up eating and trusting for generations of family recipes. Their commitment to quality shines through in every batch, making them the perfect partner for adventurous baking.
This year, with the festive holiday baking season upon us, Frank’s Kraut decided to embark on a culinary mission: to showcase just how remarkably versatile and amazing sauerkraut can be when incorporated into baked goods. We’ve teamed up not only to bring you this deliciously unexpected donut recipe but also to host a fantastic giveaway that adds an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer. You’ll find all the exciting details about how to enter later in this post, so keep reading!
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the incredible creations shared throughout this special week, be sure to follow Frank’s Kraut’s website and all their social media channels. They consistently share a bounty of baking recipes, alongside their year-round lineup of sauerkraut yumminess that goes far beyond just holiday treats. It’s a treasure trove of culinary inspiration!
Why Frank’s Kraut is the ONLY Sauerkraut for Baking (and Everything Else!)
If you’ve landed on this recipe, chances are you’re already a fellow kraut enthusiast, just like our family. But if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying Frank’s Kraut, I cannot urge you enough to rectify that immediately. I can state, without a single moment of hesitation, that it is hands down the best sauerkraut I have ever tasted – and believe me, I’ve tried many over the years with my Polish and German heritage.
I always keep several cans readily available in my pantry for impromptu cravings or last-minute recipe additions. However, I must confess that their 32-ounce glass jars and the generous 2-pound poly bags are my absolute favorite ways to buy it. When I purchase the larger poly bags, I often grab an extra or two to store in the freezer, ensuring a fresh supply. Any unused portion from an opened bag, or even from a can, is thoughtfully transferred into a canning jar and kept chilled in the fridge, maintaining its crispness and flavor for future culinary adventures. The quality and consistency of Frank’s Kraut are precisely what make it shine in recipes like these donuts, where its fine shred and perfect moisture balance are key to achieving the desired texture.
The Delight of Homemade Baked Chocolate Donuts
For those who have followed my culinary journey for a while, you’ll know my enduring affection for my trusty donut pan! There’s something uniquely satisfying about getting creative with baked donut recipes, and it has truly become one of my favorite kitchen pastimes. Baking donuts offers a wonderful, often healthier, alternative to their fried counterparts, allowing us to indulge in these delightful treats without the extra guilt. And honestly, who needs an excuse to enjoy a donut? Certainly not me! If you’re a devoted fan of cake donuts, then this particular recipe is guaranteed to become your new obsession.
One of the many charms of this recipe is its ingenious simplicity, starting with a humble cake mix. This shortcut not only shaves off preparation time but also ensures a consistently delicious and reliable base every single time. I personally opted for a rich chocolate fudge mix, as in my culinary philosophy, the darker and more intense the chocolate, the better. However, feel free to experiment! A regular chocolate cake mix, or even a German chocolate cake mix, would work absolutely beautifully, lending their own unique nuances to these already fantastic donuts. The beauty of starting with a mix is the freedom it gives you to focus on the fun parts – like adding that secret ingredient and decorating!
The Unseen Magic: What Does Sauerkraut Bring to Chocolate Baked Goods?
Let’s unveil the secret behind this seemingly improbable pairing: chocolate and sauerkraut are, against all odds, a match made in culinary heaven. Allow me to elaborate on why this unexpected duo creates such a magnificent symphony of flavors and textures. Chocolate, in its essence, carries a beautiful “bittersweetness” or subtle complexity. The sauerkraut, with its inherent salty and subtly sour notes, doesn’t overpower this; instead, it surprisingly *deepens* and enhances the chocolate’s natural flavor profile, creating a richer, more nuanced experience that you simply have to taste to believe.
Beyond flavor enhancement, sauerkraut offers another crucial benefit to baked goods: moisture. The brininess of the kraut is exceptional at helping the batter add and, more importantly, *retain* moisture throughout the baking process. This means your donuts won’t be dry or crumbly. Instead, they will emerge from the oven beautifully spongy, wonderfully moist, and perfectly tender. It’s similar to how applesauce or shredded zucchini can add moisture to cakes, but with an added textural benefit from the finely chopped kraut. The acidity also interacts with the leavening agents in the cake mix, contributing to a lighter, airier crumb structure.
Think of it this way: just as a touch of sour cream elevates chocolate frosting to an entirely new level of richness and creaminess, sauerkraut performs a similar transformation for chocolate cake and, by extension, these incredible chocolate kraut donuts. If it works wonders for a full-sized sauerkraut cake, you can be absolutely certain it will create an equally sensational experience in a delightful, bite-sized chocolate kraut donut!
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Kraut Donuts
Gathering your ingredients for these extraordinary donuts is incredibly straightforward, largely thanks to our cake mix base. To bring these delectable treats to life, you will need:
- A 15.25 ounce box of chocolate fudge cake mix (or your preferred chocolate variety).
- Fresh milk for moisture and richness.
- Vegetable oil to ensure a tender crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract for that essential flavor boost.
- Eggs, which bind the ingredients and add structure.
- And of course, the star secret ingredient: Frank’s Kraut. Remember to rinse, drain, and finely chop it as instructed for optimal integration.
For the luxurious chocolate ganache topping, as pictured and highly recommended, you’ll also need high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and rich heavy cream. These simple components combine to create a truly unforgettable donut experience!
Once your unique chocolate kraut batter is perfectly mixed, it’s time to fill your prepared donut pans. A helpful trick is to use a large Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off; it acts like a makeshift piping bag, making the filling process incredibly neat and efficient. This ensures your donuts have a uniform shape and cook evenly.
