Black Chocolate Vegan Brioche Donuts

Introduction:

These black chocolate vegan brioche donuts are a decadent and eerie treat, perfect for Halloween or any special occasion. With rich black cocoa dough and a creamy vegan chocolate custard filling, they’re a delightful indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water
• ¼ cup vegan cane sugar (plus ½ cup more for coating)
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (or pureed potato)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½-4 cups bread flour (divided)
• ½ cup black cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup vegan butter

For the Chocolate Custard Filling:

• 2⅔ cups non-dairy milk
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 qt vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a stand mixer, combine warm water, vegan cane sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix well.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of bread flour, black cocoa powder, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until combined.
4. Add another cup of flour, then switch to the dough hook. Add the remaining flour gradually while kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes.
5. Incorporate vegan butter 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Let Dough Rise:

1. Form the dough into a ball, cover the bowl, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Custard Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine non-dairy milk, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Add vegan chocolate chips and vegan butter to the saucepan, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let the custard cool.

Roll Out the Dough:

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness.
2. Cut out donuts using a 3.5-inch donut cutter and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Cover and let the donuts rise for another 15-20 minutes.

Fry the Donuts:

1. Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the donuts in batches for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack.

Coat and Fill:

1. Toss the fried donuts in sugar.
2. Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with the chocolate custard filling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 donuts.
• Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough rise time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Glazed Donuts: For a different flavor, you can coat the donuts in a simple vanilla glaze instead of sugar.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for an extra autumnal flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the filled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat the donuts in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?
   • Yes, but the donuts will not have the same deep black color. The flavor will be slightly different.
2. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare and fry the donuts a day in advance and fill them just before serving.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
   • You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the bread flour.
4. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
   • Yes, you can use pureed potato or sweet potato as a substitute.
5. What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
   • You can use a round cutter for the donuts and a smaller round cutter for the holes.
6. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
   • Baked donuts will have a different texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
7. Can I use a different type of filling?
   • Yes, you can fill the donuts with any type of vegan custard or jam.
8. What kind of non-dairy milk should I use?
   • Any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk works well.
9. Can I freeze the donuts?
   • Yes, freeze the donuts without the filling. Thaw and fill them before serving.
10. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
    • You can use a thermometer to check the oil temperature or drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Conclusion

These Black Chocolate Vegan Brioche Donuts are a show-stopping treat that combines a rich, velvety chocolate dough with a creamy custard filling. Perfect for Halloween or any special occasion, they offer a spooky twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a unique dessert, these donuts are sure to impress!

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