Pin it Fluffy baked pancake donuts infused with chai spices and coffee, topped with a luscious caramel glaze for a decadent breakfast treat or dessert.
I first made these pancake donuts for a family brunch, and everyone was amazed by the fragrant chai aroma paired with the rich caramel glaze. The combination of coffee and chai creates a cozy flavor that is perfect for mornings or dessert.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup (for donuts) + 1/2 cup (for glaze)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp sea salt (for glaze)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground cardamom: 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/8 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Strong brewed coffee: 1/4 cup, cooled
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (melted for donuts) + 2 tbsp (for glaze)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (for glaze)
- Instant espresso powder (optional): 1/2 tsp (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare Equipment:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12 cavity donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brewed coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined, do not overmix.
- Fill Donut Pan:
- Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let donuts cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make Caramel Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Add butter and whisk until melted. Slowly add heavy cream (mixture will bubble), whisking constantly. Stir in salt and espresso powder if using. Remove from heat, let cool for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
- Glaze Donuts:
- Dip tops of cooled donuts into caramel glaze. Place back on the rack to set before serving.
Pin it My kids love helping decorate these donuts with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed pistachios. Baking donuts together has become a sweet weekend ritual.
Required Tools
12 cavity donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, wire rack, spatula or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs. If using pre mixed chai or coffee, check ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per donut: Calories 245, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 4 g
Pin it Enjoy these pancake donuts fresh for a cozy breakfast or as a unique dessert everyone will love.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve a fluffy texture?
Carefully mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- → Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in equal measure to enjoy these donuts without gluten.
- → What spices are essential for authentic chai flavor?
Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a touch of black pepper are key for a warming chai profile.
- → How can I enhance the coffee flavor?
Use strong brewed coffee and optionally add instant espresso powder to the caramel glaze for a deeper coffee note.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely; store in an airtight container for up to two days to preserve freshness and softness.
- → Are there topping alternatives for the glaze?
Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed pistachios to add contrast and extra texture to the finished donuts.