Pro Tips and Variations
- Don’t overfill the pans; keeping the batter below the center posts ensures you get clean donut holes.
- If your kitchen is warm, let the chocolate cool a little longer before dipping so it doesn’t run too thinly off the donuts.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups on top of the wet chocolate before it sets.
Variations:
- Swap milk chocolate for dark or semi‑sweet chocolate if you prefer a less sweet topping.
- Add a pinch of salt to the melted peanut butter or use a salted peanut butter for more contrast.
- Stir a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the batter for a lightly chocolatey donut base to go with the peanut butter.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Store decorated donuts in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Undecorated donuts can be baked a day ahead, then dipped and drizzled before serving for the freshest look.
- For longer keeping, freeze undecorated donuts, then thaw, dip in chocolate, and drizzle peanut butter when ready to serve.
FAQ
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising?
Yes, substitute with plain/all‑purpose flour plus baking powder (typically about 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder per cup of flour), and a pinch of salt.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Smooth, regular peanut butter (not natural oil‑separating) blends most easily into the batter and drizzles smoothly on top.
Can I make these without a donut pan?
You can bake the batter in mini muffin tins for “donut holes”; baking time may vary slightly, so start checking earlier.
Do I have to use milk chocolate?
No—dark, semi‑sweet, or even white chocolate all work; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
How do I keep the donuts soft?
Avoid over‑baking, store in an airtight container, and consider adding a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Baked Donuts pack peanut butter into a soft baked donut base and layer on a glossy milk chocolate dip with a peanut butter drizzle for a quick, decadent treat. They’re simple enough for a casual weekend bake yet impressive enough for parties, brunches, or gifting.
When you share this recipe on your blog, invite readers to rate it, comment on whether they used milk or dark chocolate, and share photos of their decorated donuts. Encourage them to save or pin it so they always have an easy, oven‑baked chocolate–peanut butter donut recipe ready for cravings and celebrations.