Indulge in Homemade S’mores Donuts: Easy, Delicious & Weight Watchers Friendly Baked Treats
Are you ready to transform your favorite campfire classic into an irresistible, guilt-free treat? This week, we’re diving into the delightful world of **S’mores donuts**, and trust us, they are an absolute game-changer. It seems to be a delightful tradition now to unveil a new donut recipe each week, and when they come in at only 3 SmartPoints (or 2 PersonalPoints), it’s a resounding “yes, please!” These S’mores donuts deliver everything you crave: soft, chocolatey cake covered with warm, gooey marshmallow, a delicate drizzle of rich dark chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of graham cracker crumbs. Prepare yourself for a truly indulgent experience that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals. Whether you’re a long-time S’mores enthusiast or simply seeking a fun, simple, and lighter dessert, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Get ready to bake, decorate, and savor every single bite!
The Irresistible Allure of S’mores in Donut Form
The magic of S’mores lies in its perfect trifecta: the crispness of a graham cracker, the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of toasted marshmallow, and the comforting richness of chocolate. Recreating this iconic flavor profile in a baked donut offers a fantastic twist on a beloved classic. Forget the sticky campfires and embrace the convenience of a kitchen-made delight. Our S’mores donuts capture the essence of this timeless treat, providing all the nostalgic flavors and textures without the fuss. Each bite transports you to a cozy evening under the stars, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner. This recipe proves that you don’t need a bonfire to enjoy the unparalleled taste of S’mores; you just need a donut pan and a little culinary creativity.
Why Choose Baked Donuts Over Fried?
While traditional donuts are often deep-fried, baking offers a wonderful, lighter alternative that’s significantly easier to prepare at home. Baked donuts require far less oil, resulting in a lower fat content and fewer calories per serving, which is particularly beneficial for those monitoring their intake, like with the Weight Watchers program. Beyond the health benefits, baking eliminates the messy and often intimidating process of deep-frying. There’s no hot oil to manage, no lingering greasy smell, and cleanup is a breeze. Instead, you get a tender, cake-like donut with a beautifully even texture, ready to be adorned with all your favorite toppings. This method makes homemade donuts accessible to everyone, regardless of their frying expertise, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome every time.
S’mores Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose white flour
- 2 T granulated white sugar
- 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 t baking powder
- 3 T liquid egg whites
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, original flavor preferred
- 1/2 t vanilla extract
- 2 T melted marshmallow fluff
- 1 melted square 70% Lindt dark chocolate
- 1 T crushed graham crackers
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 6-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside, ensuring every crevice is covered for easy release.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose white flour, granulated white sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking powder. Once combined, add the wet ingredients: liquid egg whites, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Divide the batter evenly among the 6 cavities of your prepared donut pan. For easier filling, you can pipe the batter using a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Be mindful not to overbake them, as this can dry out the texture.
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While the donuts are baking, prepare your toppings. First, melt the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Next, melt the marshmallow fluff. Place it in a separate microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds. It will puff up significantly; this makes it much easier to spread. Stir until smooth and pourable.
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Once your donuts are out of the oven and slightly cooled (but still warm), quickly spread a generous layer of the melted marshmallow fluff over the top of each. Its warm, gooey texture will adhere perfectly. Immediately sprinkle the crushed graham cracker crumbs over the marshmallow. Finish by drizzling the melted dark chocolate in a zigzag pattern over all six donuts. This recipe provides enough topping to beautifully cover all 6 delicious S’mores donuts.
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Each S’mores donut is an incredible value at just 3 SmartPoints or 2 PersonalPoints. Enjoy these delightful treats knowing you’re sticking to your goals!
Additional Info
Essential Tips for Donut Perfection
Achieving bakery-quality baked donuts at home is simpler than you might think, especially with a few helpful tips. Firstly, ensure your donut pan is thoroughly greased, even if it’s non-stick. This guarantees that your beautiful creations will release easily without tearing. Using a piping bag (or a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) for filling the donut cavities makes the process much cleaner and helps create perfectly shaped donuts. Don’t overmix your batter; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher, chewier donuts rather than the soft, cake-like texture we’re aiming for. Finally, keep a close eye on your baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested time. The donuts should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Avoid overbaking to maintain their moistness and tender crumb.
