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. These donuts bring together aromatic flavors in a fusion recipe that is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
I created these chai caramel coffee pancake donuts on a cozy weekend morning when my craving for coffee met my love of spiced baked goods. The fusion of chai, coffee, and caramel turned out so delightful my kitchen smelled heavenly and everyone asked for seconds!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups for tender structure
- Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup for sweetness in donuts plus 1/2 cup for caramel glaze
- Baking powder: 1 tsp for lift
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp for additional rise
- Salt: 1/2 tsp in batter, 1/4 tsp sea salt for the glaze
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp for signature chai warmth
- Ground cardamom: 1/2 tsp, an essential chai flavor
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp for spicy depth
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp for intensity
- Ground black pepper: 1/8 tsp to enhance chai complexity
- Large eggs: 2, providing richness and binding
- Whole milk: 1 cup, delivers moisture
- Strong brewed coffee: 1/4 cup, cooled, for deep coffee flavor
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp in caramel, 1/4 cup (melted & cooled) for donut batter
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for aroma
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup, makes caramel glaze silky
- Instant espresso powder: 1/2 tsp, optional for glaze intensity
Instructions
- Prep Donut Pan:
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brewed coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Fold Batter:
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Pan:
- Spoon or pipe batter into prepared cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool donuts in pan 5 minutes, then move to wire rack.
- Make Caramel Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring to deep amber. Add butter, whisk to melt. Add cream slowly (it will bubble), whisk until smooth. Stir in salt and espresso powder (if using). Cool 5–10 minutes to thicken.
- Glaze Donuts:
- Dip tops of cooled donuts in caramel glaze and place on rack to set before serving.
Pin it When I pulled these donuts from the oven, my family gathered in the kitchen, drawn in by the spicy sweet aroma. We shared them warm, each donut sparking smiles and coffee-fueled conversation.
Required Tools
You will need a 12-cavity donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, wire rack, and a spatula or piping bag for filling the pan evenly.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs. If using pre-mixed chai or coffee, check for hidden allergens on the labels.
Nutritional Information (per donut)
Each donut provides about 245 calories, 9 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy these donuts fresh for best texture and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days and serve with a mug of chai or strong coffee.
Common Questions
- → What type of coffee works best for the batter?
Use strong brewed coffee to enhance the depth and aroma without overpowering the chai spices.
- → Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
- → How do I intensify chai flavor in the donuts?
Steep a chai tea bag in the milk before mixing, or add extra ground spices to the batter.
- → Is the caramel glaze difficult to prepare?
No, it takes just a few minutes: melt sugar, add butter and cream, stir, and finish with sea salt.
- → Can these donuts be stored for later?
They taste best fresh, but keep well in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat slightly for softness.
- → What dietary restrictions should I consider?
The donuts contain wheat, dairy, and eggs. Check pre-mixed chai or coffee for additional allergens before using.