Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Easy Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts (Just 4 SmartPoints!)
Are you craving something irresistibly chocolatey, wonderfully decadent, yet surprisingly light? Look no further! After a brief hiatus from creating new donut recipes, the inspiration struck for these magnificent Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts. And let me tell you, they are absolutely amazing – a true testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. These delightful treats are not only incredibly easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, all while being a mere 4 SmartPoints each on Weight Watchers Blue, Green, and Purple plans. Yes, you read that right: all that rich, fudgy, chocolatey goodness for just 4 SmartPoints!
Imagine a donut with the deep, dense, and chewy texture of your favorite brownie, enhanced with three distinct layers of chocolate flavor. That’s precisely what these baked beauties deliver. Forget the deep-fryer; these donuts are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative without compromising on that coveted indulgent taste. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a Weight Watchers member looking for a satisfying sweet treat, or simply someone who loves easy and delicious baking, this recipe is designed to become your new go-to.
The beauty of homemade donuts lies in their freshness and the control you have over the ingredients. With this recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these glorious triple chocolate delights in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up with your coffee, or a guilt-free dessert after dinner. Let’s dive into how you can create these sensational treats that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Triple chocolate brownie donuts
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp egg whites
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp melted light margarine
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1 square, 10g 70% lindt dark chocolate, melted
- 1 square, 10g lindt white chocolate, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F and spray a donut pan.
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In a bowl whisk together your egg whites, sugar and melted margarine.
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Stir in your flour, cocoa powder and baking powder, then mix in your vanilla and apple sauce. Fold in your chocolate chips.
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Fill your 6 hole donut pan and bake in oven for 14-16 minutes.
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Melt your chocolate squares separately in the microwave for 35 second intervals turning each time. Drizzle your chocolate over the 6 donuts. White chocolate does not melt as well as the dark, you should be able to use a spoon to drizzle dark, for the white I place in a zip lock, cut a tiny hole and drizzle, you don’t need a lot of chocolate, a little will go a long way. Store in fridge, each donut is 4PP or 4P on all 3 MyWW programs or 2 points plus.
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Nutritional info, per donut.. Calories.. 104.. Fat 2.4g.. Saturated fat 1.2g… Carbs 16.5g.. Fiber 1.9g… Sugars 6.7g.. protein 2.5g
Additional Info
Unveiling the Magic: Why These Brownie Donuts are a Game Changer
What makes these triple chocolate brownie donuts stand out? It’s the unique combination of a few clever ingredients and baking techniques that result in a treat far lighter than traditional donuts, yet packed with intense chocolate flavor. The “brownie” in the name isn’t just for show; the cocoa powder, mini chocolate chips folded into the batter, and the rich dark and white chocolate drizzles create a symphony of chocolate that will delight your palate.
The use of unsweetened applesauce is a brilliant trick to replace much of the fat and add moisture, keeping the donuts incredibly tender without needing excessive oil or butter. Egg whites contribute to the light, airy structure while maintaining a satisfying chewiness. This thoughtful approach to ingredients allows us to achieve that indulgent taste and texture while keeping the SmartPoints low, making them an ideal choice for anyone mindful of their intake.
Essential Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts Every Time
Baking donuts at home is simpler than you might think, especially with a good donut pan. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts turn out perfectly:
- Donut Pan Preparation: Always spray your donut pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, even if it’s non-stick. This prevents sticking and ensures your donuts release easily, preserving their perfect shape.
- Mixing the Batter: When whisking the wet ingredients (egg whites, sugar, melted margarine), ensure they are well combined. For the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder), mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so stir gently until no dry streaks remain.
- Incorporating Applesauce and Vanilla: These liquid ingredients add essential moisture and flavor. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Folding in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips at the very end. This ensures they are evenly dispersed and don’t sink to the bottom of the pan.
- Filling the Donut Pan: For easy and mess-free filling, spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. This allows you to neatly pipe the batter into each donut cavity without overfilling. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for expansion during baking.
- Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean and they spring back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
- Cooling: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them less likely to break when removed.
Mastering the Triple Chocolate Drizzle
The “triple chocolate” aspect comes alive with the luscious drizzles that crown these donuts. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Melting Chocolate: Melt the dark and white chocolate squares separately. The microwave is your friend here – use 35-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fluid. Be especially careful with white chocolate, as it tends to seize more easily. Low and slow is key.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Dark chocolate melts beautifully and can often be drizzled directly with a spoon, creating elegant streaks over your cooled donuts.
- White Chocolate Drizzle (The Zip-Lock Trick): White chocolate can be a bit thicker and harder to drizzle smoothly. For best results, spoon the melted white chocolate into a small ziplock bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag, and use it to pipe thin, even lines over the donuts. A little bit of drizzle goes a long way in terms of flavor and visual appeal, so don’t feel the need to completely coat them.
- Setting the Drizzle: After drizzling, place the donuts in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This helps the chocolate harden quickly, preventing smudging and ensuring a clean, professional finish.
SmartPoints Explained: Enjoy Your Treats Guilt-Free
For those following Weight Watchers, understanding SmartPoints is crucial for enjoying treats like these without derailing your progress. These Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts are perfectly aligned with a healthy eating plan, clocking in at just 4 SmartPoints on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple), or 2 PointsPlus on older programs. This low-point value is attributed to the mindful ingredient choices, such as using egg whites, light margarine, and unsweetened applesauce, which reduce fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s all about making smart swaps that allow for indulgence within your daily SmartPoints budget.
The nutritional information per donut further illustrates this:
- Calories: 104
- Fat: 2.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugars: 6.7g
- Protein: 2.5g
This breakdown shows a balanced treat that fits well into a healthy lifestyle, providing a satisfying sweet fix without a massive calorie or fat bomb.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, slightly warmed, or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate drizzles firm and the donuts fresh. They typically stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them (before drizzling for best results, or carefully after) for longer storage, simply thaw and warm gently before serving.
Customization Ideas: Make Them Your Own!
While these Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts are perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or on top of the melted chocolate drizzle.
- Zesty Twist: A little orange or raspberry zest folded into the batter could add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can add depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
- Extra Drizzle: If you’re feeling extra indulgent (and have a few SmartPoints to spare), you could use a different type of chocolate for the drizzle, such as milk chocolate.
- Sprinkles: A dash of colorful sprinkles immediately transforms these into a festive treat, perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
These Triple Chocolate Brownie Donuts prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean boring eating. With their rich flavor, fudgy texture, and low SmartPoints, they are an ideal treat for anyone looking to enjoy delicious desserts guilt-free. So grab your donut pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of pure chocolate bliss!