Ingredient Insights & Smart Substitutions
This recipe uses a selection of ingredients chosen for flavor and to keep the donuts Weight Watchers friendly. Let’s break down some key components and potential modifications:
- All-purpose White Flour: This provides a classic, light texture. For a slightly healthier option, consider a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, or substitute up to half of the white flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber, though this might slightly alter the texture.
- Granulated White Sugar: Provides essential sweetness. For further sugar reduction, a baking-appropriate sugar substitute (like erythritol or stevia blends) can be used, adjusting quantities per package instructions.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor without added sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa provides a darker color and milder taste, while natural cocoa offers a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate. Both work well.
- Liquid Egg Whites: A key for lightness and lower fat/cholesterol, helping maintain a low point value. They bind the ingredients and contribute to a fluffy texture.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Low in calories and points, it’s ideal here. Any unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., soy, oat milk) can be a suitable alternative.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
- Marshmallow Fluff: The heart of the S’mores topping! Melting it as instructed ensures a wonderfully gooey, spreadable consistency, mimicking that authentic toasted marshmallow experience.
- 70% Lindt Dark Chocolate: Chosen for its deep, rich flavor and lower sugar content. Your favorite high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa) works, or sugar-free chocolate chips/syrup for an even lower point option, with slight flavor differences.
- Crushed Graham Crackers: Essential for the signature S’mores crunch. Easily crushed in a bag with a rolling pin or quickly pulsed in a food processor. Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
Experimenting with these ingredients can help you customize the S’mores donuts to your personal taste and dietary needs while still enjoying a delicious, wholesome treat.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These S’mores donuts are truly best enjoyed fresh, while the marshmallow topping is still warm and gooey, and the chocolate drizzle is slightly soft. They make a fantastic breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a light and satisfying dessert. For a more decadent experience, consider serving them with a small scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream or a dollop of light whipped cream. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The marshmallow may firm up slightly, but a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can bring back some of that wonderful gooey texture. However, due to the marshmallow topping, they are generally not ideal for longer-term storage beyond a couple of days.
Nutritional Information and Weight Watchers Points Breakdown
One of the most appealing aspects of these homemade S’mores donuts is their impressive nutritional profile, especially for those following a balanced diet or specific weight management programs like Weight Watchers. Each delightful donut is crafted to be a smart choice, packing flavor without excess. Let’s delve into the specifics:
- Calories: Approximately 90 calories per donut. This makes them a fantastic alternative to traditional fried donuts, which can often contain upwards of 250-400 calories each.
- Fat: With only about 1.1g of total fat, these donuts are remarkably low-fat. This is largely due to the baking method and the use of lean ingredients like egg whites and unsweetened almond milk.
- Saturated Fat: A mere 0.4g of saturated fat per donut means you can enjoy these treats knowing you’re making a heart-healthier choice.
- Carbohydrates: Each donut contains approximately 17.8g of carbohydrates. This includes the natural sugars and starches from the flour and cocoa, along with the added sugar.
- Fiber: With 1g of fiber, these donuts contribute a small but valuable amount towards your daily fiber intake, aiding in digestion and satiety.
- Sugars: At around 6g of sugar per donut, the sweetness is carefully balanced to provide indulgence without overdoing it. The choice of 70% dark chocolate also helps manage sugar content.
- Protein: Offering 2.4g of protein, these donuts provide a surprising protein boost for a sweet treat, which helps keep you feeling satisfied.
For Weight Watchers members, these numbers translate to just **3 SmartPoints** or **2 PersonalPoints** per donut. This low point value makes them an excellent option for satisfying a sweet craving without compromising your daily point budget. By making them yourself, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring they align perfectly with your health and wellness journey. So go ahead, treat yourself to these delicious and smart S’mores donuts!
We hope you enjoy this easy and satisfying recipe for S’mores donuts. They’re a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly magical and diet-friendly. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!