After baking to golden perfection, gently transfer your warm donuts from the pans to a cooling rack. This crucial step allows them to cool completely and evenly, preventing any sogginess and preparing them for the glorious ganache topping. Patience is a virtue here; resisting the urge to top them while hot ensures the ganache sets beautifully.
Now for the most visually appealing and decadent step: “frosting” them with my personal favorite homemade chocolate ganache recipe. This rich, glossy topping adds another layer of deep chocolate flavor and a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the moist donuts. Once adorned with the ganache, the real fun and creativity can begin! What exciting toppings will you choose to personalize yours?
While the chocolate ganache is undeniably dreamy all on its own, offering a classic, irresistible appeal, I chose to leave some of these beauties simply plain. If you’re a purist who adores chocolate glazed donuts, the ganache provides that perfect, smooth finish. Alternatively, for those who prefer a different flavor profile, a simple vanilla donut glaze would also be a fantastic choice.
For added visual appeal and textural contrast, I experimented with a variety of toppings. Sprinkles, both classic and cookies and cream flavored, added a festive touch. Sweetened flaked coconut introduced a delightful chewiness and tropical hint. And chopped nuts provided a satisfying crunch. Each decorated donut was a miniature masterpiece, proving that customization is half the fun and every combination was as delicious as the last. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use your favorite candies, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel!
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this unique and delicious recipe get lost in the depths of your browser history! Make sure you save it for future baking adventures. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you go, and share the surprising magic of chocolate kraut donuts with your friends and followers!
Expand Your Baking Horizons with More Delicious Baked Donuts
If you’ve been on the fence about investing in a donut pan, perhaps thinking “but would I truly use it beyond one recipe??” then let me assure you, the answer is a resounding YES! I have a plethora of baked donut recipes that will convince you to make that purchase and explore the delightful world of homemade donuts.
Discover some of our other irresistible baked donut creations:
- Classic Powdered Sugar Donuts: Simple, elegant, and utterly delightful.
- Indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts: A perfect blend of fruit and chocolate.
- Zesty Cherry Limeade Donuts: A burst of refreshing citrus and sweet cherry.
- Bright Glazed Lemon Donuts: Sunny and sweet, perfect for any morning.
- Comforting Baked Banana Donuts: Reminiscent of banana bread in donut form.
A donut pan truly opens up a world of creative baking possibilities, offering healthier, homemade alternatives to store-bought treats. Once you start, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one!
Beyond these delightful donuts, my blog is a treasure trove of fantastic sauerkraut recipes, exploring both its traditional and surprisingly modern applications. You can also find an abundance of creative ideas on Frank’s Kraut’s Official Website. I’ve even dedicated an entire Pinterest Board exclusively to sauerkraut recipes, gathering inspiration from around the culinary world.
These platforms are continuously updated with new and imaginative recipes throughout the year. For an ongoing stream of sauerkraut inspiration and delicious discoveries, be sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their vibrant social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You’ll be amazed at the versatility of this humble ingredient!
Enter to Win Our Exciting Frank’s Baking Week Giveaway!
Alright, fellow bakers and food adventurers — who’s ready to win a little holiday baking cheer and some fantastic prizes? Frank’s Kraut and An Affair from the Heart have teamed up for a special giveaway, designed to equip you with everything you need for delightful kitchen escapades! You can enter for your chance to win below the detailed prize descriptions.
From Frank’s Kraut: Two generous 32-ounce jars of their premium Frank’s Kraut, ready for your next culinary experiment, plus one exclusive Frank’s Kraut “Celebrate Flavor” T-Shirt in your size, all shipped directly to your door.
From An Affair from the Heart: A beautiful custom-designed wooden spoon featuring our logo, perfect for stirring up your next masterpiece, and a versatile red Betty Crocker 7-speed hand mixer with a stand, complete with chrome beaters and hooks – an essential tool for any aspiring baker, also shipped right to your door.
I am eagerly looking forward to seeing who the lucky winners will be! This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on quality ingredients and upgrade your baking tools. Good Luck to everyone!
READY TO ENTER? CLICK HERE:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Mmmmmm. Just one look at that rich chocolate deliciousness, and you know you’re in for an unforgettable treat!
Are you excited to bake these delightful treats? Let’s dive into the detailed recipe for these incredibly moist and delicious baked chocolate kraut donuts! 
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Print Recipe
Baked Chocolate Kraut Donuts
Equipment
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Hiware 2-Pack Cooling Racks for Baking
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Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2-Count
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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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- For decorating: sprinkles chopped nuts, coconut, flavored baking sprinkles (if desired)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and thoroughly spray your donut pan cavities with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Carefully measure out your sauerkraut. Give it a quick, thorough rinse with cold water to remove excess brine. Then, drain it completely and squeeze as much liquid out as you possibly can. Finally, finely chop the sauerkraut and set it aside; this is crucial for blending seamlessly into the batter.
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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 the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium, and continue to beat for a full 2 minutes, ensuring the batter is smooth and well-aerated.
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Gently fold the prepared, chopped sauerkraut into the batter on low speed. Mix only until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough donuts.
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Fill the donut pans carefully. For ease and a cleaner process, we highly recommend transferring the batter into a large ziplock bag, snipping off one corner, and piping the batter into each donut cavity. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. The donuts are perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Allow the donuts to rest in the donut pan for just a minute or two after removing them from the oven. Then, carefully flip them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the ganache to adhere properly.
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While the donuts are cooling, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan over very low heat, gently stir the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream together until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat.
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Once the donuts are completely cool and the ganache is slightly cooled but still pourable, “frost” each donut by dipping the top into the ganache. Allow any excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings such as chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or various flavored baking sprinkles. Serve and enjoy this surprising delight!
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