Chocolate Beet Donuts (Gluten Free + Paleo)

My Beetroot Baking Adventure: A Deliciously Unexpected Treat

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But when a friend raved about beetroot chocolate donuts – beetroot chocolate donuts, mind you – my curiosity piqued. Beetroot in baked goods? It sounded bizarre, almost offensive to my chocolate-loving soul. But the promise of a rich, decadent treat, coupled with the added bonus of sneaking in some healthy veggies, was too tempting to resist.

So, armed with my trusty blender and a healthy dose of skepticism, I embarked on this culinary adventure. The recipe was surprisingly straightforward, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected flavor combinations are the easiest to achieve. The initial blending of the beets with non-dairy milk was a smooth, quick process, and the subsequent mixing of the dry and wet ingredients felt like any other baking session. I even managed to squeeze this in between conference calls and bedtime stories!

The moment of truth arrived when the donuts emerged from the oven – a beautiful, dark brown, and remarkably un-beet-like hue. The aroma alone was intoxicating, a rich chocolate scent punctuated by a subtle earthiness I couldn't quite place. My initial apprehension vanished with the first bite. The donuts were unbelievably moist, the chocolate flavor intense and satisfying, and the beetroot added a subtle sweetness and depth that complemented the chocolate perfectly. It wasn't just a healthy twist on a classic; it was a delicious upgrade!

The kids, initially hesitant, were quickly won over. They devoured them faster than I could manage to snap a picture, which, let's be honest, is the ultimate sign of success in any baking endeavor. Even my usually picky husband confessed to being impressed. My skeptical friend was right all along; these were no ordinary donuts. They are now a firm fixture in our weekend breakfast repertoire. These donuts aren't just delicious; they're a fun conversation starter, a testament to the unexpected magic that can happen when you’re open to experimenting in the kitchen.

This recipe serves as a perfect reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It's a testament to the fact that we can enjoy indulgences while incorporating healthier ingredients. The beetroot, far from detracting from the chocolate flavor, added a unique complexity that elevated the overall taste. I strongly encourage you to try this recipe. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy this unexpected twist on a beloved classic!

Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe embodies my approach to life: a balance of indulgence and practicality. Just like the secret ingredient in these donuts, life's best surprises often come from the most unexpected places. Embrace the unexpected, and you never know what culinary (and life) adventures await!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan with coconut oil.
• Place the beets in a blender along with the non-dairy milk. Blend until smooth and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar, and cacao powder. Whisk all dry ingredients together.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut oil and vanilla extract together. Whisk in the pureed beet mixture.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
• Use a spoon to put the batter in the prepared donut pan, or put it in a piping bag/ziplock bag with the tip cut off and pipe the batter into the pan.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake for 7 minutes for mini donuts.
• Let cool completely before carefully removing from the pan. Repeat with remaining batter.
• For the glaze, combine all of the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl and whisk to combine. You can warm the ingredients slightly for a glaze-like consistency, or let them thicken for a frosting-like consistency.
• Store donuts tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for longer term storage.